At Doveleigh Care, we try and make every day special for residents. However, we always try and strive to do more for our residents and staff.

Some of our residents are unable to see their family over the festive period, so it's important we enable them to celebrate as they would previously and make it a fun time.

Our staff give up time with their loved ones to ensure we can provide the best care and make Christmas a time to remember.

Management are always looking at ways to show their appreciation to our staff. Each staff member was given £30 towards their meal and drinks for our staff Christmas party.

Management Christmas party (Doveleigh Care)

This was greatly received by all. Staff fed back that it was so nice to be able to socialise again, as this was the first Christmas party since before the pandemic.

The Activity Team put together a monthly planner each month to embrace the festive season.

This included trips to Otter Nurseries, baking mince pies and Christmas cake, card making, going to watch 'Elf the Musical' and having local choirs and school children coming to perform in our homes. This was enjoyed by all.

Dove Court staff and residents watching Elf the Musical (Doveleigh Care)

At Doveridge, they had two residents who were keen to dress up as Mr and Mrs Santa Claus, so the Director purchased these outfits for them and when the local preschool were due to visit, they presented a Christmas gift to each child to wish them a Merry Christmas in the grotto.

Giving Christmas gifts to local preschool children (Doveleigh Care)

Dove Court organised a residents' party and liaised with local businesses to donate to the raffle. Sharon, the manager, and her team raised over £160 for the residents' fund. We are very grateful to all who donated and took part in the raffle.

Janet, Dulcie, Bert and Eileen also went to watch 'Elf the Musical' in Axminster who were supported by four staff. This was a true success and enjoyed by all. Janet said, "It was to the hilt, no other words needed". 

Our cooks across the homes worked extremely hard and made a spectacular Christmas dinner. They had turkey with all the trimmings or fresh salmon with a home-made sauce. There was plenty of trifle, mince pies, Christmas cake and yule logs for all to enjoy.

Dove Court residents on Christmas Day (Doveleigh Care)

Edith thought how lovely the trifle was and Jeff commented that it had been a great Christmas as he was able to see his granddaughter and great-granddaughter for the first time.

Doveleigh Care is currently hiring. Click here to find out more.

Each of Doveleigh Care's three East Devon care homes are rated 'Outstanding' by the Care Quality Commission and the company has won numerous awards in recent years including 'National Care Home Group of the Year' in 2017. It has also been rated one of the top twenty care home providers in the country by website carehome.co.uk for seven years in a row.

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