Salutem

25/08/21

STAFF at the Houghton Regis Community Care scheme created a Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah-Day for the individuals they support when they threw a Disney-themed party.

Carers at the residential home for disabled adults with complex care needs joined in dressing as princes and princesses from Snow White, Cinderella, and other classic movies.

Proving that when you wish upon a star, your dreams come true, staff also turned one of the rooms at the home into an enchanted ballroom, where residents danced and enjoyed music from dozens of Disney films.

Bouchra Izzar, service manager, said: “The staff are really creative and come up with lots of themed party ideas.

“We hold parties quite often, which has been especially good during lockdown to help us entertain the individuals we support. You can see just how happy they are by their faces.”

During the pandemic, other events at the home included an NHS Carers party, where everyone wore bright rainbow colours.

Demi Louise Knotts, a carer at Houghton Regis, said: “The reason we did a Disney day is we wanted all the girls to be princesses and feel special.

“We take so much time and consideration making sure the day is perfect and to see their smiling faces at the end of the day is priceless.

“One of the ladies I support was Rapunzel and seeing all the carers dressing up too was absolutely wonderful for them.”

A friend of one of the home’s carers made an “absolutely amazing” Disney cake and everyone enjoyed their party food.

Everyone who lives here at Houghton Regis is non-verbal, apart from one lady who dressed as Cinderella for Disney day.

Demi said: “She couldn’t stop telling everyone how much she loved being a princess.

“All we have to go off from our other residents is body language, a smile from them means a thousand words. We know when they’ve enjoyed themselves, even though they can’t tell us verbally.”

Other themed days the home is planning include a Mr Tumble day, inspired by one individual’s love of the character and an event themed around football.

“We try and theme our parties around favourite things and always celebrate birthdays with something that’s special to them too,” said Demi.

“Every day is a new day for the individuals we support and it’s always good to support them to get the maximum they want to achieve and that they can do on that day.

“Going into another room and having a party is obviously nice for them and we try to make it a happy, vibrant environment.”

Houghton Regis Community Care Scheme is part of Ambito Care and Education, which is part of Salutem, and is rated as Good by the Care Quality Commission.

ENDS

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Editor’s Notes:

Salutem Care and Education is a UK based residential and healthcare operator and investor with 130 services nationwide.

Within its portfolio are:

• Modus Care specialises in support services for those with Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome, learning disabilities and other complex needs. It provides small residential facilities for adults as well as bespoke services.
• Ambito Care and Education comprises the former Scope services which include four education facilities, 30 care homes and ten day services.
• Clearwater Care provides 27 services in the Midlands and South East, for complex needs and severe learning difficulties in residential and supported living.
• Pathways Care Group has 54 homes nationwide for adults with learning difficulties.