In response, Rose Cottage – Greensleeves’ care home in Huntingdon – has been opening its doors to residents, families and the wider community, bringing people together for warmth, companionship and practical support as part of the not-for-profit organisation’s national Warmth of Care campaign.
This week, the residential and dementia care home welcomed visitors for a lively winter celebration designed to lift spirits and reduce isolation. The afternoon event, held on Tuesday, January 20, featured upbeat live entertainment from Something Else, alongside tea, coffee and biscuits, creating a relaxed and welcoming space for residents and guests to connect.
Amanda Crawley, the long-standing co-manager at Rose Cottage, said: “Winter can be a particularly challenging time for older people and those who care for them. Loneliness often increases when days are short and people are spending more time indoors, so creating opportunities to come together like this really matters.
“Our celebration was about warmth in every sense, sharing music, conversation and time together. It lifts spirits, sparks memories and reminds older people and their families that support is available within their local community.”
The event forms part of Greensleeves Care’s Warmth of Care campaign, which highlights the importance of compassion, connection and practical support for older people during winter. The charity’s research shows that nearly one in two adults in England increase the support they give to older relatives during the colder months, making winter a key time for families to recognise changing needs and seek advice.
Amanda added: “Warmth of Care is about helping people feel good about care and showing the positive role care homes play in their communities. At Rose Cottage, we often get a spike in enquiries from families worried about their loved ones in the cold months. We want people to know that we’re here for our residents and their relatives, but also for anyone supporting an older loved one who may be finding winter more difficult.”
The home will host a series of sessions over the coming weeks, open to older members of the Huntingdon community who may benefit from companionship and practical support.
Free events include weekly open days on Mondays with knit and natter, lunch, a resident-led service with hymns and organ music, and chair-based exercise sessions. The home will also take part in the national Big Warm Up from February 2-8, a celebration of care, warmth and togetherness across Greensleeves Care homes.
Rose Cottage also runs day care sessions every weekday which, for a small donation, provides support, stimulation - including knitting, crafts, quizzes - and a nutritious lunch for local older people, and respite for their carers.
Amanda said: “All of our sessions are friendly, no-pressure opportunities for people to get support, practical information about care, or simply connect with others. Whether you are an older person looking for entertainment and good conversation, or a family member feeling a bit worried about a relative, you’ll feel very welcome at Rose Cottage this winter.”
Families looking for advice on keeping older relatives safe, warm and well during winter can explore free guidance at www.greensleeves.org.uk/WarmthOfCare
To find out more about Rose Cottage’s winter sessions email [email protected] or call 01487 822550.
4. Contributed
Co-manager, Jennifer Dade, Care Coordinator, April and Co-manager, Amanda Crawley make a toast to Rose Cottage Photo: Submitted