Sunshine tastes and sounds created a special Caribbean atmosphere as residents set sail on a virtual cruise across our Shropshire and Cheshire care homes.
The holiday fun at the homes centred on a ‘Jewel of the Caribbean’ cruise day theme as family and friends joined residents and entered into the spirit of the occasion.
The celebrations started by making colourful carnival head pieces before sitting down to a Caribbean style buffet lunch. The cruise continued with cocktails and photographs with the Captain – played by a different member of staff at each home– and a gala dinner. Musician Rick Cosco on steel drums brought the sounds of the islands to crown a memorable day.
Our Executive Chef Paul Ratcliffe created a Caribbean-inspired menu, including jerk chicken salad and a marinated Aruba Island steak, to the delight of the staycation passengers. Residents were presented with boarding passes and could dress up in evening attire for the gala evening if they wished.
The event followed the success of last year’s Mediterranean cruise day and set sail at all six of our nursing homes in Shropshire and Cheshire.
Sarah Compton, who organised all the events across the homes, said: “It’s so rewarding to see how all our residents get into the spirit of these events, and this colourful Caribbean cruise in particular seems to have captured the imagination. It’s not only stimulating and fun, but it has been lovely listening to the residents sharing their reminiscences about summer holidays past.
“These events allow our homes to provide residents with safe and stimulating care where they can maintain a sense of independence whilst enjoying the day-to-day activities”.