An East Devon care home has welcomed families and friends back to socialise with residents outdoors for the first time since the pandemic began.
Staff at The Seaton nursing home transformed the car park into a vintage-style tea garden – complete with floral displays, bunting, china teacups and music.
It follows the easing of national restrictions allowing care home residents to have contact in the open air with up to five nominated relatives.
The Seaton’s administration manager, Kelly Boweren, said: “The tea party was a big success. We had to change the day because of the wet and windy weather, but everyone who attended was amazing. They brought their own chairs, sanitised their hands and kept a good distance.”
Beth Pearson, whose mum, Pam, lives at the Seaton, said:” The Tea Party was bliss. What a lovely way to bring everyone together, sat under a tree with mum listening to the blackbirds singing, drinking tea and eating scones jam with jam and cream.”
Doug Looksan, whose wife, Nora, is also a resident, commented: “I would like to thank everyone at The Seaton for the tea party and the lovely cake they made for Nora’s birthday. It meant a lot to her and to myself to see her reunited with her sister and my sister after such a long time which must have been so difficult for the dedicated staff. One does not realise how much you miss your loved one until they are no longer with you in your own home.”
And Jayne Swallow, daughter of Jim Swallow, added: “The tea party was wonderful and yet another step back to a non-lockdown life. The car park area was transformed with the addition of bunting everywhere, the lovely flower displays and the stunning wisteria.
“We loved the floral tablecloths, beautiful china and display stands, and the cakes were just so tempting.”