From Charity Walks to VE Day Celebrations: Lockdown Highlights at Sunrise of Esher

The team at Sunrise of Esher have tried to ensure residents are entertained, happy and positive throughout the UK lockdown, especially as they are unable to host many of their regular events and activities.

Residents at the care home share their lockdown highlights. They have been playing socially distanced active games, including giant charades and badminton. They have also enjoyed seed sewing, watching their tomatoes, sunflowers, and sweet peas grow.

The team have ensured residents can stay in contact with the outside world. They have received lovely letters from staff and pupils from Reed’s School and postcards through Age UK’s ‘Postcards for Kindness’ Initiative. The care home has also utilised technology, teaching residents how to stay in contact with their loved ones virtually via video call and email. 

Sunrise of Esher residents looked forward to the popular Thursday evening drinks at the care home. Weather permitting, this was usually held outside with a singalong followed by a clap for key workers at 8pm.

The Sunrise of Esher Rainbow Walk competition was originally started to encourage residents to go outside and enjoy walking laps of the garden while soaking up the lovely weather. This initiative proved so popular the team started a fundraising page to raise money for the Sunrise Good Samaritan Fund. The Sunrise Good Samaritan Fund (SGF) was established in 2002 by the founders of Sunrise Senior Living. It has been created to help team members of Sunrise Senior Living and Gracewell Healthcare who are suffering severe financial hardship resulting from a catastrophic event in their lives.

Sunrise of Esher have raised over £1,100 from their Rainbow Walk. Diana Stagg was the winner for the most laps walked in April, and Alma Bridge was the winner for May. The care home will continue this initiative as residents enjoy it and it raises money for such an important cause.

Sunrise of Esher also celebrated Captain Tom Moore’s 100th birthday and VE day 75. The residents had a wonderful evening playing games, sharing stories, and singing along to the piano played by team member Michele Farrow.

Diana Stagg, Resident at Sunrise of Esher said:

“The team did a marvellous job. It is the best party I had ever been to!”

Sophie Hagger, Activities and Volunteer Coordinator at Sunrise of Esher said:

“We are delighted we have been able to keep the atmosphere at the home so positive throughout lockdown. This is thanks to the amazing residents and the team. We have ensured everyone has stayed busy and continued to do the things they enjoy. We look forward to welcoming visitors again in the future!”

To donate to Sunrise of Esher’s Rainbow Walk visit: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/sunriseofesher?utm_term=e2DdnM3bw