Popular Sale singer, Matt Bailey, visited a care home with his Grandfather last month to deliver an emotional performance for Care Home Open Day. Matt, and his Grandfather, George Rudden, performed several old favourites, including Cry Me A River, much to the delight of residents and guests at De Brook Lodge residential and dementia care home on Irlam Road.
George used to be a regular singer in local clubs and pubs, but has recently slowed down due to ill health. Matt has been singing since he was 16, and now works as a professional Michael Bublé tribute act. The performance at De Brook Lodge was particularly emotional for grandson and grandfather, as unbelievably, this was the first time they had actually performed together.
Care Home Open Day is a UK wide initiative and is one of the biggest events of the care home calendar. The day celebrates the importance of connecting care home residents with local communities, developing lasting relationships and encouraging intergenerational rapport. This year’s theme was ‘Friendship’ and De Brook Lodge residents extended an invitation to the local community to enjoy various events and entertainment at their home.
De Brook Lodge, which is operated by Ideal Carehomes, join in with the Care Home Open Day celebrations each year and everyone looks forward to the day. Holly Smedley, Home Manager of De Brook Lodge, said, “Everyone had a great time for Care Home Open Day. It is so important for our residents to continue to feel a part of the local Flixton community, and Care Home Open Day is one of the ways which we maintain and build this important relationship. Seeing Matt and George sing together for the first time was so moving, and then we ended the day with some karaoke to give everyone a chance to get up and sing. The residents loved watching us all trying to hit the high notes!”
De Brook Lodge provides residential and dementia care for 52 residents and is committed to offering aspirational lifestyle choices and an active social environment with events, trips and daily activities on offer. The 5th annual Care Home Open Day was celebrated on Friday 16th June 2017.