A care home in Harrow decided to play Cupid by hosting a speed dating event in honour of Valentine’s Day.
Care UK’s Buchanan Court, on Sudbury Hill, offered residents, their relatives and team members the opportunity to build meaningful connections and find the perfect match ahead of Valentine’s Day.
In celebration of all kinds of love, from romantic to platonic, team members at the home set up a speed dating area in one of the lounge rooms, decorated with hearts, balloons and roses. Participants were invited to experience the dating scene, and given two minutes to ask and answer questions to help spark a connection and build new friendships.
78-year-old Lynda Hartfield, resident at Buchanan Court, said: “I enjoy events like this and have no trouble speed dating as I love to talk.”
Also commenting on the event, resident Gay Wilsmore, 80, said: “It was a strange, yet new experience and it was enjoyable learning more about the people I live with.”
Esther Adams, Home Manager at Buchanan Court, said: “This year, we wanted to put a twist on Valentine’s Day and not only celebrate love, but to also show the importance of making connections, whether that be romantic or platonic. I think speed dating was a smash hit with everyone.
“Here at Buchanan Court, we understand the benefits of building meaningful connections and social interaction for residents. It can reduce loneliness, boost self-esteem and help foster a sense of belonging, especially for those living with dementia. We hope to do this event again in the future!”
To find out more about Buchanan Court, please call Customer Relations Manager Lorelei Shepherd on 020 3504 7077, email [email protected], or visit careuk.com/buchanan-court
Buchanan Court provides full-time residential, dementia and nursing care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable its residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the care home has its very own cinema room, bar and hair and beauty salon, and there is plenty of space both indoors and out for relaxation and recreation.
