Typical of the English summer, Friday morning was overcast with a definite threat of rain in the air. Little did we know that by the afternoon we’d have been swept away to a Greek taverna, drinking cocktails and dropping our best Abba moves.

As we all made our way into the cinema room, we were aghast at the transformation. The lifestyle team had clearly worked very hard to transform the space into a Greek Island oasis, complete with blue check tablecloths, candlelit tables, climbing flowers and vines, there was even a backdrop of Santorini that made us feel as though we really were tucked away in a little Greek village, somewhere pretty and warm.

The team had outdone themselves, dressing up for the occasion, with the lifestyle team, Emily and George wearing their best Abba get up. Mics, instrument props, and music at the ready, we encountered Abba heaven, dancing and singing as we entered the room. The film, Mamma Mia was set in Greece, so in keeping with the theme there was a Greek spread for us to try, our very own ‘taste of Greece.’ We were absolutely delighted. I overheard another resident say, “The food was so tasty, the girls have put on a really good platter of nibbles for us to try, it’s really good.” Along with traditional delicacies like olives and feta, there was also dishes like stuffed vine leaves to try. Another resident commented that she had never been to Greece before and had no idea what the food was like and how much she had enjoyed being able to “give it a try!” She added “Especially those stuffed leafy things, never heard of them before. They were different, wouldn’t rush to try them again but it was good to have a go”’. Although we concluded that the stuffed vine leaves were an acquired taste, the cocktails, on the other hand went down a treat. The team here certainly know how to mix a mean cocktail.

Whilst enjoying the food and drink, we chatted and reminisced about holidays, discussing who amongst us had been to Greece and their memories of it. We all sang along to firm favourites such as ‘Dancing Queen’ and enjoyed lots of dancing too. To round off the afternoon, we watched an interactive screening of Mamma Mia, getting up for each song for a dance interlude. At the end of the event, one other resident spoke to the girls, saying “Thank you so much for putting on such a fun afternoon, we are all so grateful and thoroughly enjoyed it. The room looked beautiful, and I can’t wait for my girls to see the photos of it, I bet they wish they were living here too!”

Lifestyle manager, George said, ‘What fun we had! Mamma Mia Day was such a hit with our residents, you can’t help but get moving to the songs. It was so fantastic to see residents laughing and smiling, really enjoying themselves. It really goes to show the power of music.’

Relatives have been loving the photos and TikTok videos of the day. One relative commented “Lovely photos, looks like fun.” And another commented “I want to join the party.”

Care home Manager Allison commented “Fabulous afternoon, well done guys. Residents had a fantastic time.”

Having days where residents can reminisce with others about family holidays and the foods that they used to eat is important for improving memory skills and confidence with conversations. Having nibbles during an activity really helps to encourage with nutrition and make it more of a social occasion, especially amongst the dementia community.

Hazel End are focused on delivering high quality, person-centred care. Our varied and engaging activity programme is structured around resident interest and history, ensuing every person living with us has a meaningful lifestyle. Hazel End is welcoming new residents, to book your socially