Queen Elizabeth House care home in Bromley held a community tea and dance this week, to lift spirits and reduce isolation during the colder months.
The home will also open its doors on 5 February for older members of the local community who may benefit from companionship and support for a special afternoon with Richard Griffin, former Private Protection Officer to the late Queen Elizabeth II. With refreshments provided by the home, Richard will share heartwarming memories and personal anecdotes from more than three decades of service to the Royal Family, offering a fascinating insight into a remarkable career.
In response, Queen Elizabeth House – Greensleeves’ care home in Bickley, Bromley – has been opening its doors to residents, families and the wider community, bringing people together for warmth, companionship and practical support as part of the not-for-profit organisation’s national Warmth of Care campaign.
This week, the care home welcomed visitors for a lively afternoon tea and dance designed to lift spirits and reduce isolation. The afternoon event, held on Thursday 22 January, featured upbeat live entertainment from singer, Jamie Steen, alongside finger food and refreshments, creating a relaxed and welcoming space for residents and guests to connect.
Beverley Simms-Dick, Registered Manager at Queen Elizabeth House, said:
“Winter can be a particularly challenging time for older people and those who care for them. Loneliness often increases when days are short and people are spending more time indoors, so creating opportunities to come together like this really matters.
“Our celebration was about warmth in every sense, sharing music, conversation and time together. It lifts spirits, sparks memories and reminds older people and their families that support is available within their local community.”
The event forms part of Greensleeves Care’s Warmth of Care campaign, which highlights the importance of compassion, connection and practical support for older people during winter. The charity’s research shows that nearly one in two adults in England increase the support they give to older relatives during the colder months, making winter a key time for families to recognise changing needs and seek advice.
Beverley added: “Warmth of Care is about helping people feel good about care and showing the positive role care homes play in their communities. At Queen Elizabeth House, we often get a spike in enquiries from families worried about their loved ones in the cold months. We want people to know that we’re here for our residents and their relatives, but also for anyone supporting an older loved one who may be finding winter more difficult.”
The home is now preparing to welcome older members of the Bickley community who may benefit from companionship and practical support during its annual Big Warm Up, running from 2-8 February. The event forms part of a national celebration of care, warmth and togetherness across Greensleeves Care homes.
On 5 February from 3–5pm, guests are invited to enjoy a special afternoon with Richard Griffin, former Private Protection Officer to the late Queen Elizabeth II. With refreshments provided by the home, Richard will share heartwarming memories and personal anecdotes from more than three decades of service to the Royal Family, offering a fascinating insight into a remarkable career.
Beverley said: “Our Big Warm Up is a friendly, no-pressure opportunity for people to get support, practical information about care, or simply connect with others. Whether you are an older person looking for entertainment and good conversation, or a family member feeling a bit worried about a relative, you’ll feel very welcome at Queen Elizabeth House.”
Families looking for advice on keeping older relatives safe, warm and well during winter can explore free guidance at www.greensleeves.org.uk/WarmthOfCare
To find out more about Big Warm Up at Queen Elizabeth House email Beverley.SimmsDick@Greensleeves.org.uk or call: 020 8467 3994.
Queen Elizabeth House is the number 1 not-for-profit care home in Bickley, Bromley, known for its award-winning residential and short-term respite care and person-centred approach. The home forms part of Greensleeves Care, a top 20 care group in England with unique funding assurances including its Home for Life commitment, whereby no resident is asked to move out in the event their personal funds run out while in care.
Greensleeves Care is a leading UK not-for-profit care home organisation which offers award-winning person-centred residential, dementia and nursing care across 27 care homes. Named in the Top 20 care home groups in the country for eight consecutive years, the organisation is working to help people feel good about care, including by changing the process of moving into a care home from a daunting decision to an empowering choice. This includes through its unique ‘Home for Life’ funding assurance and the satisfaction that care fees go in full towards delivering high-quality care and supporting a decades-long charitable mission.