A care home in a coastal town was transformed into a holiday camp to allow residents to enjoy a day trip amid the continuing coronavirus crisis.

Lowestoft Journal: Staff with one of the residents at Harleston House care home in Lowestoft on the Butlin’s themed day. Picture: Harleston HouseStaff with one of the residents at Harleston House care home in Lowestoft on the Butlin’s themed day. Picture: Harleston House (Image: Archant)

With parts of the country in the lockdown and residents unable to enjoy trips outside of the care home, staff decided to turn the venue in Lowestoft into Butlin’s for the day.

The activity team at Harleston House care home in Lowestoft was transformed into Butlin’s for a themed day to enable care home residents to enjoy the feel of being on a trip to a holiday camp while the lockdown continues.

Lowestoft Journal: Staff at Harleston House care home in Lowestoft dress as Redcoats for a Butlin’s themed day to enable care home residents to enjoy the feel of being on a trip to a holiday camp while the lockdown continues. Picture: Harleston HouseStaff at Harleston House care home in Lowestoft dress as Redcoats for a Butlin’s themed day to enable care home residents to enjoy the feel of being on a trip to a holiday camp while the lockdown continues. Picture: Harleston House (Image: Archant)

Everyone had a great time as staff and residents enjoyed a day that was complete with fun, laughter and games.

The care home became an activity playground with the Butlin’s theme day as a range of activities were chosen by residents, including a Knobbly Knees contest, a Glamourous Grandma/Grandad competition, dance and singing with the Redcoats, a quiz and dancing to an upbeat Agadoo song.

As is fit for the person centred dementia care home, the residents became judges for the day and they selected the winners for the two competitions.

The dining room was dressed as a 1960s ballroom which displayed a board from Butlin’s that included resident Terry Sale, who was a redcoat at Butlin’s Clacton.

All of the staff wore red tops as they represented the redcoats and packed the day full of activity.

The relatives, who had loved ones living at the care home, were able to join the event as well via a live video link.

Annie Barrows, a relative of one of the residents, said: “What a wonderful day you’ve all had.

“It looks like mum and everyone else have had a fantastic time! Thank you so much redcoats, Harleston House you’re amazing”.

Susan Graham, home manager at Harleston House, said: “Just when I think our amazing activities team, couldn’t be any more amazing, they go and take us on a ‘day trip’ to Butlin’s.

“The day was full of fun, laughter and dancing.

“I’m so proud of all our staff who made the day so special for our residents.”