Residents at Longridge care home 'rock and roll' in Elvis themed celebrations

Alston View care home residents grabbed their wigs and boogied to the classics of Elvis Presley.
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Spirits were kept high yesterday at the Longridge care home, on Fell Brow, as staff organised an Elvis Presley themed day.

Residents were given a collection of props, wigs and costumes to keep them dancing and singing through the Covid-19 pandemic, which has meant guests have been unable to visit the care home.

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Julie Valentine, manager at Alston View said the day was a huge success with their residents.

Residents wore wigs and danced to the classics of Elvis.Residents wore wigs and danced to the classics of Elvis.
Residents wore wigs and danced to the classics of Elvis.

"We do morning exercises here twice a week, and with having some younger residents, we noticed that they loved the music of Elvis. So I thought, why not have an Elvis Presley day and get some wigs and fancy dress costumes for them?" she said.

"We like doing random things here. The idea just popped into my head and I knew they would love it.

"At the moment, with the residents not being able to see visitors, we have been trying to keep it fun for them and keep their spirits up through the pandemic. They're young at heart and want to have a laugh and join in, especially because it's been such a stressful time recently."

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The rock and roll themed day saw residents and staff dance to the likes of 'Jail House Rock' and 'A Little Less Conversation', accompanied with a buffet of sandwiches and Elvis cupcakes.

Staff dress up and get involved with the celebrations.Staff dress up and get involved with the celebrations.
Staff dress up and get involved with the celebrations.

Staff at Alston View were described as "amazing" by manager Julie, who complimented them on their efforts and enthusiasm with making days like this special.

Care homes across the UK have been more vulnerable to the impact of Covid-19, with elderly residents being among the most 'at risk' members of society.

Residential homes have remained conscious of changes to the official Government Guidance in relation to the general public regarding social isolation, but has seen no change in the guidance for visiting Care Homes as of yet.

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Alston View boasts no infections of coronavirus cases for both staff and residents, as their strict social distancing rules and closed door policy to visitors has kept the virus away.

Residents and staff enjoyed the theme that took them back to the memories of the 50's.Residents and staff enjoyed the theme that took them back to the memories of the 50's.
Residents and staff enjoyed the theme that took them back to the memories of the 50's.

"At the beginning it was stressful because, like everyone else, we didn't know what was going on with the virus," said Julie.

"We have had donations from local businesses and our company in supplying vital PPE and we were grateful for help from the Lancashire County Council.

"I'm really proud of what we have achieved and how my staff have coped through this pandemic. For many of us, we have had to put our residents before our own families. It has been difficult but the staff are amazing and we've been each other's family."