A bed-bound woman with advanced dementia was one of several care home residents who got to meet a reindeer as part of a care home's Christmas celebrations.
Heathfield Court care home on Colyers Road, Erith, hosted its first festive event for residents, and their friends and family.
The reindeer met residents who live in the 66-bed home, but staff were determined that bed-bound Elsie Hodge, 95, did not miss out.
After the reindeer were carefully led through the home and travelled up on the lift, Elsie was able to pat and stroke the animals.
Elsie’s daughter, Jill Bickerstaffe, said: “Mum has advanced dementia and her communication is limited, so it was wonderful to see her face light up with sheer delight when she saw the reindeer.
“It was definitely a ‘wow’ moment for her.”
Jill said the Heathfield Court’s staff are always brilliant at ensuring “no-one ever gets forgotten".
The home specialises in dementia care and palliative care, and looks after those with Parkinson’s and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
In the past, the home was named in London’s Top 20 Care Homes by carehomes.co.uk.
The lifestyle coordinator and organiser of the event, Donna Jewiss, said: “It was simply magical when Elsie saw the reindeer walk into her bedroom, she couldn’t believe her eyes. She was smiling and laughing and couldn’t wait to stroke them.
“Animals have such a wonderful effect on residents, they are so therapeutic and calming. All the residents loved meeting the reindeer and they really brought to life the Christmas spirit in our home.”
Resident Rose Harrington, 88, said: “I stroked them and they were so soft to touch – I wanted to kiss them. They had such trustworthy eyes.
“It was a dream come true to see them as I’ve only ever seen them in a field, never up close.
“There were buses going past and the passengers on the upper deck were looking down with disbelief that we actually had reindeer here. It was a wonderful day and so unexpected."
Outside in the care home’s gardens, the reindeer were accompanied by carol singing and guests were treated to home-made mince pies and mulled wine.
Manager Gina Kitchenham said: “The reindeer were the icing on the cake – they delight everyone, young and old.
“It’s such a special and happy time of year and it’s important to us that every resident is able to participate and share in the joy.”
The care home has also planned performances from Bexley Grammar School’s gospel choir and the 50-strong Rock choir from Bexleyheath for this month.
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