Surrey care home uses Father's Day to highlight the importance of visiting loved ones

Life for older people in care is far more content if family ties outside of the home remain strong, owners of the in Banstead are keen to remind us.

A specialist care and nursing home for retired seafarers, the Surrey home has welcomed many family members today and given them a glimpse into the life of residents.

Chief executive Brian Boxhall-Hunt comments, “Often seafarers can spend many years away from their families and consequently miss family gatherings such as birthdays and anniversaries. Having time with loved ones in retirement is extremely important to our residents and we encourage everyone to visit their relatives whenever they can.

“At Royal Alfred, our retired seafarers have a wealth of shared life experience and there is a great camaraderie between the residents. For families to visit the home and see their loves ones in such a safe, happy and content environment can be very reassuring.”

A resident at the home, John Plumb, 82, who shares dual occupancy sheltered accommodation with his wife, speaks warmly of the occasion, saying: “My wife and I are extremely lucky to have had such a long and happy life together. We spent many years apart when I was at sea so having family around me on this special day is absolutely priceless.”