More Than a Day: Why Remembrance Lives On in Our Care Homes

At Westgate Healthcare, Remembrance Day is more than a single day in November. It is a meaningful part of our community’s heart and heritage. It’s a time to reflect on those who served, and the generations who encountered so much to shape the world we live in today.

Many of our residents hold personal memories of wartime Britain. Tales of loved ones who went away to serve. Families gathering around the radio for news. These are not just stories from history books; they are real life experiences. These experiences give meaning to the world around us. This is why our teams go above and beyond to plan something special for all of our residents. Here’s what our homes got up to during Remembrance Day.

Meadowhill Silvia our Activities Lead – “This Remembrance Day, our residents came together to share stories, reflect, and pay tribute to the brave men and women who served for our freedom. We were honoured to be joined by D-Dolly. A beautiful performance filled the home with emotion, music, and memories.”

Chestnut Manor Team and Residents Donna our Activities Lead at Chestnut Manor – “We Will Remember Them. Commemorating our fallen heroes. ‘For your tomorrow, we gave our today’. Lest We Forget. The knitting group of Chestnut Manor knitted a vibrant array of beautiful poppies. And a big thank you to the family members who also helped and joined in. A reflective and thoughtful time to share stories and memories.”

Byron House Care Home Linda our Activities Lead – “Everyone at Byron House joined the rest of the UK and Commonwealth in remembering the brave service members. Members who have sacrificed so much in wars and conflicts. We had a lovely time getting creative with poppy crafts and a special reflection picture, watched the parade together on TV, and sang our hearts out with the amazing D-Day Dolly singers who came in to entertain us!”

Hampden Hall Care Centre Hanna Activities Lead from Hampden – “Our residents enjoyed making poppy wreaths and badges in our Arts and Crafts sessions, ready for Sunday’s Remembrance service. We all enjoyed cutting and gluing our poppies and reminiscing about the war and how things have changed today. In the afternoon, we had a resident favourite come and sing for us. Lee played all our favourites, including Sweet Caroline. We all had a great time singing and swaying along”

Kingfisher Nursing Home Elle and Kerry the Activities team from Kingfisher – “On Remembrance Sunday some of our wonderful residents at Kingfisher Nursing Home spent today colouring in beautiful poppies to honour and remember those who served. Each poppy represents gratitude, respect, and remembrance for the brave men and women who sacrificed so much – Lest we forget.”

In our homes, the season of remembrance is marked with care, creativity, and respect. Residents and team members work together to create something unique to them, that honour both the fallen and the families who supported them. Many homes invite local schools, community groups, and veterans to join in these commemorations, giving younger generations the chance to listen, learn, and appreciate the human stories behind the poppies they wear.

Remembrance reminds us that every resident has a story worth hearing and a legacy worth celebrating. It connects the past and the present, helping us understand that honouring history isn’t just about looking back, it’s about carrying those values forward with empathy and respect.

Through these acts of remembrance at Westgate Healthcare, we not only pay tribute to those who came before us, but we also strengthen the bonds within our homes.

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