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A care home has opened its doors to the community to relive the 1980s – as residents and their families enjoyed a range of themed activities.

Abermill care home, in Abertridwr, held a host of events to mark this year’s Care Home Open Week from June 24 to June 30.

Residents chose the 1980s theme and took part in quizzes and popular table-top games from the decade, including Snakes and Ladders, Guess Who, and Operation – as well as garden games such as swing ball.

On Friday June 28, the care home welcomed members of the public, as well as families and friends of the residents, to don fancy dress and join in with the celebrations.

They were joined by Caerphilly County Borough’s deputy mayor, Dawn Ingram-Jones, while an entertainer performed a number of 80s hits.

There was also a buffet and drinks, along with a traditional Mr Whippy ice cream van – with the care home decorated for the occasion.

During the event, six members of staff at the care home were presented with a ‘Kindness in Care’ award from HC-One as a thank you for their hard work and dedication.

Care Home Open Week is a national event hosted by the volunteer-led group Championing Social Care. Its aim is to connect care homes with their local communities. 

The week provided care homes with the opportunity to showcase their services, offer tours, and highlight the activities it offers residents.   

Visitors to Abermill learned from staff about careers in care, and discovered more about community engagement opportunities and volunteering roles.

Following her visit, Cllr Ingram-Jones said: “Everyone was so welcoming, thank you so for much the flowers, food and drink, and hospitality.

“The residents are so happy, and you can see that the care staff know them well and that they are well cared for. Thank you for the invite.”

Christine Tipper, home manager at Abermill, said she was “so proud” to have been a part of the festivities.

She said: “The team have pulled off yet another fantastic week and it has been exceptional. It’s so nice to see everyone together in one place and having fun with the people we care for.

“It was a lovely week and a massive thank you to all that contributed.”