Care South homes across the South of England proudly opened their doors during Care Home Open Week 2025, welcoming families, friends, neighbours and local communities to join us in celebrating the heart of what we do – providing care rooted in food, fun and friendship.

From vibrant garden parties to live theatre, vintage music, delicious food and creative activities, our homes hosted a variety of events that brought people together and showcased the warmth and spirit that defines Care South.

Alexandra House – Garden Party with Live Entertainment

Alexandra House celebrated the week with a sunny garden party, complete with live music from Jewel Harmonies and a delicious spread of homemade cakes and refreshments. The event brought together residents, families, and guests for a relaxed and joyful afternoon. The garden was full of colour, laughter and music, as visitors mingled with staff and admired the vibrant displays. Margaret, one of our residents, shared, “What a lovely sunny afternoon to be entertained outside – and the cakes were so tasty.”

Beauchamp House – Cream Tea, House Tours and Friendship

Beauchamp House welcomed visitors to an open day filled with cream tea, relaxed conversations, and guided tours of the home. The dining area was set for a classic afternoon tea, and guests enjoyed homemade scones, fresh strawberries, and friendly conversation. The team offered tours to show the modern facilities and beautiful garden spaces that residents enjoy daily.

Buxton House – Namaste Care and Interactive Experiences

At Buxton House, guests were treated to hot drinks, homemade cakes, and the opportunity to experience Namaste Care in action. Visitors also explored the home using an interactive touchscreen tour, designed to showcase the innovative approaches that support resident wellbeing. Staff were on hand to explain how sensory-based care methods and personalised attention contribute to comfort and happiness.

Castle Dene – Cream Tea and Live Music

Guests at Castle Dene enjoyed a relaxing afternoon with cream tea, cold drinks, and live music from the ever-popular Kelly Lorraine. The event featured singalong favourites, with many residents joining in. The garden was beautifully decorated, and the atmosphere was both festive and heartfelt. Families remarked on the warmth of the welcome and the lovely conversations they had with team members.

Dorset House – Garden Barbecue

Dorset House celebrated the open week with a garden barbecue that brought everyone together with the scent of delicious grilled food, laughter and plenty of good company. Burgers, sausages, and vegetarian options were served hot off the grill by the chef and care team, creating a laid-back and enjoyable atmosphere. Residents and visitors relaxed in the sun and shared stories while enjoying classic summer fare.

Elizabeth House – Barbecue, Music and Shenanigans

Elizabeth House hosted a lively afternoon complete with a barbecue, live music from the 60s and 70s, a tombola, and costumed fun with the Southampton Shenanigans group. Guests joined residents in dancing, laughing, and trying their luck at the tombola table. The garden came alive with colour and sound, as families embraced the nostalgic theme and celebrated the vibrancy of life at Elizabeth House.

Fairlawn – Afternoon Tea and Live Entertainment

At Fairlawn, residents and guests enjoyed a delightful afternoon tea with live entertainment. Tea was served with delicate finger sandwiches, homemade cakes, and plenty of warm smiles. A live performer serenaded the garden with familiar classics, creating a relaxed and uplifting atmosphere that brought generations together to celebrate the home and its caring community.

Fern Brook Lodge – Vintage Summer Fayre

Fern Brook Lodge held a nostalgic Vintage Summer Fayre, featuring stalls, games and live music from a vintage singer. The home was beautifully themed with bunting, vintage props and handmade decorations created by the residents themselves in the lead-up to the event. Local families and visitors browsed the stalls, took part in games, and enjoyed sweet treats while tapping their feet to the sounds of the past.

Kenwith Castle – Family Open Day with Activities for All Ages

Kenwith Castle’s open day was packed with fun for all the family, including live entertainment, friendly animals, a barbecue, arts and crafts, and garden games. Children played lawn games while residents enjoyed musical performances and chatted with guests. The event highlighted the strong intergenerational community spirit that exists within the home, and guests left with smiles and fond memories.

Maiden Castle House – Royal Ascot Themed Afternoon

Residents at Maiden Castle House enjoyed a Royal Ascot-themed event, complete with dress-up fun, race viewing, a race card raffle and classic afternoon tea. Staff and residents wore their finest race-day hats, and the lounge was transformed into a cheerful viewing area. The tea spread included scones with clotted cream and jam, and the raffle prizes brought excitement and laughter.

Marjorie House – National Picnic Day Celebration

Marjorie House marked National Picnic Day with live music, garden games, and a welcoming family-friendly atmosphere. Guests brought picnic blankets and enjoyed outdoor activities and entertainment in the home’s garden. The music encouraged dancing and socialising, while colourful picnic baskets filled with sandwiches and fruit made the event feel like a classic summer gathering.

St Ives House – Outdoor Theatre with The Dot Collective

St Ives House hosted a powerful performance by The Dot Collective, who presented “Catch of the Day” in the home’s garden. The professional theatre group delivered an uplifting show designed especially for people living in care, especially those with dementia. Formed in 2016, The Dot Collective creates innovative, accessible and cognitively stimulating theatre that fosters joy and connection. Residents, families, and staff were captivated by the interactive performance, and many described it as a highlight of the week.

Talbot View – Vintage Day and Live Music

Talbot View transformed into a vintage wonderland with staff in fancy dress, a costume catwalk, and afternoon tea. The musical highlight came from the fabulous vintage duo, Jewel Harmonies, whose lively set had the whole home singing and smiling. Guests admired the outfits, enjoyed homemade cakes, and mingled with residents and staff, celebrating the creativity and warmth of the home.

Wickmeads – Resident Art Showcase and Raffle

At Wickmeads, guests attended a special open day featuring artwork by one of the home’s talented residents. The event included homemade cakes, refreshments, and a popular raffle draw that added a bit of excitement to the afternoon. Visitors admired the creativity on display and shared kind words with the artist, making the day a meaningful celebration of resident talent and expression.

A Week to Remember

From Dorset to Devon, every Care South home came together to celebrate what makes each home unique – our residents, our teams, and the communities we’re proud to be part of. Care Home Open Week 2025 was a brilliant opportunity to open our doors, share our values, and show the difference great care makes.

Of course, National Care Home Open Week is all about connecting care homes with their communities – but at Care South, that connection continues all year round. If you’re interested in living or working in one of our homes, we’d love to hear from you

 

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