Qualia Care homes threw open their doors to the public to celebrate Care Home Open Day.

Qualia’s five care homes welcomed in members of their local communities to give people a taste of life at each home.

The homes staged a variety of enjoyable events, including traditional afternoon tea, bric-a-brac sales and fun games.

“This was a great opportunity to showcase the wonderful work our homes do and the benefits they bring to their local communities,” says Qualia Care Managing Director, Phil Whitaker.

“Care Home Open Day was a great success and once again the staff in our homes did us proud.”

Duchess Gardens put out the bunting and held a tombola and cake sale in reception, with all proceeds split between the Alzheimer’s Society and the Duchess residents’ fund.

Gilwood Lodge Nursing Home in Blackpool held a coffee morning, traditional afternoon tea and organised fun games.

Sandycroft Nursing Home, also in Blackpool, entertained visitors with a ‘bargain hunt’ table top sale, bric-a-brac, wheel of fortune game, afternoon tea and cake stall, children’s toy sale and lucky dip.

St Mary’s Nursing Home in Moston, Greater Manchester enjoyed a visit from the Urban Crew children’s group and St Mary’s School, and laid on traditional afternoon tea for guests.

Washington Lodge Nursing Home held a sing-along and served coffee, scones and traditional afternoon tea. The home in Washington Village, Tyne and Wear is also hosting a summer fayre on Saturday July 1 to celebrate its new beginning as a Qualia Care home and the improvements that have been carried out.

Thousands of care homes took part in the UK-wide initiative, welcoming the public and arranging events and activities that help to create lasting links between care home residents and their local communities.

The event showcased the excellent work done by care homes, and how they can be at the centre of local communities, developing relationships across the generations.