In 2022, we celebrated 50 years of Halland House as a learning disabilities care home. We marked the anniversary with a fun garden party for all the staff, residents, families and guests. Some of our residents have been with us right from the start so it was an important and meaningful celebration for everyone.
Our history at Halland House
Halland House opened as a learning disabilities care home in 1972, at a time when there were few dedicated facilities for people with learning disabilities. Many people stayed in long-stay hospitals or were moved around from place to place, so Halland House was a huge improvement. A homely place with a family feel to it, where people could settle and live a happy life.
Continuity of care and routine is important for many people with learning disabilities. Changes, big or small, can make them feel uneasy and overwhelmed. Being able to stay in one place and call it home, and get used to the other people working and living there, can make a big difference in their lives.
50th anniversary celebrations
To celebrate 50 years of Halland House, we decided we needed a big event. Something that would showcase both the care home and its residents. After discussing what would be enjoyable for our residents and their families, we decided to hold an event in the garden.
We put up a big marquee in the garden, with buffet food for everyone to enjoy. The residents really enjoyed the buffet, which made a fun change from their usual dinners, and everyone enjoyed the celebration cake. We also hired a company to set up 3 game stalls. The residents helped with running the games as well as taking part, which they loved. Being able to win prizes gave them a real sense of achievement.
Not everything went according to plan, as is often the case – sadly the entertainer we had arranged let us down at the last minute, and the weather wasn’t as nice as we would have liked, but that didn’t stop anyone from having fun. Families and friends still came along, everyone got involved, and we all had a wonderful time.
Inspiration for a memorial party
Such a good time was had at our 50th anniversary, that it acted as inspiration for the family of a resident who sadly passed away a couple of weeks later. They donated money so that we could throw a party to celebrate the life of our much-missed resident. We hired a DJ and had a disco, with everyone having a good time and sharing their memories.
Social life at Halland House
Residents at Halland House enjoy an active social life. We feel it is important for residents to lead an active and fulfilling life, which of course includes opportunities for socialising. As a care home, we are divided into 3 sections according to the level of care that residents need. This means residents live in smaller groups in which they make close friends and spend time together during the day in common areas as well as having meals together. We also have regular activities which range from exercise and learning independent living tasks to rehearsing for a play and trips out.
If you’d like to find out more about Halland House, a learning disabilities care home in Uckfield, East Sussex, please visit our website.