A 95-year-old woman with dementia got to join in with her care home’s festive activities despite being bed-bound – after a reindeer turned up at her bedside.
Staff at Heathfield Court care home in Erith, Kent, were determined that Elsie Hodge, 95, would not miss out on festivities.
Despite being bed-bound and suffering from advanced dementia, she was able to meet a reindeer – after they brought the animal to her bedside.
After the reindeer was carefully led through the home and travelled up on the lift, Elsie looked delighted as she was able to pat and stroke the animal.
Elsie’s daughter, Jill Bickerstaffe, said: “Mum has advanced dementia and her communication is limited.
“It was wonderful to see her face light up with sheer delight when she saw the reindeer.”
Retired secretary Elsie was happily married to late husband Sidney for more than 50 years after they met at a dance.
They went on to have two children, six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Following a diagnosis of dementia, Elsie, a keen gardener, cook and seamstress, moved into Heathfield Court in 2018.
Daughter Jill added that meeting the reindeer “was definitely a ‘wow’ moment for her.”
The lifestyle coordinator and organiser of the event, Donna Jewiss, said: “It was simply magical when Elsie saw the reindeer walk into her bedroom, she couldn’t believe her eyes.
“She was smiling and laughing and couldn’t wait to stroke them.”
The reindeer met residents of the 66-bed home, which specialises in dementia care and palliative care, as well as patients with Parkinson’s and COPD.
They wanted everyone, even those who couldn’t leave their beds like Elsie, got to feel festive.
Another resident, Rose Harrington, 88, said: “I stroked them and they were so soft to touch – I wanted to kiss them.
“They had such trustworthy eyes.
“It was a dream come true to see them as I’ve only ever seen them in a field, never up close.
“There were buses going past and the passengers on the upper deck were looking down with disbelief that we actually had reindeer here.
“It was a wonderful day and so unexpected.”
Along with the reindeer, the residents and their families enjoyed carol singing and guests were treated to home-made mince pies and mulled wine.
But for everyone, the reindeer were the stars of the show
Donna said: “Animals have such a wonderful effect on residents, they are so therapeutic and calming.
“All the residents loved meeting the reindeer and they really brought to life the Christmas spirit in our home.”
Home Manager Gina Kitchenham added: “The reindeer were the icing on the cake – they delight everyone, young and old.
“It’s such a special and happy time of year and it’s important to us that every resident is able to participate and share in the joy.”
