Care homes across Kirklees were a hive of activity as they threw open their doors for the National Open Day.
Families, members of the public, and entertainers flooded into residential homes throughout the district to celebrate all that is good about residential care.
The event was so popular across the country that #carehomeopenday was trending at number five on Twitter by lunch time on Friday.
Staff at Huddersfield’s care homes went the extra mile to provide a day to remember for residents and participants -and the general consensus was that it was a great success.
Tolson Grange at Dalton had a full day’s activities starting with the Wise Owl birds of prey demonstration, described as “brilliant.”
Ukulele lady Jacqui Wicks entertained for two hours and six pupils from Dalton School played ping pong with dementia residents and performed their circle dance - even getting Huddersfield MP Barry Sheerman to join in at one point.
A number of job hunters also attended to chat to recruitment staff. Tolson Grange owners Anchor believes that England could face a shortfall of 718,000 care workers by 2025, and that an unprecedented number of men are needed to bridge that gap.
Activity co-ordinator Craig Green said: “The aim of the open day is to welcome the community into care homes, build links, show the great things happening in them - and to make people aware that it is not all the gloom and doom portrayed on TV.”
Staff at Clayton West’s Aden House at turned the dining room into Blackpool Tower Ballroom and turned the clock back for an afternoon of music and dance, which was thoroughly enjoyed by residents and visitors, along with a party tea.
Activity co-ordinator Natalie Turton said: “Everyone has been up dancing and really enjoyed it; I’m worn out!
“The families and members of the public joined it too. We wanted to do something a little bit special and it worked, we are thinking about doing more now.”
The Denby at Denby Dale resident and former art teacher Betty Thornton ran art workshops for her fellow residents who produced works with an floral theme using coloured sponges. The art exhibition featuring a variety of works was enjoyed by residents and visitors alike, as was the cream tea.
Botham Hall at Milnsbridge hosted ‘Music Through the Decades’ with live performances for families and friends as well as residents, which was followed by afternoon tea, musical bingo and an evening musical performance by Caritas.
Manager Christina Halonka said: “We always love welcoming visitors and find that when people see our home, they question any preconceptions they may have had about care homes.”
