Dino Day turns care home into prehistoric world

Resident Lesley Friedman was thrilled by the puppets

placeholder image — Resident Lesley Friedman was thrilled by the puppets

Fred and Wilma Flintstone were on hand to welcome young visitors to ‘Dinosaur Day’ which saw a Chigwell care home turned into a pre-historic world.

Staff at Lambwood Heights on Lambourne Road dressed up as the cartoon characters to celebrate Children’s Day on Saturday 7th June.

The dino-themed day introduced youngsters from the community to four-foot high Bruno the T-Rex and his smaller companions, Spike the Spinosaurus and baby Stegosaurus.

It was a unique event for both children and residents alike, giving them a sensory experience being able to interact with and touch the puppets.

The dinosaur day was an event enjoyed by every age group

“The dinosaurs were lovely and a joy to see!” said resident Lesley Freidman, 73.“I had a lovely time seeing all the children smiling."

The day included interactive talks to learn about the pre-historic creatures and opportunities for the young visitors to get up close to pet them. There was dinosaur-themed face painting, a chocolate dino egg hunt and a bouncy castle in the home’s garden.

Lambwood Heights provides residential, nursing, memory and respite care for 73 people, and no-one was left out of the experience. The dinosaurs toured the home, even visiting residents at their bedsides.

Registered Manager, Luciana Dobos, said the home had never seen anything like it.

Lifestyles team members Elena Matache and Lucy Malchar as Wilma and Fred Flintstone

“We regularly welcome children into the home but never with a four foot dinosaur! The residents love the energy children bring and it’s great for the youngsters in our community as they can see that care homes can be wonderful places to live that are fun and still offer new experiences.”

Six year old Chester Madden gave the dino day an 8 out of 10 rating. “It would have been 10 if I’d found more chocolate eggs!” he said. “The dinosaurs were amazing, the T-Rex was my favourite.”

The dinosaurs then went on to visit residents and young guests at Woodland Grove, Lambwood Height’s sister home in Loughton.

“It was a wonderful day full of laughter,” added Luciana. “The dinosaurs were a visual spectacle and being able to touch them made it a full sensory experience; one we’ll be talking about for a long time to come!”