Care home's lunch invite aims to help combat loneliness

Thursday 19 October 2023

An open invite for a convivial lunch has been issued to older islanders by a care home wanting "to help tackle loneliness" in the local community.

'Don't Dine Alone' is an initiative launched by Barchester Healthcare at its 200 care homes across the British Isles, including Lakeside Manor in St Peter.

A three-course lunch will be cooked for guests by the head chef at Lakeside and served in a dining room, with the chance to chat to residents and staff.

Pictured: “Loneliness can be a big problem for elderly people, especially as the weather gets colder..."

General Manager Rosie Goulding said the initiative was part of a campaign to re-establish links that may have been temporarily weakened as a result of the pandemic.

She said: “Loneliness can be a big problem for elderly people, especially as the weather gets colder – our doors are always open to new friends of the home.”

Lakeside Manor provides residential care, nursing care and dementia care for 65 residents, ranging from respite care to long-term stays.

Barchester Healthcare also operates a charitable foundation providing grants to older people and other adults with a disability to help combat loneliness and enable people to be active and engaged in their communities.

Anyone interested in visiting Lakeside Manor should call the home on 748050.