Book worms – Weymouth care home residents read bedtime stories to local children

Residents at a care home in Weymouth have been reading popular bedtime stories to local children as part of a nationwide initiative. 

Weymouth may seem a little quieter than usual after residents from Care UK’s Anning House, on Cross Road, welcomed residents’ grandchildren into the home for a book swap and reading session. 

Care UK has created the Bedtime Stories initiative which sees residents across the UK read classic bedtime stories to young children. The campaign, which includes the launch of four free videos of residents reading famous stories, ensures children who may not have a grandparent do not miss out on a magical tale before bedtime.

95-year-old resident, Diana Ashdown said: “It was absolutely lovely to sit down and hear how beautifully they read their books with me.”

General Manager at Anning House Heidi Williams said: “It is hugely important to us to play an active role in our community, so we were delighted to welcome residents’ grandchildren to the home for a book swap and reading session. 

“Books have the ability to transport people to completely different and often magical places, so it was wonderful for the residents to be able to take children on this journey. Nurturing a love of reading from an early age is so important in developing a child’s imagination and communication skills, while also helping to improve concentration and reduce stress in older ages. 

“We would like to thank the children for visiting us and we can’t wait to swap more books in the future!” 

To watch four Bedtime Stories read by Care UK residents, or for more information about the Bedtime Stories initiative, visit: careuk.com/bedtime-stories

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Anning House, which remains open to potential residents, incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities. The home provides full-time residential care, nursing care, dementia care and respite care. The layout of the building is configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge/dining room to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities.

To find out more about Anning House, please call Home Admissions Advisor, Paul Bartliff on 01305 896744, email paul.bartliff@careuk.com or visit careuk.com/anning-house