Viva Las Vegas comes to Elm Lodge, Leighton Buzzard

Residents at Elm Lodge Care Home were transported to Las Vegas on 15 October, as the home was transformed for a day of American-inspired food, music, games, costumes and entertainment.

The 'Viva Las Vegas' Day was part of Elm Lodge’s programme of monthly special events, introduced following feedback from residents who said they would like activities based around a different theme each month.

Residents helped plan the day in advance, from choosing the menu to making decorations. Special invitations were also produced, which residents enjoy receiving and have begun collecting as keepsakes from each monthly event.

The Las Vegas experience ran from morning until bedtime. Residents were welcomed with cocktails and enjoyed American-themed food, crafting and baking, games and prizes. Staff went all-out in costume, while residents joined in with cowboy hats and colourful feather boas.

The day finished with live music and dancing to one of the residents’ favourite regular singers.

The themed events are particularly important for residents who may now find travelling and days out more difficult because of reduced mobility, chronic pain or the effects of ageing. Elm Lodge therefore looks for imaginative ways to bring new experiences and destinations to them.

The response was enthusiastic, with some residents describing Viva Las Vegas as “the most fun they’ve had in a long time.” Another said: “I would love it if we could do this every week!”

 Francesca Fosu, Home Manager at Elm Lodge, said: "We want our residents to continue having new experiences, making memories and, most importantly, having reasons to smile and laugh together.

“Our residents have a real say in what we do. These themed days came directly from their feedback and they get involved in everything from planning the menu to making decorations.

“Not everyone is able to travel or get out as easily as they once could, so we look at how we can bring some of those experiences to them. Seeing how much everyone enjoyed our Viva Las Vegas Day was wonderful.”

 Following residents’ feedback, Elm Lodge plans to continue holding one major themed event every month, alongside its programme of daily activities.

Relatives, friends and members of the local community are also welcome to join the special events, including those who would simply like to visit Elm Lodge and experience life at the home.