SPONSORED EDITORIAL

A well-known residential home in Dover says it will be holding its annual Christmas party next month and everyone is invited to come along.

Alandale Residential Home - which last year marked 30 years of providing quality care in the Dover area - is a family run, modern, purpose built residential home for elderly ladies and gentlemen.

Located in the Whitfield area of Dover, Alandale specialises in providing high quality long-term, short stay, respite, convalescence and day care at competitive, inclusive prices.

The Alandale Christmas Party will be held on Friday, 6th December between 5pm and 7pm and the owner Paul Maple - together with Clare Pay, Alandale's registered manager - say there will be plenty of fantastic reasons to turn up.

Alandale is delighted to have Barry Goss providing the musical entertainment and, as always, there will be a full buffet and drinks provided.

Children will also be able to visit Santa in his grotto and there might even be some snow!

Such an occasion is also a good time for anyone wishing to have a look around the home to come in and experience the atmosphere of Alandale.

Everyone is welcome and those wishing to come along should please ask for someone to show them around when they arrive.

It’s been a busy and exciting year for everyone at Alandale.

The care home has undergone a refurbishment in the public areas - including the public lounge - while a series of upgrades has seen nearly all the bedrooms become en-suite.

Alandale also provides a program of activity and entertainment including a variety of visiting singers each Monday.

Occupational therapy sessions on a Tuesday encourage interaction and discussion which residents find stimulating, entertaining and therapeutic.

Bingo Phil's weekly visits also include quizzes, bowls and much more.

Exercise Mel comes in every Friday to run a 'sit & be fit' session.

Paula's Sweets 'n Treats comes round with her trolley regularly to offer free sweets and treats as well as organise film afternoons and other entertainments.

Many other activities are also available at Alandale.

One of those happy residents enjoying those activities is 98-year-old Ernie Wheeler, whose poem about Alandale proved a big hit and made the rounds on Facebook.

Ernie’s poem…

I thought I’d try and fill a page

Telling the tale of the my old age

I’m in a care home now, which I can’t say is cheap

When you consider most residents spend all day asleep

I’ll do it now - and do you know why?

It’s because the years go flying by

I’ll be 99 in a few weeks’ time

With a pass for the Golden Gates, I’ll be in line

The Gates I hope are still well out of sight

So, as the good hymn says “I’ll fight the good fight”

I’m in a care home with a very varied crowd

With swollen legs, ‘funny heads’ and thoughts expressed aloud

Most have a walking aid to get about

Though get to the front door - you’re not allowed out!

Individual bedrooms are minimal it’s true

A wardrobe, TV, bed and adjoining loo

But food and drink are ample, I’ll not fade away

The belt round my middle gets tighter every day

Day by day it’s much the same, it’s all sleep and eat

Plus, on odd days there is a welcome visitor to greet

Time on your hands is not all bliss

Which accounts for the fact I’m writing this

I’ve had a good life, with no real reason to moan

Thank God I’m in Alandale, the old people’s Home

Ernie Wheeler

For more information about Alandale Residential Home, visit their official website by clicking here, email alandaleresidentialhome@ntlworld.com or call 01304 824904.