Heart-warming stories from local care home residents in Barnes

Residents of Viera Gray House have been sharing memories of winters gone by, creating a therapeutic and heart-warming impact on their local community.

The care home residents’ memories have been making waves on social media. The residents love sharing their wonderful memories of winter days, and the care home staff, relatives and social media followers have enjoyed hearing them. Here are some of the residents' stories.

James Johnson’s, favourite time of year is winter. The 77 year-old said: “My family always lived in Putney in a flat. I have four brothers and four sisters. My aunties and uncles would come to my home to play in the snow in our estate, later we would have a slap-up Christmas meal with jelly and ice cream and apple pie.” 

Dorothy Paignton, 94, said her favourite Christmas was when she was 12 years old. She enjoyed sitting reading books by the fire and playing games with her five brothers and sisters. She said: “I also enjoyed helping my mum decorate the living room with tinsel and candy canes!”

Sylvia Hopkinson, 83, recalled her winter memory: “At age 13 I was living in Sweden near Stockholm and we would go ice skating with family including my brothers, sisters and aunties. It was terrifying and we laughed so loudly that our stomachs would hurt. And we enjoyed having hot chocolate afterwards!”

Marie-Louise,85, said: “My early memories of Christmas go back to 1945 when I was six. Just after the end of the war. We used to live in a big house on a big estate. My father and grandad would chop a massive fir tree and would secretly prop it up in the big, high-ceilinged main reception room. On Christmas day, my twin sister and I would discover a magical tree decorated with real small candles. It was beautiful and the room smelt of conifers.” 

Derek Wood, 90, said: “At age 11, I enjoyed the winter seasons with my mum and dad and saving the ration coupons to buy chicken and veg. Also having a lovely Christmas with my uncles, aunties and nephews. Nowadays, I like watching crime mysteries on the TV.”

This not-for-profit residential and dementia care home is run by leading care charity Greensleeves Care. Find out more about Viera Gray House.

Conversation and memory recall are key to living well and happily. Sparking old memories is especially beneficial for older adults, who can sometimes experience isolation during the winter months. Research by Greensleeves Care showed that 62% of people are more concerned about the welfare of older relatives and friends in winter. In addition, one in two people give more assistance to older loved ones during the winter season with activities such as shopping, social visits and household tasks. 

Free ‘Big Warm Up’ event

To support local residents, Greensleeves Care’s winter Warmth of Care campaign includes free online resources and advice as well as a Big Warm Up day on Saturday 25 January where Viera Gray care home will open its doors to the Richmond community.

The Big Warm Up is a free open day, offering visitors a chance to celebrate and experience the joy and humanity present in care settings. For families concerned about an older loved one, it’s also an opportunity to talk through practical information to support decision-making around care in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

• Date: Saturday 25 January
• Location: Viera Gray House, 27 Ferry Road, London SW13 9PP

Explore more free resources on how to help older adults near you to stay warm and well this winter.