RESIDENTS at a dementia care home in Wellington have taken part in Chinese New Year themed activities, games and music followed by a Chinese buffet.

Zillah Oakes, manager of Camelot House and Lodge, said: “We did an interesting bit of research and managed to establish that we have seven residents and four members of staff who were born in previous Years of the Dragon.

“Our Camelot ‘dragons’ were all interested to learn that according to Chinese tradition people born in Dragon years are usually brave, persistent, clever, enthusiastic and confident.

“The home is decorated with beautiful red lanterns, as well as dragon-themed arts and crafts which we’ve been supporting our residents to produce over the last couple of weeks.

“Our residents love listening to music, which has an important role in dementia care, so we compiled a play-list with some dragon or fire related themes featuring songs they would recognise and sing along to like Puff the Magic Dragon, Great Balls of fFre by Jerry Lee Lewis and Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash.

“We also had some Chinese and dragon-themed games and quizzes including a chopstick challenge.

“And our kitchen team did a fabulous job with the buffet, which featured residents’ favourite Chinese dishes such as spring rolls and prawn toast and the ever-popular fortune cookies.

“Residents really enjoy celebrations like this and are now looking forward to Pancake Day and Valentine’s Day, when we’ve got further treats planned for them all.”