A Ray Of Sunshine - Cotman House Team Hosts Nine Unique Cultural Days

Over the last 12 weeks, residents, families and teams have come together to share what they are most proud of, with events across the home featuring performances, cuisine, sounds and storytelling from 9 different countries - St. Lucia, Jamaica, Zimbabwe, Eastern Europe, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, the Philippines, and South Africa.

The cultural days were the product of some impressive teamwork from Cotman’s Wellbeing team, their Home Manager, Kirsty, and the Care team who worked alongside staff from the various countries to coordinate a packed cultural calendar!

Celebrating St. Lucia - a Tropical Paradise

The festivities began with a lively celebration of St. Lucia, an island nation in the Caribbean known for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture. St. Lucian team members led the event, with traditional music and dance performances that transported everyone to the heart of the island. The event featured the iconic ‘belly dance’ and ‘la zouk’ music styles, which had residents tapping their feet. Guests were treated to St. Lucian specialties, including salt fish and green fig, and enjoyed the warm hospitality that the island is known for.

"I feel so proud to share a piece of my culture with everyone here," said Elmona, a care assistant originally from St. Lucia. "It means so much to us that our traditions are being celebrated and appreciated by the people we care for."

A Cultural Tour Around the Globe

As each country took its turn, residents and team members were invited to taste typical food and drink, listen to music, and even enjoy a display of traditional dancing. Some staff wore traditional dress and a variety of interesting facts was shared with the audience to enable a better understanding of each country. In the build-up, residents joined crafting sessions to help create art inspired by flags or symbols of the countries. Residents also took advantage of the home’s luxurious cinema room to enjoy ‘arm chair travelling’ to the featured countries which were then flagged on a large map in the activity room.

South Africa: A Journey Through the Rainbow Nation

The final celebration turned the spotlight on South Africa, with staff and residents exploring the country's diverse cultures and history. South African team members, dressed in traditional attire, introduced the group to the music of the Zulu, Xhosa, and Afrikaans peoples, as well as the sounds of the marimba and drums.

“It’s been wonderful to see everyone enjoying the food and learning about the diversity of South Africa,” said Verner, who looks after all the home’s maintenance. "South Africa is known as the ‘Rainbow Nation,’ and we wanted to share a bit of that rainbow by bringing our various cultural traditions to life."

A Sense of Community and Belonging

For many of the elderly residents, it was an opportunity to learn and understand more about countries they may not have encountered in their lifetimes.

“I loved learning about the Philippines and South Africa,” said Margaret, a long-time resident and Cotman House’s Resident Ambassador. "It’s made me feel like the world is still such a big place, and there’s so much to discover."

The cultural events have not only brightened spirits as we head into the winter months, but also deepened the sense of belonging and mutual respect between residents and staff. "It’s been wonderful to see our residents enjoying the different cultures and getting involved in the activities," said Kirsty. "We’re proud of our diverse team, and these celebrations have brought us all closer together."

Discover Cotman House

Cotman House Care Home is situated within the beautiful seaside surroundings of Felixstowe and our environment is matched by the standard of care we deliver, where care is not just a service, but a commitment tailored to every resident. Our focus goes beyond the physical; we extend our care to encompass the unique needs of each individual, whether it's assisting with memory loss, providing specialised dementia care, or offering support with end-of-life care.

At Cotman House, we understand the challenges families face during difficult times, and that's why we take pride in our accreditation for 'End of Life' care. We're here to support not only your loved ones but your entire family through this journey.

Our vibrant and happy home isn't just about the physical space; it's a thriving community. Perfect for those who may be feeling lonely, Cotman House fosters an environment where residents find companionship and joy.