Residents of Carter House Care Home in Raynes Park were treated to a celebratory afternoon tea event to mark the annual Dignity Action Day celebrations.

Dignity Action Day is a national annual event to recognise those living in care and afford them the dignity and respect they so deserve.

However, the day has also highlighted the shortfall in volunteers visiting such care homes for the elderly to give their time and help bring more happiness to the residents and assistance to the staff.

Carter House Care Home in Farnham Gardens holds regular events for its 36 elderly residents.

For Thursday’s Dignity Action Day event, they were treated to music by Carshalton-based Nick Brown who performed songs of yesteryear such as ‘Bring me Sunshine’ and ‘Sweet Caroline’.

Councillor Tobin Byers, Merton Council’s cabinet member for adult social care and health, said: “There is no better occasion than Dignity Action Day to remind ourselves of the huge respect we owe to those in our care services around the borough and across the country.

"We each need to play our part in ensuring that they are afforded a full and happy life by doing all we can to ensure those in care homes fully recognise our pride in them being such an integral and respected part of our community here in Merton.”

Merton Seniors initiated a project two years ago called ‘Dignity in Care’. 

Trained and DBS checked volunteers visit Care Homes within Merton with a brief to ensure that their citizens are treated with dignity and care in their later years. 

If you are interested in becoming a much needed volunteer please contact them by email on msfdignityincare@hotmail.com.