Happiness Happens Month: What makes you happy?

2024 marks the 25^th anniversary of Happiness Happens Month: an annual event which celebrates the joy and laughter that can be found in everyday life. At Thornton Hall & Lodge Care Home, residents and colleagues alike have come together to talk about what makes them happy!

Molly, Care Assistant at our Crosby care home, told us how she loves dancing with residents and making them smile. “Happiness is seeing the joy in people’s faces when we throw a party or celebration. Lily loves to have a boogie, so I always make sure we have a little dance together whenever we can.”

Thornton Hall and Lodge are all too familiar with the positive impact dancing can bring; this year alone, they’ve hosted an ABBA party, a Wild West celebration and most recently, their first ever Thornton Fest. Organised by the activities team, these experiences not only help build a sense of community among residents, but also gives our people the opportunity to showcase their favourite dance moves – including Ann, who was a professional line dancer and loves to perform for her friends.

Our beloved Postman, Bill, gave us a beautiful rendition of ‘You are my Sunshine’ by Gene Autry to share what makes him happy: singing! The timeless classic is a firm favourite for Bill, who says singing to colleagues at our Liverpool care home is what makes him happy.  

For Bella, happiness comes in the form of family and her much-loved Chihuahua. Family was a common theme for our residents, and shows the importance of keeping in touch with loved ones when living in a care home. Family visits are Bella’s favourite – especially when her Chihuahua joins!

Reverend Lyss, who regularly volunteers to host sermons at Thornton Hall, told us how helping others makes her happy. “I like the people here, so helping them comes naturally to me. Whether it’s by being a friend to someone new at the home, or offering my guidance to whoever needs it, I’m happy to do whatever I can to help.” 

Finally, Ayisha, Senior Care Assistant, says her ‘Happiness Happens’ when the residents are happy. “I get great job satisfaction knowing I’ve made a difference to someone’s day. I wanted to work in the care sector as I wanted to help people, so to be able to do that means the world to me. When our residents are happy, I’m happy!”

From dogs to dancing, the gang at Thornton Hall & Lodge have some fantastic reasons to be happy! Thank you so much to the team at our Liverpool care home for sharing what makes them smile.

Based in Crosby, Thornton Hall & Lodge Care Home offers residential care, residential dementia care and short-term respite care. Why not get in touch to find out more?