National Hug a Bear Day: Simple joys and cuddly toys

Many of our homes have recently celebrated National Hug a Bear Day and their efforts were incredible. From creative costumes to handmade teddies, everybody had a great day celebrating the simple joys in life and the uplifting power of human connection. We’ve gathered a few of our favourite highlights which include lots of hugs, happiness and heartwarming moments!

Starting off at Archers Court Care Home in Sunderland, the imagination and enthusiasm that went into the creation of the bear costume was magnificent; they went to great efforts to build their very own Reconnect bear. Not only did the final masterpiece represent the power of our wonderful dementia-specialist communities, but it was modelled graciously all day by General Manager Jack!

The residents had such a pleasant afternoon hugging the giant bear and laughing with their friends. One resident, Peter, told us: “It was a top-notch afternoon! Jack always puts so much effort into making a difference when we celebrate these special days together.”

Meanwhile, at Castleford Lodge Nursing Home near Wakefield, Interim Home Manager Sarah also transformed into a cuddly bear for the day, and a real sense of friendship and connection was spread throughout the home. Hugs go a long way, and the Castleford team love going above and beyond in their activities at the moment. This giant bear costume was a real showstopper!

All of the residents and family members loved it! One relative, Madge Norman, said that it was a lovely, caring thing to do. She said to Sarah: “Thank you… Thank you so much for spreading joy and happiness to the residents and for being a great manager!”

We’ve all had a teddy bear picnic with our cuddly toys when we were younger, haven’t we? At Middleton Park Lodge Care Home in Leeds, it was a day of nutrition, nurture and nostalgia as residents engaged in a teddy bear picnic and related arts and crafts activities.

There was a very impressive amount of teddies passed around the home on this special day - some huge, some tiny, but all of them equally cosy and lovable! One resident, Tommy, living in Middleton’s Reconnect unit, told the team “If you look after your teddy, it will look after you too!”

Finally, the special day was made particularly marvellous at Nesfield Lodge Dementia Care Home in Leeds as resident Anna sewed and stuffed the home their very own tartan teddy. Anna has been at the home since February 2023 and she has always loved sewing and knitting with her friends in the home. Anna’s arthritis didn’t stop her completing this gorgeous bear in an impressive three days and the whole Nesfield family were so proud of her creation - it’s safe to say the handmade bear got lots of cuddles throughout the day.

Home Manager, Laura, told us: “Anna was a sewing machine operator for a long time; it is still very much her biggest passion and she’s always making clothes for herself and her loved ones. The smile on Anna’s face while she’s sewing and reminiscing is just beautiful – her happiness is contagious!”

Thank you to all the wonderful teams for the efforts that went into this truly heartwarming day; the little things in life really are those that matter the most!

If you’re interested in a career where you can truly make a difference in people’s lives while planning incredible activities like these ones, then why not consider the role of Activities Coordinator? Take a look at our opportunities here and make the leap today. Alternatively, if Mr. Reconnect Bear has left you wanting further information on the power of our dementia-specialist Reconnect communities, then you can find out more about the difference we are making in dementia care here.