Residents reflect on the meaning of true happiness for World Photo Day

Across our amazing care homes, we are always looking for new days to celebrate and plan meaningful activities around. In August, we celebrated World Photo Day with a unique mini competition, asking residents to submit a photo based on the word ‘happiness’. All of the submissions were utterly heartwarming, so we were excited to share with you our top three winners!

In first place, with a beaming smile on her face and her most precious photo in hand, we have Norma who has lived at the brilliant Lansbury Court Care Home in Sunderland for two years. Norma told us: “Looking back at photos of my late husband, feeling the memories flowing back - that is my happiness.”

Looking back at all the memories with her late husband John, Norma’s favourite one has to be when they met. Norma worked in the local cinema ‘The Corra’ and John worked in the projection room. After a few weeks of waving down at her from the projection box, John finally asked Norma out on their first date together – Norma just knew he was the man for her.

“And I was right – John and I married and had three beautiful children. I struggle opening my right hand sometimes, and I truly believe to this day that it’s because John’s hand is, and always will be, in mine.”

In second place we have the gorgeous Irene and her heartwarming selfie she took of herself and her husband Tom, captioning it: “Happiness is my husband Tom.”

Irene moved into Paddock Stile Manor Dementia Care Home in Houghton-le-Spring in 2021, and looks forward to regular visits from Tom, her one true love.

When Irene isn’t busy flower arranging and getting involved in her favourite arts and crafts activities, she is looking forward to her next nail appointment at the salon which Tom takes her to – after all, a lady must never miss out on her nail appointment!

Activities Coordinator Adele told us: “Irene’s face lights up when Tom walks in, they share such a special type of love. They have been married for over 60 years and share two lovely children together.”

And in third place, we have the beautiful Denise over at Archers Court Care Home in Sunderland. When asked what happiness is to her, she told us: “What makes me happy is spending time with my daughter Diane."

Denise has lived at the wonderful Sunderland care home since October last year and thoroughly enjoys everything the home has to offer. She particularly looks forward to sweet treats and afternoon teas, appreciating any excuse for a delicious slice of cake! On an evening, she loves to watch any movie featuring Doris Day.

When asked about her favourite memories with her daughter, Denise couldn’t think of just one – “Every day is a favourite memory with my brilliant daughter.”

If you’re interested in finding out more about any of our fabulous north east care homes, you can find out more about them here. Alternatively, if you’d like to begin a career where you could be contributing everyday to the happiness of other people, then take a look at our excellent opportunities here.