PIANO tunes, high tea and cakes were the order of the day at a Catterick Garrison care home in honour of a national initiative aimed at providing a day to remember for residents.

It was an afternoon of nostalgia at Rosedale, a nursing and residential care home for the elderly which also offers specialist care for those living with dementia, as they tucked into sweet and savoury treats served on vintage china tea sets while listening to local performer Roger Hemingway sing wartime classic songs with piano accompaniment.

The event was held in honour of Dignity in Action Day on Monday, February 1, an annual health and social care initiative aimed at raising awareness of the importance of dignity in care and to provide a memorable day for those who use care services.

Rosedale also plans to open a new coffee shop for residents and families later in the month.

Activities coordinator Julie Haram said: “There is a negative perception that when someone moves into a care home they sacrifice their independence and dignity.

“Events like Dignity in Action Day are so important because they help to raise awareness of the importance of dignity in a care setting and show that care service users maintain their freedom of choice, dignity and individualism.”

“We all thoroughly enjoyed our high tea dance and hope to have many more following the opening of our new coffee shop.”

Dignity Action Day is ran by the Dignity in Care Campaign. To find out more about the campaign visit www.dignityincare.org.uk.