bupa.co.ukResidents and staff at Bupa's Heathland Court Care Centre in Wimbledon are preparing to welcome Japanese students from the Yamano College of Aesthetics for a pre-Christmas visit.
Fifty care management students from the college will spend the day at Heathland Court on Thursday 20 December, where they will receive a tour, join in residents' activities and hear a talk from the home's activities co-ordinator, Barry Jones. In return, the students will treat residents, staff and guests to performances of traditional Japanese art forms - including Kimono dressing, a tea ceremony and origami.
Councillor Philip Jones, Deputy Mayor of Merton, will attend the performances alongside pupils from Rickards Lodge Secondary School. Stephen Hammond MP and Tim Seal, assistant regional director, Bupa Care Homes will also be present.
The initiative aims to promote the exchange of ideas and understanding of how elderly people are cared for in different countries, while providing some out-of-the-ordinary and stimulating entertainment for Heathland Court residents.
Avril Jones, home manager, explained: "We're proud to be hosting what promises to be a very interesting day of activities at Heathland Court. This is a fantastic opportunity for everyone involved to learn about new cultures, interact with different people and enjoy some traditional Japanese performances."
Heathland Court Care Centre is home to 60 residents.