Meet the Famous Residents Starring In Lottie’s ‘A Carers Christmas’ Campaign

We’ve recognised the UK’s 7.3 million paid and unpaid carers by launching ‘A Carers Christmas’ campaign. Three carers will be randomly selected to win a £250 Airbnb voucher, giving them the chance to enjoy a well-deserved break at a destination of their choice.

This campaign includes a Love Actually-inspired video to rival John Lewis, and you can check out ‘A Carers Christmas’ here.

We visited Chorleywood Manor Care Home in partnership with Avery Healthcare, to work with care workers and residents at the home to create our video.

Forming Meaningful Friendships and Connections In a Care Home

Having meaningful relationships in a care home will make a world of difference to your loved one’s emotional wellbeing and overall happiness.

Carers often go the extra mile, quickly becoming a friendly and trusted face for your loved one. Through this mutually beneficial relationship, carers and residents can learn lots from each other, and create precious memories together.

Many care home residents love sharing their stories and experiences with their carers, and by spending some time listening to what they’ve got to say, they’ll feel more valued and contented. A carer who understands the residents they care for, and can place themselves in their shoes, will better understand their unique perspectives, thoughts and insights.

Meet The Carer and Resident Friendship Duos At Chorleywood Manor Care Home Starring In Our Christmas Video

With an average age of 91, Chorleywood Manor Care Home’s residents have shared their gratitude for the support and friendships they’ve formed with carers across the home.

Our video shows real-life friendships in care, like Yvonne, who rediscovered painting with the support of Patrick (Well-Being Co-Ordinator at Chorleywood Manor), saying, “he helped me believe in myself.”

Yvonne & Patrick

88-year-old Yvonne and Patrick (Well-Being Co-Ordinator at Chorleywood Manor) share a strong friendship rooted in their mutual love of art. Their bond began after Yvonne suffered a stroke seven years ago, losing mobility in her right arm and the ability to paint. “It was devastating for me not to be able to paint anymore”, Yvonne recalls.

With Patrick’s encouragement, Yvonne learned to paint using her left hand. “Patrick helped me believe in myself and my creativity,” she explains. Together, they’ve completed numerous art projects, even displaying Yvonne’s work throughout the home and earning an award for their creations.

Fred & Chioma

Chioma’s and Fred's friendship began earlier in the year, when Fred moved into the home. From the start, Chioma showed Fred patience and respect, which gradually helped build a strong bond. Fred warmed to Chioma's attentive listening and her genuine effort to understand things from his perspective, something he truly values.

As time went on, Fred enjoyed sharing stories with Chioma, especially about his time in the army, where he held a high rank and worked closely with many people. Fred’s conversations with Chioma are something Fred looks forward to each day, especially during their peaceful walks around the garden.

John & Pepe

John moved into Chorleywood Manor in August 2024, and from the very start, Pepe made sure to welcome him warmly and help him settle in. Over the next few days, Pepe’s support made John feel right at home, and the two quickly formed a great connection.

John enjoys his daily routine with Pepe, which includes walking in the garden three times a day and going downstairs to the bistro for a cup of coffee. In his spare time, John enjoys reading the newspaper, watching TV in the lounge, and occasionally playing the piano, which adds a special touch to his day.

Eric & Wendy

Fellow resident Eric, 93, and Care Assistant Wendy, share a friendship built on trust, laughter, and plenty of local outings. When Wendy first started caring for Eric, she made a lasting impression: “She was extremely friendly, happy, wonderful… settled me in lovely.”

A highlight of their friendship is the many adventures they've shared around the local area, including their bus trip and regular visits to The Pennsylvanian, a local pub in Rickmansworth. Wendy’s humour is key to these outings, making them all the more enjoyable. Eric laughs, “She’s got a brilliant sense of humour.”

Ann & Ola

99-year-old Ann and Ola (a Care Assistant at Chorleywood Manor) have a warm and special bond built on care, trust, and shared moments.

Ann often shares advice with Ola about life, urging her “to be patient and not rush into marriage.” They enjoy peaceful garden walks together, often singing Maale songs or Ann’s favourite, Que Sera Sera. Ann jokes that they are “two peas in a pod.”

Enter Lottie’s ‘Carers Christmas’ Giveaway Today

With an estimated 7.3 million people in the UK having caregiving responsibilities, we’ve launched our Carers Christmas Giveaway 2024. Three carers will be randomly selected to win a £250 Airbnb voucher, giving them the chance to enjoy a well-deserved break at a destination of their choice.

Carers can self-nominate for a chance to be one of three winners of an Airbnb voucher worth £250, or be nominated by someone else. Entries are open from the 21st of November to the 9th of December 2024.

Whether it’s a cosy countryside retreat or a vibrant city getaway, this is our way of saying thank you for everything carers do year-round. While only three winners will be chosen, our goal is to raise awareness and champion the incredible work of all paid and unpaid carers. We urge carers across the country to share their stories and experiences, nominate themselves or fellow carers, and help us shine a light on their vital role in the lives of so many.

Click to learn more about Lottie’s Carers Christmas Giveaway, including how to nominate a carer.

Lottie matches care seekers with the best care homes for their needs. You can request a free list of care homes from our care experts, who will share homes that match your budget, location and type of care needed. You can also search for a care home through our easy-to-use directory.