How We Celebrate Love & Friendship at Tanglewood Care Homes

Valentine’s Day at our care homes is about more than one date in February. For us, it’s about making residents feel connected, remembered, and if possible, surrounded by people who care about what matters to them.

Across our communities, residents, families, and team members came together to share joy, memories, and meaningful connections. From elegant dances to relaxed tea parties, each care home marked the Valentine’s season in its own special way. It reflects our relationship-centred approach to care, where we support the bonds, memories, and connections that shape each person’s life.

In this article, we take a look back at the events, stories, and shared experiences at our care homes that show how love and friendship continue to matter in later life.

Valentine’s Day in Care Homes for Elderly Residents

Valentine’s Tea Parties

Care homes including Sleaford Hall, Meadows Park, and Sandpiper hosted tea parties and family gatherings. These relaxed gatherings in homely surrounding gave residents time to talk, laugh, and feel close to the people who matter most to them. The celebrations united residents and their families.

Hearts United at Avocet House

Residents at Avocet House marked Valentine’s Day with a celebration focused on connection and kindness. The event brought residents together to share conversations, laughter, and moments of togetherness that reflect the strong sense of community within the home.

Cedar Falls Valentine’s Ball for Older Residents

Residents at Cedar Falls’ Valentine’s Ball enjoyed a night of elegance and celebration. Team members transformed the home with a striking red-and-black balloon arch. Residents danced to classic music, enjoyed homemade cakes and scones, and took part in a fun quiz that filled the room with laughter. For many, the evening felt like a return to familiar celebrations from earlier life.

Love Stories That Stand the Test of Time

At Tanglewood, we believe care should honour the lives people have lived and the relationships that continue to matter to them. Our passionate and dedicated care teams take the time to get to know each resident personally. Valentine’s Day gives us the chance to celebrate the remarkable relationships within our care homes.

Jeff and Jean – 71 Years Together
Jeff and Jean’s 71-year love story began with a chance meeting at a dance in Skegness. Their story grew through military service, family life, and shared experiences. Today, Jeff visits Jean every day at Hunters Creek in Boston, continuing a journey that spans more than seven decades. Jeff’s daily visits allow the couple to continue the routines and closeness that have defined their life together for more than 70 years. Their story reflects our commitment to supporting lasting relationships and daily connection.

Ray and Mary – 66 Years of Marriage
Ray Insley’s journey, shared in From first date dreams to 66 years of love. Their story shows how young love can grow into a lifetime of happiness.

A 65-Year Love Story at Toray Pines

Residents at Toray Pines celebrated a remarkable milestone as a couple marked their 65th Valentine’s Day together. They shared memories of how their story began in the autumn of 1953 and reflected on a lifetime of partnership, commitment, and shared experiences.

Mike and Elsebeth’s Love Story

Mike and Elsebeth’s journey began with a chance introduction that quickly grew into a lifelong partnership. Their story is a reminder that love can arrive unexpectedly and continue to grow stronger over time.

A Reunion Years in the Making
At Cloverleaf care home in Lincoln, two residents reconnected after first meeting at the age of 17. Decades later, chance brought them together again in Lincoln. They now share their later years side by side.

Janet and Derek – A Lifelong Bond
Janet and Derek’s connection began at infant school. That early friendship grew into a lifelong partnership that remains strong today.

A Love Story That Defies Time

One resident shared a moving account of a relationship that began at just 17 years old. Decades later, that connection has endured, showing how love can resurface and flourish across a lifetime.

Meaningful Moments for Older Adults & Senior Residents

Across our homes, Valentine’s Day created moments that helped residents feel included, celebrated, and part of something shared. These events and experiences are organised by our lifestyle coordinators to support emotional wellbeing, spark memories, and strengthen the sense of belonging. These moments support emotional wellbeing, shared identity, and a sense of belonging, all central to how we care for our residents.

Swingin’ 50s at Beeston Rise
At Beeston Rise, residents stepped back in time during a Swingin’ 50s Valentine’s Day celebration. Familiar music and retro style sparked memories and smiles throughout the day. The celebration gave residents the chance to reconnect with moments from their younger years.

Melodies at Abbey Wood Lodge
Abbey Wood Lodge welcomed the Ukulele Buddies for a live performance of love songs. The music encouraged singing along and inspired residents to share stories linked to the melodies they knew so well.

Music and Memories at Abbey Wood Lodge

Abbey Wood Lodge welcomed the Ukulele Buddies for a special Valentine’s performance. The familiar love songs encouraged residents to sing along and share memories linked to the music, filling the home with warmth and joy.

Friendship & Belonging in Care for Older People

Across all Tanglewood Care Homes, Valentine’s Day offered a chance to celebrate romantic love, friendship, and the connections that make each home special.  Across our homes, Valentine’s Day was less about the date itself and more about how residents felt — connected, included, and able to continue the lives and relationships that matter to them. Whether through music, shared memories, or quiet moments with loved ones, each celebration supported a sense of belonging and emotional wellbeing.

Specialist Elderly Care Built Around Connection

At Tanglewood Care Homes, we focus on how residents feel each day, valued, understood, and at home. By supporting relationships, memories, and meaningful moments, we help people continue to live lives filled with connection and purpose. If you would like to explore whether this approach feels right for you or a loved one, you can get a care home brochure, arrange a viewing, or speak with our team to discuss your situation. Our doors are always open, and the kettle is always on.