Moving a loved one into a care home is a significant transition for the whole family. At Carey Care, we have been a family-run business for 72 years, and we know that the heart of our community is not just our expert staff — it is the families and friends who bring so much life and joy into our homes.
Regular visits are vital for a resident’s emotional well-being, but we often hear from families who wonder: “What should we do during our visit?” or “How can we make this time more meaningful?”
Whether you are visiting us at Hill House in Kenley or Westside in Purley, here are our top tips for making every visit special.
Timing is Everything (But Our Doors Are Always Open!)
At Carey Care, we have an open-door policy — you are welcome at any time. That said, coordinating your visit around your loved one’s routine can make the experience even more enjoyable for everyone.
Join in with our activities
Check our monthly activities schedule and consider timing your visit around one of our popular sessions, such as Teapot Tuesday or a morning art class. Sharing an activity together takes the pressure off small talk and creates a genuinely lovely shared memory.
Mealtime companionship
We take great pride in our home-cooked, nutritious food — and we believe dining should be a real event. At Carey Care, the dining room is the social heart of the home, and you are always invited to pull up a chair and join us.
Themed dining evenings
We love getting creative with our menus! From fragrant curry evenings to a classic Sunday roast, our themed dining events are a fantastic reason to visit and share a special meal with your loved one.
Dinner & a show
We often pair our evening meals with live entertainment — local singers performing nostalgic hits, musicians who get everyone tapping their feet. These “dinner theatre” moments create a warm, joyful atmosphere that feels like a proper evening out.
Personalised afternoon teas
Celebrating a birthday or anniversary? Let us know! We host personalised afternoon teas with vintage crockery and bespoke treats, making sure your family milestones are celebrated properly within our community.
Bring the Outside In
While our homes are decorated in a warm, contemporary style, nothing beats personal touches from the world outside.
The “Photo Walk”
Bring physical photo albums or a tablet loaded with videos of grandchildren, family pets, or recent events. Rather than just showing them, sit together and explore each photo. Ask questions like: “Who was taking the photo here?” or “Do you remember what the weather was like that day?” Reliving those moments helps maintain a strong sense of identity and belonging.
Reading aloud
If conversation feels tiring, reading together is a beautiful way to bond. Bring a favourite book, a collection of classic poetry, or an old hobby magazine. Simply letting your loved one listen to the rhythm of your voice can be incredibly soothing — and gives you both a shared focus for the afternoon.
Bring the family pet
Did you know we are pet-friendly? We love seeing well-behaved dogs visit! Bringing a furry friend can be wonderfully therapeutic, not just for your loved one but for other residents too. (Please remember to keep them on a lead and bring their vaccination records.)
Embrace the Quiet Moments
A meaningful visit does not always have to be filled with conversation. Sometimes, just being there is enough.
Gentle touch
If your loved one is living with dementia, sensory engagement can be especially comforting. A simple hand massage or brushing their hair can be a deeply meaningful way to connect without words.
Enjoy the garden
Both Hill House and Westside are home to beautiful, extensive gardens. If the weather allows, a gentle stroll or simply sitting together in the fresh air can be the highlight of the day.
Create New Traditions
Moving into a care home is a new chapter — and it can be a chance to start lovely new traditions together.
The “Memory Box”
Every few visits, bring along one item from home — a trophy, a piece of jewellery, an old postcard — and take some time to talk about it. These small objects can spark wonderful stories and conversations.
Music therapy
Use your phone or a small speaker to play songs from your loved one’s youth. At Carey Care, we see every day how music has the power to unlock memories and bring real joy.
Take an Outing Together
If your loved one is able, why not take advantage of our beautiful Surrey surroundings? You are always welcome to take your loved one out for the day — whether it’s a trip to a local garden centre, a coffee in Purley, or simply a breath of fresh air. Just let our reception team know and sign a quick disclaimer before you head off on your adventure.
We’re always here for you.
At Carey Care, we believe that “the tiny details are the big things.” Your presence enhances life in our homes for everyone — residents, staff, and visitors alike.
If you ever have questions about how best to support your loved one, our Registered Nurse Managers and Activity Coordinators are always happy to chat.
Stay Involved with Our Community
We are always busy planning something fun! To see what we have coming up this month, be sure to check our Activities Calendar. We update it regularly so you can time your visits with your favourite sessions.
You can also see photos and videos of our past events and daily fun on our Carey Care Facebook Page. It’s a great way to see what we’ve already been up to and stay connected with our home’s vibrant life.