'Care home photo shoot made me feel 20 years younger'

Residents at a Maidstone care home were given a glamorous photo shoot by staff which left one 100-year-old feeling "20 years younger".

Staff at Maplewood Court Care Home, in Kent, organised the photo shoot with colourful clothing, flower-studded wigs and statement sunglasses and hats.

Hilda Howes, a 100-year-old resident, said the photos made her feel "20 years younger".

"It was so much fun to dress up in all the bright clothes," the centenarian said.

The shoot was the idea of lifestyles team leader, Laura Taylor, and lifestyles assistant, Jo Morgan, who were inspired by a video they had seen on social media.

"We planned a lot of it in secret to build the excitement and there was such a buzz in the home," Taylor said.

The pair sourced the wigs online and members of the team contributed jewellery, scarves and sunglasses, and the photographs were taken with the help of Jo's daughter, Gemma Harwood, and Gemma's fiancee, Emma Rogers.

Jo said: "We were thrilled that everyone was so keen to get dressed up.

"The whole thing lifted everyone's mood, it was wonderful to see!"

The team will be printing the photos for the residents to display in their bedrooms, and they are also planning an exhibition to show off the photographs to visitors and families.

"I'll be able to look at it every day and see how fabulous I looked and remember what a fun afternoon we had," said Violet Syers, 92.

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