ABBEY House is throwing its doors open to the community in celebration of National Care Home Day on Saturday 21 April.

Residents, staff and families will be treated to an afternoon of jazz music and cake-eating in recognition of the different people, cultures and relationships that make up the care home community.

Kinga Dabrowska, customer relations co-ordinator at Abbey House, said: "We're looking forward to an afternoon of celebrations with our residents and the local community as part of this year's National Care Home Day.

We are excited to showcase the caring and friendly atmosphere that we offer at Abbey House as we continue to create lasting links between the care home and the community.'"

Between 1.00-2.30pm open day attendees can enjoy live music from jazz band Breeze, delicious cakes, and the chance to win prizes in a tombola. The afternoon is intended as an opportunity for local people to meet Abbey House staff and residents. A free Dementia Friends session is taking place at 11.30am, which will provide information about dementia and ways the local community can overcome the condition.

A nationwide event, National Care Home Day is now in its sixth year and was introduced to showcase the inspiring and friendly environments that care homes offer. This year's theme is ‘linking communities' which aims to encourage older people to establish meaningful friendships with people in the local neighbourhood.

The celebration is the latest in a series of community events at Abbey House. Previous events included community lunches as well as visits from school children as part of National Storytelling Week.

Milestones Trust runs the Abbey Park care home and supports people with mental health challenges, dementia and learning disabilities. The charity runs 44 residential and nursing care homes across the South West.