Despite its over-commercialisation, Valentine’s Day can be a great day to celebrate the joy that love brings, whether that’s our love for husbands, wives, family, loved ones who have passed away or even our celebrity crushes!

Here at the care home, Valentine’s Day is a sensitive time with the majority of the people we care for having lost their partners. We also have a Memory Lane Community for people living with dementia, and sadly some of the individuals living here no longer remember all the people who meant the most to them. With this in mind, we have tried to think out of the box to celebrate precious time spent with our loved ones and spread some Valentine’s Day joy.

Margaret has been living in our Memory Lane Community for just over a year now. Her loved one is Daniel O’Donnell, the famous Irish singer. Margaret has been to many of his concerts and has most (if not all) of his CDs. I wrote to Daniel through his fan club and told him all about Margaret and how much she loves him. To my surprise, not only did he send her a gorgeous signed photo of himself personalised to her, but he also sent her a Valentine's Day card and a voucher for a bouquet of flowers. I’ve asked our local postman to knock on her door to present this to her – I’m sure there will be many of us here with tears of joy.

For others we care for, we have decided to write love notes with them, which we will be folded into little boats to sail down the river Avon.

There’s a lovely quote from Winnie the Pooh that goes: “If ever there comes a time when we’re not together, keep me in your heart and there I’ll stay forever.” For those of us who are lucky enough to still have that special person, be sure to take the opportunity this Valentine’s Day to hold them just that bit longer or whisper “I love you”.

Jo is a grandmother as well as the Activities Coordinator at Overslade House Care Home in Rugby and is passionate about helping older people and people living with dementia so that they continue to enjoy and celebrate life.