The events, inspired by International Picnic Day, were hosted by seven Colten Care homes in Hampshire and Dorset.
The homes, including Belmore Lodge in Lymington, Woodpeckers in Brockenhurst, Fernhill in Longham, Whitecliffe House in Blandford, Canford Chase and The Aldbury in Poole, and Abbey View in Sherborne transformed their gardens, courtyards, and summer houses into picnic spots.
Residents and care home staff prepared a range of classic picnic food, including quiches, sausage rolls, dips, cheese and cucumber sandwiches, and salads.
Anne Hammond, a resident at Canford Chase, said: “It reminded me of being a Girl Guide and making picnics at camp.”
Residents were given the chance to walk down memory lane as they shared stories of past picnics.
Tony Husband from The Aldbury care home said: “The food was nice and we, our families, and the companions all did very well by the support of the team.
Similarly, at Fernhill, a dementia care home, the garden was transformed with gingham-checked fabrics, evoking a ‘1950s retro feel.’
Here, the residents took an additional trip to Hamworthy Park on the Poole seafront for another picnic lunch.
Fernhill companionship team leader, Cara Duroe, said: “The experience of sharing food outdoors brought back many memories for our residents of when picnics were a cherished family tradition.”
Among the other activities, residents enjoyed live music performances.
Pianist Kevin Pritchard, a member of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, entertained the residents at Woodpeckers care home.
The initiative was praised by several residents, who expressed their delight and eagerness for future events.
Terry Pattison, another resident at The Aldbury, said: “Good starter for the season. Let’s have another picnic soon.”
