Elderly residents of Otley care home become TikTok stars during lockdown
Emma Thackray, deputy manager at Anchor’s Teal Beck House, in Otley, said she started “TikTok Friday” as a way of boosting the spirits of residents, who are unable to see their loved ones due to Covid-19 restrictions.
The residents at the 50-bed home have taken part in the series of videos, dancing and acting to songs including Dolly Parton’s 9 To 5 – which has been viewed nearly 400,000 times since being posted on the social media site in September.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdMs Thackray said: “It started at the beginning of the pandemic. I felt like we needed a little bit of a boost, a little bit of fun going on.
“I’d not really done TikTok before but we did one and we all had such a brilliant time, such fun and laughter.
“They look forward to having some time out and some fun together and forgetting about what’s going on really. It’s definitely made a difference in our home anyway.”
She added: “The 9 To 5 one was the tip of the iceberg, that’s the best one we’ve done, everybody loved that one.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“It’s amazing, I cannot believe how popular it has been, I really can’t.”
The 35-year-old said the residents are sometimes “a little bit confused” when they are given directions while making the videos but they have enjoyed watching the outcome.
She said: “When we show them the end results, they really like it. They love seeing themselves, they say they’re actors.”
The West Yorkshire care home is currently under Tier 2 “high level” coronavirus restrictions, with visitors not allowed to visit residents.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdMs Thackray said: “They miss their family and friends but we’re trying to make it as normal and lovely as possible in here and I think we are.”
June Longley, 96, who has lived at Teal Beck House for a year, said TikTok Fridays were “so much fun”.
She said: “I’ve always loved a bit of Dolly and Queen so getting to dance along to them is brilliant, they’ve got some excellent music taste here.
“It’s been a really nice way to have some fun but also show my family that I am OK, having fun and being well looked after.
“They really are spoiling us here but I think we’ve all earned it.”
Comment Guidelines
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.