Otley care home going viral with TikTok Fridays

Residents of a local care home have become viral TikTok stars thanks to their series of weekly videos.

Residents at Anchor’s Teal Beck House in Otley are filming (with the assistance of the care team) videos dancing and acting along to extracts of classic songs such as Queen’s “I’ve got to break free” in a series they are calling “TikTok Fridays.” 

The videos were initially a simple way for the residents to have a bit of fun and show their families they are well but have become hugely popular, with one video to Dolly Parton’s iconic 9 to 5 getting more than a quarter of a million views! The videos have also seen many positive comments from viewers left charmed by the performances.

Their videos were even featured on BBC Breakfast, where Deputy Manager Emma shared how the videos bring joy to the residents and their loved ones. Watch the full interview here.

While TikTok Fridays have become an example of how residents in care homes are still enjoying life and having fun, the videos are not the only thing the residents have been getting involved in. There has been a wide selection of enjoyable social events, including exceptional tea parties, cocktail afternoons and a regular nail salon. The care team have also used their social media skills to arrange regular virtual meetings (via Zoom, Skype etc.) for residents with their families.

One resident who is a regular in the TikTok Friday videos is June Longley, 96, who has lived at Teal Beck House for a year. She was keen to express her enthusiasm for TikTok Fridays, saying:

They’re so much fun! I’ve always loved a bit of Dolly and Queen so getting to dance along to them is brilliant, they’ve got 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!

Louise Bulcock, manager of Anchor’s Teal Beck house, said:

I’m just so delighted that people are enjoying our TikTok Fridays! It was a brilliant idea by my deputy Emma and colleague Rachel.

It’s been incredible how keen everyone is to take part and has been so much fun to make.

It started as a way of lifting the mood during lockdown and now it’s become the highlight of the week! Everyone is keen to watch the latest video and my team keep outdoing themselves with each one! It’s not been an easy time for anyone, and we’ve been doing what we can to make sure our residents are happy and entertained.  It’s so nice to think these videos are bringing joy to people outside Teal Beck House as well!

To watch all the previous TikTok Friday videos visit either: https://twitter.com/TealBeckHouse or https://www.tiktok.com/@emmathackray8