Residents of a care home for older individuals in the UK were taken aback when they received Valentine’s Day cards from a funeral directors firm, according to a report by the Sun.
The recipients at Whitegates Care Centre in Surrey were surprised to find cards adorned with red hearts and bows from T.H. Sanders & Sons Funeral Directors, a company located in Staines, near the care home.
One family member expressed concern, stating that the gesture would have caused confusion, upset, and disappointment among the residents, many of whom have recently lost their lifelong partners.
Another relative criticized the move as an insensitive attempt to attract new customers.
The son of an 80-year-old woman residing in the care home was outraged by the incident and intervened to prevent his mother from seeing the card, fearing it would upset her deeply.
“It’s appalling for funeral directors to be trying to attract new customers by targeting vulnerable elderly people,” he told the Sun.
Reportedly, around 40 cards were delivered to the care home by the funeral directors. The home, which provides 51 bedrooms, charges rates starting at $1,640 a week.
H. Sanders is affiliated with the Dignity Funeral Directors group, which expressed regret for any unintended distress caused by the gesture.
A spokesperson from the care home emphasized their connection to the local community and appreciated the support of all neighbors, including T.H. Sanders. They stated that residents were delighted to receive the Valentine’s Day cards and enjoyed celebrating the occasion.
When contacted by Business Insider, Whitegates declined to comment on the matter.
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