What an energetic week we’ve had at Hill House, as we celebrated the Paralympics. With our special events as we hosted our very own Paralympic games taking on new sports; discus, shotput and javelin throwing. Residents got creative making Olympic touches. Throughout the week residents immersed themselves in a wide variety of sporting activities and brain training games, working both on their physical and mental strengths.
Monday morning, we started our day with fun chair-based exercises to upbeat music to help motivate us.
After an energetic start to the day, we continued with great activities and played card games like snap, higher or lower and picture pairs.
That afternoon we welcomed back the very talented Dorina, we sat enchanted by the sound of her piano recital.
Tuesday morning in our garden view lounge we engaged in a fun game of parachute.
Every activity we do at Hill House serves multiple purposes and they are always a ton of fun. First and foremost, we want to promote an environment of enjoyment for all present and that often means seeking out activities that residents with varying ability levels can enjoy with the same enthusiasm. Parachute play is an excellent option in this case as it allows everyone to exercise while having fun.
Others opted for a calmer morning of brain training Paralympic word games.
Our arts & crafters this week designed Olympic touches and medals.
Being engaged in hands-on creative activities can improve motor skills, strengthen social connections, reduce stress, and alleviate anxiety. It can also be good for the brain.
While Team GB athletes were going for gold, here at Hill House we got into the spirit of the Paralympic Games.
With an assort course of fantastic Paralympic activities at every turn, we tried our hand at Discus throwing, Shot put and shooting before giving the javelin a throw. Everyone had a fabulous afternoon of games and trying out new sports.
We finished our fabulous Paralympic afternoon with our own closing ceremony with music and singing.
On Wednesday morning with a cup of tea in hand we tackled this week’s white board brain training games, with a name me 5 Quiz linked with the weeks theme of Paralympic and sport.
Garden view lounge played a competitive game of Quoits, scoring points every time the hooked the hoops.
That afternoon we were delighted to again have a live singer entertain us for the afternoon. The birthday girl’s favourite singer was there to entertain everybody. We loved singing along to songs we knew, finishing off the afternoon with tea and birthday cake.
Thursday morning saw us participate in a variety of engaging activities, we sorted shape puzzles and mazes.
A group game of dominoes with friends or completed a 100-piece jigsaw puzzles one to one with keyworkers
Others spent the morning in our floristry club arranging stunning floral displays.
Research has proven that there are many benefits of flower arranging for older people. As well as enabling residents to be creative and use their imagination, it also encourages use of the fingers and hands and is a great stress reliever, promoting a calm atmosphere.
Thursday afternoon with birthday celebrations happening outdoors in the garden with a chocolate themed tea party, chocolate cake and hot chocolate flowing. Others spent the afternoon engrossed in maths puzzles and playing along to countdown on the TV.
Board games and card games were enjoyed in the lounge while listening to a frank Sentara playlist on the alexia requested by the group.
Friday morning daily newspapers and a cup of tea the perfect way to start the day.
It was the perfect morning for Pet therapy, 11-week-old Fred wagged his tail around and relished in all the fuss we were giving him, he showed off the sit command but only if we had a slice of yummy sausage.
Pet therapy, also known as Animal Assisted Therapy, is a technique that uses animals to interact with seniors to help improve their health and quality of life overall. Studies show that just 15 minutes with a dog, cat, or another service animal can increase brain activity and serotonin levels in seniors.
After making a fuss of Fred we embarked on a variety of board games from ludo to snakes and ladders. Playing against one and other to be the first to get around the board and back home.
Just before lunch we started a game of balloon tennis and everyone in the lounge joined in. It created lots of laughter.
After a scrumptious lunch we dove straight into the Omi interactive games, starting with multiple choice quizzes and finishing with a fun game of target throwing.
Our water colour painting class was well received by those who took part, with the opportunity to express themselves through art, studies show that those who participated in creative arts experienced lower levels of depression and loneliness and were more positive in general.
Saturday morning balloon volleyball was enjoyed in the garden view lounge, and back by popular demand we had another game of Quoits.
Elsewhere a group jigsaw puzzle was started in the lounge and picture pairs over a cup of tea was played, others of us opted for a morning of reading our daily papers and chatting with family and friends who were visiting.
Saturday afternoons movie club enjoyed a the tremendous re make of Dumbo, while indulging in cinema treats; ice-creams or pick n mix sweets.
Others picked out their own independent activities to enjoy or spent time out and about with families and loved ones.
Sunday mornings at hill house are a time to relax and reflect with a newspaper or taking part in one of our variety of religious vertical services on offer through out the home, we ensure we provide the spiritual outlet tailored to each resident, Lynn provided her weekly religious reading to residents across the home, these readings are uplifting and promote conversations.
After a Sunday roast it is a perfect time for us to get outside into the fresh air and spend time immersed in nature.
Playing snap in the garden view lounge created a lot of laughter and noise as we raced to be the one who was victorious and won the cards.
