This week has been amazing being able to celebrate so many of our Scottish residents, they were treated to a fabulous Scottish lunch, bagpipe playing by our talented activities team, many quizzes and baking activities across the home. We introduced our new music therapy sessions in our gardenview lounges, these have been so well enjoyed by all who took part.
Monday morning our Scottish theme started with tartan paper weaving, using bright colours to create our unique tartan patterns.
That afternoon we played hangman in the day lounge, seniors can stimulate their brain by playing hangman while guessing the letters and words. They might also enjoy bonding with others whom they are playing. This helps in reducing the symptoms of depression and having fun while playing the game.
Our Music therapy session saw the amazing Laura start our specialised music therapy lead activities.
The goals that music therapists work on are generally broken down into five domains: social, emotional, cognitive, communication, and physical.
Activities of daily life help us remain independent, our carers and everyone who looks after us encourages us to take part in our past loves, interests and hobbies. I helped filing paperwork in the office after afternoon tea rounds chatting away throughout.
This week marks the second National Activity Providers and Professionals Week in the UK.
Woodlands & Hill Brow Ltd are delighted to promote this important event which champions the role of Activity Providers and recognises their unique contribution to Hill House.
Thank you to all our Activity Providers, and for making an outstanding difference every day across our homes.
Spending Tuesday morning painting themed water colour pictures.
That afternoon, we watched a fantastic flower arranging demonstration in our gardenview lounge, then full of inspiration we lovingly arranged flowers in vases for the home.
Our day lounge, played an array of fun exercise games from floor darts to ball games, providing a full body work out while having fun with our friends at the same time.
Wednesday morning, we celebrated Robert Burns himself, completing burns night themed poems or reading his poetry and singing along to Auld Lang Syne. Others opted for a morning of highland cow painting and colouring or independently taking on jigsaw puzzles.
Our incredible Burns Night lunch, we were greeted by our very own bagpipe player before tucking into a traditional Scottish meal of Scottish salmon, neeps and tatties.
Wednesday afternoon was all fun and games as we set up in small groups playing board games.
Playing regularly exercises helps our logical thinking as we need to consider future strategic moves, which leads to a boost in cognitive function.
We also spent time reminiscing and looking through family photos, sharing stories.
Over in our gardenview’s indoor garden we pruned and trimmed our plants reviving them and ensuring they are getting the correct amount of light through the windows and that they had a good water.
Aside from filtering pollutants, indoor plants can improve your health, reduce stress, help you breathe easier, and improve your mood.
Fantastic morning on Thursday, we baked in our gardenview lounge. Mixing and shaping stunning Scottish shortbread biscuits following the top-secret recipe from our wonderful Chef David.
Studies undertaken on baking have found that those who engage in it release endorphins within their brains, which is considered the chemical for happiness.
Others took on a British wildlife quiz, or read Robert Burns Poetry.
Taking part in quizzes and memory games for elderly adults, are not only interesting and entertaining, but can also improve memory, daily life skills, and overall mental health.
That afternoon, we arranged our weekly floral arrangements in the day lounge while listening to Scottish bagpipes.
This wonderful lady today opened her ‘Theatre Design Studio’ with the help of activity coordinator Bryony, they spent the afternoon designing her first costume before turning her sketches into reality. She sewed on buttons, pleated fabrics and to create her stunning costume ready for any theatre stage.
Friday morning exercises and organising our rummage areas in the home, our newest laundry area has proven popular and we help fold and hang out sheets and clothes on the airer.
That afternoon we celebrated a very special ladies 90th birthday with a party in the day lounge. We loved hearing Rodney sing, we loved joining in.
Saturday our needle work group gathered in the day lounge, making stunning hand puppets, and felt flowers.
Others enjoyed recreating shape puzzles which lead to us forming stunning mandala pictures using nearly every shape in the box.
Sunday morning, we gathered to watch the weekly church services across the home. Others opted for a game or two of Bananagram a great word game.
That afternoon our cooking club gathered in the day lounge to mix up some traditional Scottish biscuits.
Baking helps to encourage a sense of trust, community, meaning, purpose, belonging, closeness, and intimacy ― all of which have been linked to things like increased happiness, decreased depression, and greater,more positive overall wellbeing.
