This week Hill House have explored the excitement and joy of Wimbledon Tennis, Wimbledon is long considered the most prestigious tournament in the sport and to be hosted not far from us here in Ewshot means so many of our residents have fond memories of going to the tournament or living close by.
Monday morning, we started our tennis themed week with a fun game of tennis in our garden view lounge and courtyard garden. Tennis strengthens the muscular system and improves body flexibility.
Others took time to make the morning tea for their friends and we spent time exploring photos of loved ones, sharing the memories attached to each picture.
A relaxing afternoon at Hill House spa this afternoon, we were welcomed to the spa by the sound of traditional spa music.
We enjoyed manicures, face masks as well as shoulder, neck, and face massages.
Spa treatments were finished with a glass of champagne and fresh fruits.
We boast a variety of nostalgic areas at Hill House, allowing residents to express themselves in past hobbies, interests, or activities of daily life; these cheerful residents have loved reconnecting with their past and present by taking on daily tasks. We loved helping paint the pictures.
Nostalgia is a wistful sentimental yearning for a return to some past period, promoting the feel-good hormone in those living with dementia. Our Wimbledon tennis picture quiz brought back fond memories as we guessed the famous players from yester year.
Tuesday morning exercises with volunteer Catherine – kick started our morning, balloon tennis is a great way to start our day, the lounge was filled with laughter.
Wednesday morning our monthly residents meeting was held in the home with General Manager, Laura, this empowers the residents to voice their concerns, exercise their rights, and play a part in the decision-making process within their own home.
Spending the morning in the glorious sunshine in our courtyard garden, we pruned and picked flowers and placed them in vases for our dining table centre pieces.
That afternoon, our Pimm’s cart rolled around the home as we all settled down to enjoy the afternoons tennis.
Variations on a Pimm’s cocktail have developed over the decades at Wimbledon and more than 280,000 glasses are thought to be consumed every year at the summer tournament.
Thursday morning, we flooded to the in-house hairdresser and beauty bar on our first floor.
Magazines, drinks and refreshments were on hand, while we were under the dryer or waiting our turn. Piano music played creating a calming atmosphere, we sat chatting with one another having a manicure, our nails polished and a fresh trim or set.
Our weekly cooking club gathered to whip up this week’s delights, we made a strawberry short cake, we weighed out ingredients before combining and whisking into a smooth silky batter.
Once baked and cooled we decorated with fresh cream and strawberries.
We also painted stunning tennis themed water colour pictures, while enjoying our morning newspaper & coffee social. Reading the daily news before engaging in an in-depth conversation about current affairs over hot drinks and a mid-morning snack.
An afternoon of making Pimm’s, we loved slicing the traditional fruits before mixing Pimm’s with lemonade and serving to the lounge. A great team effort.
A fabulous Wimbledon themed quiz took place with Pimm’s in hand. We learnt that 140,000 portions of strawberries and cream are served over the two-week period of Wimbledon and that “Rufus” the Harris Hawk keeps the pigeons away while the tournament takes place.
Friday, our day lounge had lots of engaging activities on offer, a small group convened for a 250 piece jigsaw puzzle, working together we completed the outside edge.
Jigsaw puzzles exercise the left and right sides of your brain at once. Your left brain is logical and works in a linear fashion, while your right brain is creative and intuitive.
Wimbledon tea party was in full swing as we watched Gracheva vs Sabalenka, we all tucked into cream scones and cakes, all washed down with lots of tea and coffee.
Saturday morning, we completed our giant crossword puzzle in the day lounge, working together to complete the brain training challenge. Crosswords, in particular, call for recalling facts, which helps enhance concentration ability and memory function.
That afternoon we engaged in a Wimbledon experience watching short videos of how Wimbledon first started, this history about the SW postcode site was followed by the live tennis for the afternoon, all while tucking into servings of seasonal strawberries and cream.
Sunday morning, inclusive Church services were held across the home on TV or streamed on iPads for those who wished.
We spent time completing brain training games from mazes to table tetris. These type of activities invoke a greater sense of independence an increase in greater understanding of the surroundings and they help to improve the memory capabilities.
