This week residents have loved trying new and exciting foods or trying old favourites again. As well as trips to a special ladies Luncheon, Quiz Night and to our Dementia Choir we have had a busy week out and about as well as all the fun activities within the home.
Monday morning, we started our day with a group jigsaw puzzle we have been working on for a couple of weeks we enjoy dipping in and out, even popping pieces in as we pass.
Others took time to enjoy our knitter Natter. Knitting is said to be one of the most relaxing and calming activities you can do, it reduces stress and is good for anxiety. Knitting helps stimulate the brain and to keep the focus, and improve your memory.
That afternoon, our weekly music therapy sessions took place across the home.
We are loving the new songs and beats we create on a variety of instruments.
Afternoon tea was served to the sounds of Rowena playing piano, a calming end to the afternoon’s activities.
Tuesday morning, across the home we welcomed Tinkerbell for pet therapy session, lovingly referred to as ‘Our Tinker Time’, we love her fluffy coat and cheeky personality, she senses when to be calm and when she can play.
We also spent time completing jigsaw puzzles and therapeutic colouring.
That afternoon our dementia choir were invited to a special choir tea party at Farnham Mill, over the months we have made so many new friends at choir. This informal afternoon was perfect to be able to catch up with one another before we sung some of our favourite songs.
Back at Hill House our farmers market rolled around the home for world food week.
The cart offered a variety of treats you might find at your local farmers market from a sweet stall to Jam and Chutney samples, as well as freshly squeezed juices, there was something for everyone to try.
We also spent time arranging our donated flowers by the local Sainsbury who give us the flowers each week.
We love receiving these and they brighten up our day and bedrooms across the home, there is no better smell than freshly cut flowers.
Wednesday morning, we started our morning with Communion as the paster from our local Catholic Church offered one to one communion.
We also welcomed Rev. Tara into the home for our monthly C of E Church service.
Spending time chatting about the church and the up coming celebrations being held in the church. Reminiscing about the year Rev Tara, rode a motor bike into church as the BIG Christmas surprise.
Others opted for a morning of reading their daily newspapers in the sunshine.
Others opted for a morning of giant snakes and ladders around the table racing to be the first to beat the snakes, climb the ladders and make it to the finish.
Our cocktail morning in our garden view lounge led us to a fun Lui themed exercise session with musical instruments and fabulous music playing we all danced and played along in our garden view lounge just before lunch.
That afternoon our giant cross word game was being taken on in our day lounge, whizzing through the board this week, working out the clues as a team is always fun. ‘You are never too old to learn something new’ – Ian
Sewing club in our garden view lounges is growing very popular, this week tying in with our food themed week we sewed stunning fruit decorations, these are now proudly displayed in the lounge.
That evening we attended a Families Supporting Care charity quiz night down at our sister home Woodlands, with lots of relatives new and old in attendance, it is a great social evening and of course gets the brain working hard as we compete to be crowned the winners. Sadly we were not quiz winners, but did do well winning on the raffle.
Thursday morning was the perfect opportunity to enjoy some pampering as we welcomed back our, in house hairdresser who we love chatting to while having our hair done.
Others spent time out in the garden pruning the plants and ensuring they were well watered.
This week’s trip out was a very special Ladies Luncheon, we were personally invited by invitation to join. These two lovely ladies enjoyed a spot of shopping before stopping for a cream tea, hot drinks and selection of cakes.
The afternoon was filled with flowers as our weekly floristry club gathered to arrange this week’s flowers for the home. We loved the giant hydrangeas that came with this weeks delivery, the bright pink colour and soft petals were shared round for everyone to enjoy.
Friday morning, we gave a warm welcome to ‘The little Farnham Ballet’ school who came to host their ballet class with us, this is a perfect example of international dance that is sweeping the world and showcasing how these two generations connect through dance, music and joy.
After the class children were invited to join for drink and cakes, providing the perfect time for the generations to meet each other and get to know one and other, the lounge was full of smiles.
Friday afternoon our cooking club gathered in the day lounge to make fruit kebabs, a fun twist on the kebabs that are considered to have originated in Turkey. We loved cutting up the fresh fruits into shapes before adding them to the sticks and covering them in chocolate for everyone to enjoy.
Saturday morning, we were all excited to watch the first England game of the Women’s World Cup against Haiti.
World Food week we saw Indian sweets, cakes and treats brought in by our lovely carers. Staff and residents loved trying these authentic delights.
We spent time engaging in fidget boards and themed jigsaw puzzles.
Our sewing and knitting club continued across the home with morning teas and coffees the perfect morning social activity. A great time to catch up with friends and enjoy past times we adore.
That afternoon we loved a game of dominoes, it is mentally stimulating, it promotes social interaction, it can be played at various levels of difficulty, it reduces stress, and maintains crucial skills such as arithmetic and critical thinking.
