Residents have spent the week reminiscing about their school days, being pupils and teachers.
Monday morning, our garden view lounge started with an art class as we kicked off our back-to-school week.
Studies have shown that art therapy activities help boost cognitive function in various areas of the brain and enhance communication, brain function, and social interaction in people with dementia.
We completed a back-to-school word finder in the day lounge. A large group of us came together to exercise our brains, finding a staggering 53 words.
That afternoon, we welcomed back Laura for another great session of music therapy.
Our piano tea party took place in the day lounge, with Rowena playing in the background as we sipped tea, ate scrumptious cake, and chatted with friends.
Tuesday morning started with chair-based exercise with our volunteer Catherine, this helps with posture, straight alignment of the spine, and it increases our circulation.
A pleasant morning for this gentleman, he used to love going to the local snooker hall with friends to play a game of pool. He now has easy access to play the game he loves whenever he wishes.
A very busy morning in our garden view lounges throughout the morning, we started our day reminiscing about the school chalkboard. Elsewhere we played dominos and took part in exercises and ball games, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
We played our own version of the classic playground game hopscotch, tossing bean bags to see how many points we could score.
That afternoon…. Promoting activities of daily life has huge benefits for us, especially for those living with dementia. We are encouraged to lend a helping hand; hanging the laundry, making drinks for themselves and friends in the lounge are all activities that promote wellbeing.
On this sunny summer day, it was perfect for a spot of gardening. Repotting our planters into stunning hanging baskets, which are now proudly hanging from the pavilion in the courtyard.
Wednesday, we welcomed a singer into the home for an afternoon of lively music and a sing-a-long.
We played along with musical instruments it was a marvellous afternoon of interactive music.
Thursday morning, we completed jigsaw puzzles relevant to our personal interests, from reminiscing about trips to London to living close to Brooklands racetrack. These fun jigsaw puzzles are created to provide not only the benefits that jigsaw puzzles provide but as an outlet for sharing our memories and emotions triggered by the finished puzzle.
A spot of sewing as we listened to 1950s music, working together we finished our first fruit-themed embroidery.
A great team effort for this week’s flower arranging club, drawing in a large group who love creating the stunning centrepieces now displayed around the home.
Thursday afternoon in the absence of our amazing hairdresser this week, we relished the opportunity of some pampering. Our activities team stepped into style our hair using rollers, curlers, and tongs there was a style for everyone. This group of ladies stayed together having a fabulous chit-chat all afternoon.
Friday, we welcomed Rev. Tara to the home for our monthly service, Janet loved to play piano for us during the service, we sang hymns, listened to sermons and shared communion.
Others took on independent activities across the home from aqua water arts to solving shape puzzles.
Reminiscing about the famous artists featured in our magazine, we spoke about visiting the National Gallery and seeing the art hung on the walls.
