This week has been an absolute blast at Hill House! We’ve been diving into our favourite books and uncovering new tales that have captured our hearts. From the whimsical world of Winnie the Pooh to the thrilling search for Wally, there’s been a story for everyone to enjoy. But what’s made this week truly special is the incredible stories shared by our residents. They’ve opened up to us and shared their own experiences, creating a bond that’s strengthened our community here at Hill House.
Monday morning, “Where’s Wally” brain training game was hosted in the day lounge; we took on a variety of fun picture-finding games inspired by the Where’s Wally books.
The Where’s Wally books came out in the mid-’80s and instantly created a following. Whether it’s because of the catchy name, his trademark stripes, or the hyper-detailed hilarious art style, there’s a lot to love in this classic book.
That afternoon Laura, our designated music therapist, arrived for our customary weekly music therapy sessions.
Music therapy can promote physical activity, stretching, playing instruments, dancing, gait training, fine and gross motor skills, and more.
We had a blast playing cards with our amazing carers! It was a fun-filled afternoon filled with laughter, friendly competition, and great company.
On a lovely Tuesday morning, our garden view lounge was buzzing with a range of exciting one-on-one activities, from the soothing art of knitting to the thrilling challenge of math puzzles, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
As we whipped up a delectable honey cake, we were transported to the whimsical world of Winnie the Pooh. The tales of this lovable bear filled the room with laughter and joy, making our morning even more delightful.
And when our cake was finally ready, it was as light and fluffy as a cloud, with a deliciously sweet honey flavour that left us wanting more. It was the perfect start to a magical day.
Book-themed picture bingo was played in the cozy day lounge. It was a thrilling and fun-filled experience that had everyone on the edge of their seats.
What a delightful afternoon, we eagerly welcomed Simon into a Ballroom dance class. With his smooth waltzing moves, he swept us off our feet and had us twirling around the room in a lively cha-cha-cha.
Dancing regularly will help maintain strength and strong bones, improve posture and muscle strength, increase balance and coordination, and help relieve any stresses there may be.
On Wednesday mornings, we like to treat ourselves to some pampering with manicures and hand massages in the day lounge. We even get to listen to our favourite tunes on Alexa while we relax. It’s the perfect way to start the day.
The clacking of dominoes and the excitement of board games could be heard echoing from other corners of our garden view lounges.
What a fantastic adventure our Hill House residents had on their latest voyage down the Basingstoke canal! With eager anticipation, they hopped aboard and soaked up fascinating facts about the area’s iconic houses and landmarks that we glided past. As we drifted along the tranquil waterways, the sweet melodies of birdsong serenaded us while we savoured a scrumptious high tea on the water.
But the fun didn’t stop there! On the way back, both Bryony and Catherine took the helm, expertly steering the boat with guidance from our knowledgeable crew. And what’s a boat ride without some singing and dancing? We belted out tunes and even got a chuckle from a passersby as a few Christmas songs played by mistake. It was a day to remember!
That afternoon our sewing club gathered to hand-stitch bookmarks and coasters.
On Thursday morning, we indulged in a little bit of luxury by visiting our in-home hairdresser for some much-needed pampering. It was the perfect way to start the day and we felt like royalty as we were treated to a fabulous hair styling session. It was the ultimate pick-me-up.
We spent Thursday getting lost in the world of books, eagerly sharing our favourite stories and characters. It was a morning well-spent, filled with learning, and a shared love of literature.
A thrilling game of holiday picture pairs ignited some truly amazing conversations about beautiful Italy. From the stunning architecture to the mouth-watering cuisine, we couldn’t get enough of Italy’s charm. It was an unforgettable experience that left us all dreaming of our next Italian adventure.
We hosted a delightful tea party that was both fun and social! We were thrilled to have our amazing housekeeping team join us for this tremendous first get-to-know-us event.
It was a wonderful opportunity to bond and connect over delicious tea and scrumptious treats.
At the start of our Friday, we spent time with our fun carer team playing board games and having a great time together.
It was a day of pure whimsy as we celebrated Alice in Wonderland! We transformed a corner of the lounge into a magical wonderland with an artificial green grass mat and a thrilling game of croquet.
The competition was fierce as we battled it out in a game that was fit for the Queen of Hearts herself.
The indulgent morning ritual of our Catherine-led exercises transpired in the day lounge, where our esteemed group of enthusiasts continue to flourish in numbers.
On a delightful Friday afternoon, the esteemed cooking club convened to craft the most exquisite queen of heart jam tarts, as a part of our weekly culinary endeavor.
Whether for seasoned bakers or those trying it out for the first time, making bread, cakes, biscuits or pies is a great way to get involved in the kitchen. It can also help maintain skills as we age.
On the delightful morning of Saturday, we commenced our tin can alley with a whimsical twist, indulging in a story-themed game of Humpty Dumpty knockdown.
We cozied up to watch the timeless masterpiece, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. But wait, it gets even sweeter! Our viewing experience was elevated by a magnificent sweet cart, inspired by the whimsical world of the film. It was a treat for both our eyes and taste buds!
Summer may be winding down, but that doesn’t mean we’re ready to say goodbye just yet! With the sun shining and the temperatures rising, we took full advantage of the beautiful weather on Sunday by exploring the gardens surrounding our home. It was the perfect day to be out and about, soaking up the last bit of summer before it slipped away again.
