Hill House has been buzzing with activity this week as Christmas takes centre stage. The residents have been enthusiastically participating in a range of festive activities, from crafting paper chains to enjoying the company of adorable festive goats.
The week kicked off with a traditional Christmas activity: crafting paper chains. As we worked on creating yards of colourful chains, we filled the air with the joyful melodies of Christmas Carols.
Our morning crafting club was a blast as we unleashed our creativity, crafting Christmas tree decorations from pompoms, stained glass windows, and the classic painted bauble. It was a delightful time spent chatting with friends and having fun.
The art of crafting holds great significance as we age, offering a multitude of advantages.
As gentle melodies of the piano filled the air, a delightful gathering unfolded on a serene Monday afternoon. We formed a lovely group, savouring a musical tea party, where laughter and conversation intertwined with cherished Christmas memories.
Tuesday morning brought a festive touch to our morning memory games as we indulged in a delightful Christmas-themed matching pairs challenge. Engaging in brain training activities like these is truly wonderful because they stimulate our cognitive abilities and keep our minds sharp.
Some individuals chose to embrace the serenity of sketching as their preferred activity.
Hill House’s international Elf Day was made even more delightful with the presence of a tantalizing Hot Chocolate interactive cart. The air was filled with the joyful sounds of our mischievous little elves, as they spread Christmas cheer throughout the home, accompanied by the irresistible aroma of chocolate goodness.
Our group Physio sessions, which take place on Tuesday afternoons, are still incredibly popular.
We embarked on a thrilling Wednesday bus adventure that led us to Camberley, where we indulged in an exhilarating morning of Ten Pin Bowling. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, excitement, and a delightful touch of friendly rivalry, making it an unforgettable experience.
There’s something truly special about spending our mornings arranging flowers, especially when we gather with our fellow flower enthusiasts in our beloved flower arranging clubs.
The coffee and craft social provided us with the ideal occasion to put the finishing touches on our Christmas tree decorations, which we had begun earlier in the week.
In the lounge, where the coffee and craft social were happening, our mobile coffee bar glided through the entire house, presenting a selection of indulgent coffees ranging from vanilla lattes to double chocolate mochas.
The soothing power of music therapy in our garden view lounge every Wednesday afternoon. These sessions provide a range of captivating advantages, such as promoting relaxation and well-being.
Our flower arranging with Louise club is an absolute favourite among our activities. Every Thursday morning, we come together to create stunning arrangements with vibrant and cheerful flowers, adding a touch of beauty to our day.
The garden view lounge started the morning with a lively game of dominoes, followed by a heartwarming wartime singalong. For individuals living with dementia, music serves as a powerful tool that encourages engagement and connection.
It is the beginning of Hanukkah, a celebration observed worldwide. At Hill House, our residents had a delightful afternoon immersing themselves in an interactive experience to learn about this Jewish festival. We came together to watch captivating videos that shed light on the significance of Hanukkah. Following that, we embarked on a fun-filled themed quiz, where our residents collaborated and triumphantly completed it.
Continuing with our interactive journey, we savoured a mouthwatering video showcasing the traditional Hanukkah Sufganiyah (donut) before indulging in this fried delight.
The local school joined us on Thursday evening for a delightful carol concert, filling the air with joy and merriment. The atmosphere was electric as everyone danced and clapped along to the enchanting melodies. Meeting the children afterwards was a heartwarming experience, as we shared the spirit of Christmas and spread joy throughout the evening.
Our hearts were filled with joy as our beloved goats, Diddy and Mario, surprised us with a delightful Christmas visit on Friday morning. They pranced around the house, adorned with festive tinsel, spreading holiday cheer.
We dedicated our Friday afternoon to perfecting our cooking abilities by making Christmas Yule Logs. We skilfully prepared a light and airy chocolate buttercream, which we then generously spread over the log.
In our cozy living room, we embraced the tradition of making mince pies, adding our own unique touch. Collaboratively, we rolled out the dough, generously filled it with our homemade mincemeat from last week and baked it to perfection. The delightful aroma filled the air as we savoured these warm treats, accompanied by a comforting cup of tea.
Our garden view lounges were buzzing with excitement that morning as a variety of games took centre stage. From the lively animal sounds bingo to the strategic dominoes, and not forgetting the unforgettable group Christmas quiz and trivia, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
The church band’s visit on Saturday brought an abundance of joy and excitement. The air was filled with festive tunes, spreading the Christmas cheer and the love for music. Everyone, from residents to staff, couldn’t help but join in the dancing, creating a truly enchanting atmosphere.
Sunday morning was buzzing with excitement as we embarked on a delightful morning filled with an array of board games. Laughter echoed through the air as we indulged in the thrill of Snakes & Ladders and the challenge of Scrabble. Engaging in these games not only brought us joy, but also proved to be a fantastic way to embrace the benefits of aging gracefully.
We had a delightful Sunday afternoon as we engaged in a Pantomime read-along session, demonstrating our incredible acting talents while reading from ‘Robin Hood Rhyming Panto’. Laughter filled the air, creating a truly unforgettable experience.
As we age, it becomes increasingly important to recognize the value of continuing to read, as it provides us with motivation and inspiration.
