This week, St. George’s Day was commemorated at Hill House with a variety of activities ranging from tea parties to engaging games, providing entertainment for all attendees.

We kicked off Monday morning with a delightful arts and crafts session, where we painted St George’s shields and then turned them into bunting by cutting them out.

A week dedicated to England wouldn’t be complete without an entertaining Shakespeare quiz and trivia session. We exchanged tales of our visits to Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s hometown, and discussed the numerous plays we’ve either witnessed or participated in. It was a delightful and sociable morning for everyone involved.

The afternoon kicked off with a lovely classic English tea party, where we sat around a table set with exquisite fine bone china and delicious cakes. We spent the afternoon savouring each other’s company and catching up with friends.

Many people joined forces in a Shakespeare picture quiz, collectively attempting to identify the well-known plays, resulting in the initiation of several captivating discussions.

Some individuals dedicated their time to participating in one-on-one activities such as playing dominoes or creating watercolour paintings together.

Chefs table on Tuesday morning with our talented chef Steve who gave a wonderful demonstration, cooking a tikka masala with pilau rice and chapati, assisted by the residents.

Sharing his wealth of knowledge on the spices and how to cook as the lounge filled with the aroma of delicious curry. Once done residents sat together and enjoyed the meal with a glass of beer or wine.

 

Our Tuesday began with a series of one-on-one activities from board games to garden walks. We eagerly assisted with household chores, including washing up and setting the table for lunch. Engaging in these daily tasks not only keeps our minds sharp but also enhances our independence and overall well-being.

Tinkerbell brought joy to our home as she proudly wore her St. George’s Day bandana, charming everyone with her grace and affection for cuddles.

On Tuesday afternoon, we gathered for our dementia choir session at Farnham Mill, eagerly anticipating the bus ride and the joyous time ahead with our friends from different homes. Singing our favourite tunes and mingling with others during choir brings us so much happiness and fulfilment.

In the day lounge, a big crowd of us came together on Wednesday to play St. George’s Day bingo and compete for prizes.

This activity engages various cognitive functions such as visual and auditory perception, memory, following instructions, recognizing numbers and letters, and coordinating visual and motor skills

Our weekly music therapy session in the garden view lounge is a highlight on our calendar, bringing joy and positivity to those living with dementia through the magical power of music.

In the cozy lounge, we eagerly gathered around the table for the ‘Chef it up’ activity. The room filled with the mouth-watering scent of grilled sandwiches. As we buttered the bread and chose our fillings, anticipation grew. The sizzle of the grill and our laughter created a warm atmosphere.

Finally, we grabbed our plates and admired our creations before taking that first delicious bite. The flavours melded perfectly, bringing smiles to our faces. As we savoured each bite, we shared stories and memories, creating a sense of connection. The ‘Chef it up’ activity nourished our souls and reminded us of the joy of cooking and sharing a meal. It was a memorable experience we would cherish.

We had an amazing time at our traditional English tea party, where the talented singer Sarah entertained us with her live performance.

We had a blast playing St Georges Hoopla in the living room, honing our aim and enjoying ourselves as we racked up points.

We kicked off the morning with an exciting burst of energy, engaging in a lively round of balloon bounce to kickstart our day and get us ready for the exciting activities ahead.

Our English culinary experience was absolutely delightful as we indulged in a wide array of traditional English dishes, from Cornish pasties to Eccles cakes. It was a nostalgic journey down memory lane, and we had a blast trying out new and unfamiliar flavours.

The crossword puzzle on Saturday was a tough challenge, but we were determined to conquer it with our trusty pens and sharp minds.

Some of us worked on the crossword puzzle while others played brain training games on the whiteboard, testing our memory, logic, and problem-solving skills. There were social and active games available for those who preferred a different approach, fostering camaraderie and friendly competition among us.

We all gathered on Sunday morning to tune in to a live-streamed church service in the cozy day lounge.

Every Sunday, a unique dementia friendly service takes place in the  Garden View Lounge. This week featured live music and inclusive hymns, welcoming individuals of all faiths. The service provides a space for contemplation and the pleasure of singing together.

We had a fantastic afternoon at a paint and sip class, where we came together to create beautiful artwork using watercolours or acrylics.

As we indulged in a range of beverages, from refreshing cold beers to comforting hot cups of tea, we relished the chance to engage in our beloved hobby while also enjoying the company of others. It was the perfect blend of creativity and socializing.