Residents and their taste buds were taken on a global journey during World Food Week, indulging in French cheese and wine, American pancakes, and a variety of other international cuisines. The week featured our Annual World Food Festival, highlighting 6 countries with delicious food and drinks that residents and guests enjoyed, along with fun fancy dress and a festive atmosphere.
We kicked off our Monday morning with an entertaining kitchen item matching game before some decided to get creative with watercolour painting.
This week’s cooking clubs were perfectly aligned with the theme, not only focusing on promoting hydration and nutrition but also engaging our senses. We came together to beautifully decorate biscuits and then savoured them with a steaming cup of tea.
The start of the week brought a burst of excitement as we embarked on a cake quiz, inspired by the Great British Bake Off, to put our culinary knowledge to the test.
Our garden view lounge came alive in the afternoon as we engaged in an energetic game of skittles. The delightful sound of pins toppling, and the contagious cheers filled the air, making it a truly fun-filled afternoon for all.
We indulged in the flavours of France, with a delightful combination of French cheeses and wines, as the soothing melodies of a piano fill the air. We spent our Monday afternoon savouring the delicious cheeses, nibbling on crackers, and enjoying the company of friends.
On Tuesday morning, our painting class focused on a calibration art project featuring a fruit bowl. Each of us painted a section of the collage before combining them to reveal the vibrant final piece.
Our personal YouTube channel in the lounge is always filled with our favourite music, and it’s impossible to resist the urge to get up and dance. The playlist created by our activities team is not only enjoyable, but it also offers numerous benefits for those living with dementia. It truly caters to all of us and brings us together.
We decided to tackle the Great British Bake Off Picture quiz while also indulging in some delicious cakes from the bistro.
Tuesday morning our day lounge was buzzing with excitement as baking bingo drew a large crowd of eager participants.
Our garden view lounges were abuzz with excitement as our sweet cart rolled in, offering a delightful array of treats from liquorice all-sorts to chocolate raisins.
Following this indulgence, we engaged in chair-based exercises with resistance bands, making for a fun and active afternoon.
On Wednesday morning, we embarked on our weekly bus journey to the delightful Pathfinder Cafe at Blackbush Airport. As we gathered, we engaged in lively conversations about aviation, reminiscing about how it has impacted our lives – from working with planes to adventurous wing-walking experiences. It was a trip filled with nostalgia and camaraderie, as we shared our cherished memories with friends.
The garden view lounges were abuzz as our flower arranging club convened. Thanks to the generous donation of beautiful flowers from our beloved local Sainsbury supermarket, the room was filled with an enchanting blend of fresh floral scents and vibrant colours.
This week’s cooking club was all about pancakes! We didn’t just stick to British pancakes, but also tried our hand at making American pancake batter. After cooking them, we had a taste test and loaded the pancakes with our favourite toppings. In the end, we all agreed that nothing beats the British pancake, also known as the French Crepe.
Every week, our garden view lounge offers invigorating music therapy sessions. Music has the power to lower stress, enhance mood, boost energy, alleviate pain, and expedite healing processes.
As Thursday morning unfolded, our garden view lounge became a haven for the senses. The interactive Omi machine set the mood with its tranquil music and captivating sensory screen projected onto the table. We eagerly embraced the opportunity to play games and engage in activities, from swiping and splatting to indulging in the calming melodies of water music.
This week, we decided to embrace our inner chef and embarked on a culinary journey to America. To kickstart our cooking adventure, we gathered around and carefully read the recipe together. From whisking the eggs to beating the batter, we put our culinary skills to the test.
Soon enough, the tantalizing aroma of freshly cooked American pancakes filled the air as they sizzled on the hot plate right before our eyes. With our stomachs growling in anticipation, we indulged in these light and fluffy pancakes, making it the perfect mid-morning snack.
Our activities team spared no expense in creating an immersive experience for us, with each table decorated to represent the country’s culture and cuisine. From the vibrant colours of Hawaii to the elegant simplicity of Japan, every detail was carefully curated to transport attendees to a different corner of the world with each bite.
The event was not only a feast for the taste buds but also a celebration of diversity and unity. Guests mingled and shared stories about their favourite international dishes, creating a sense of camaraderie and connection that transcended borders.
The World Food Festival extravaganza was a testament to the power of food to bring people together and bridge cultural divides. It was a reminder that no matter where we come from, we can all find common ground in our love for delicious food and shared experiences.
Our morning in the garden view lounge was delightful as we explored our baking treasures and exchanged tales of pie birds, rolling pins, and beloved family recipes. The rummage boxes overflowed with nostalgia and happiness, bringing back a flood of wonderful memories on a sunny Friday morning.
Others started their day by engaging in a fun baking-themed game of picture pairs bingo, which led to lively discussions about grocery lists and our most beloved dishes. Meanwhile, a few individuals took the opportunity to have meaningful conversations with the staff, creating authentic connections that are truly remarkable.
This week’s challenging crossword puzzle provided both entertainment and difficulty, leading us to act out clues in order to assist one another, resulting in plenty of laughter.
Our garden view lounge was transformed into a charming setting for an afternoon tea experience that we crafted together. Taking the lead in arranging the table, we decorated it with exquisite tablecloths and delicate bone china cups and saucers.
The spread of delicious cakes and biscuits we selected made the table a true feast for the eyes. This heart-warming gathering was a special occasion where residents and staff came together to enjoy each other’s company and create lasting memories.
With anticipation and enthusiasm, we eagerly greeted the activity team in the garden view lounge, eager to begin our Saturday.
We participated in a range of activities, including solving a crossword puzzle centred around Italian cuisine, sharing stories about our favourite pastimes, birdwatching in the garden, and even enjoying knitting and fidgeting sensory boards. The air was filled with excitement and liveliness, long before we even had our morning tea.
The day lounge was filled with chatter and laughter as visitors and families mingled, while a few of us huddled together to tackle an Italian cuisine crossword puzzle.
In the garden view lounge, our dementia-friendly church service was held later that morning. It provides a tranquil setting for residents who find solace in a peaceful environment, enabling them to engage at their own rhythm.
We are invited to join in singing, dancing, and immersing ourselves in the readings, hymns, and songs that resonate with the principles of our dementia-friendly church services.
On Saturday afternoon, our mobile bakery cart travelled through the neighbourhood, offering a delectable variety of freshly baked Danish pastries. The enticing aroma of baking wafted through the air, leaving everyone eagerly awaiting a taste.
On Sunday, our hearts were filled with joy as we had the pleasure of meeting a delightful new addition to a loving family – an adorable puppy. The air was filled with warmth as we showered the little furball with endless cuddles and affection.
Birthdays galore at Hill House this week!
Sending warm wishes to all those who celebrated their special day with us.
