This week, the residents of Hill House are embracing everything American, from indulging in classic diner milkshakes to enjoying a lively sock hop afternoon filled with dancing. In addition to these exciting American-themed activities, we are also providing a diverse range of activities that are specifically designed to cater to the core needs of our residents.is week at Hill House
The week began with an engaging activity as residents gathered in the day lounge to tackle a challenging Giant Crossword puzzle. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and camaraderie as everyone worked together to solve the clues and fill in the grid. It was a great way to kick off the day and get the mental gears turning for the week ahead.
The arts and crafts club assembled to replicate American flags using various materials, from pens to paint, as we commence our American-themed week. Members of the club came together to meticulously craft the flags, paying close attention to detail and precision to represent the iconic symbol of the United States accurately. The atmosphere was filled with creativity and enthusiasm as everyone worked diligently to produce their unique versions of the American flag, showcasing their artistic talents and patriotic spirit.
Basking in the warmth of a lovely afternoon, we indulged in our scrumptious American milkshakes from the charming American milkshake cart, all the while being serenaded by the enchanting melodies of a captivating piano concert.
The creamy sweetness of the milkshakes perfectly complemented the soothing notes of the piano, creating a truly delightful and memorable experience.
Residents engaged in a variety of person-centred activities during the afternoon, including challenging math quizzes and Wimbledon-themed quizzes. The residents enjoyed the opportunity to test their abilities and compete in a friendly setting, creating a sense of camaraderie and excitement throughout the community.
We started our Tuesday morning with a delightful paint-and-sip session, where we enjoyed hot beverages and painted iconic American landmarks with vibrant watercolours. The mood was lively as we chatted with the group about our past trips to America, sharing stories and tips for the best holiday experiences. It was a wonderful way to start the day, combining creativity, relaxation, and the excitement of travel all in one.
Relaxing in our garden view lounge, we whiled away the morning engaging in leisurely activities such as playing dominoes, knitting, and solving crosswords. It was a delightful and peaceful way to spend our time, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the soothing ambiance of our garden.
The dementia choir was warmly received at Hill House, where they were joined by the choir members of Hill Brow and Woodlands to share in the joy of singing their beloved songs and hymns. It was a heart warming and memorable occasion for everyone involved, as the music filled the air and brought people together in celebration.
The midweek morning kicked off with a luxurious session of self-care and rejuvenation, featuring indulgent manicures and soothing hand massages to start the day on a pampered note.
The garden view lounge buzzed with energy as we eagerly gathered to greet Simon for a lively morning of ballroom dancing lessons. The room came alive with the sounds of American swing music filling the air, setting the perfect tone for residents to waltz and dance to the upbeat rhythm.
Every week, our garden view lounge transforms into a haven of healing melodies and joyful rhythms as a small group gathers for a magical music therapy session on Wednesday.
This enchanting musical afternoon not only entertains but also brings about positive benefits for individuals living with dementia. The power of music to evoke memories, emotions, and connections is truly remarkable, making each session a heart warming and uplifting experience for all involved.
After a series of individual physiotherapy sessions in the afternoon, we would come together for our weekly group session. Tailored specifically to our group, these sessions were designed to motivate us to stay active, stretch our muscles, and have fun through various games and activities
It was a great way to keep us engaged and excited about our rehabilitation journey, while also providing a sense of camaraderie and support from our fellow participants.
Residents enjoyed an outing to Camberley 10-pin bowling. We had some friendly competition as the residents showed their skills in the bowling alley against our neighbours from Hill Brow. We also enjoyed lunch out with lots of laughs all around.
Thursday morning began with a delightful cooking session with Steve, setting the tone for a wonderful day ahead. Together, we embarked on the journey of creating a delicious Mississippi mudpie, starting with melting chocolate, carefully cutting up the filling ingredients, and crushing biscuits to form the ideal base for our masterpiece.
The process was not only enjoyable but also a great bonding experience, resulting in a scrumptious product that we were both proud of.
Thursday morning was bustling with activity as residents gathered to participate in a flower arranging session led by the talented Louise. The atmosphere was filled with creativity and joy as we worked together to craft stunning floral displays that would brighten up our living spaces.
Rosie arrived to delight us that afternoon, filling the lounge with the nostalgic tunes of Buddy Holly, Elvis, and other beloved artists. The residents and staff couldn’t resist joining in, creating a lively atmosphere filled with singing, clapping, and dancing. It was truly a joyous and entertaining afternoon that brought smiles to everyone’s faces.
Our Friday began with a delightful morning spent playing card games and engaging in American-themed quizzes in our garden view lounge. As the day progressed, we gathered to discuss the election outcomes, immersing ourselves in live news updates from the BBC. This led to a spirited debate on political matters, creating an atmosphere filled with lively exchanges of opinions and viewpoints.
Walking up to the Las Vegas cocktail cart, we were greeted by the enticing aroma of freshly made cocktails and American donuts. The menu was full of options, making it hard to choose. Serenaded by classic show tunes, we enjoyed the overall ambiance.
The activities team turned bartender was a master mixologist, crafting each cocktail with flair. The colourful drinks made it difficult to decide. After choosing, we eagerly awaited our drinks, excited to taste the flavours.
The cocktail masterclass was held in the bright and airy day lounge, where our residents were treated to a hands-on experience in mixing and creating a diverse range of cocktails.
It was a fun and educational event that left everyone feeling inspired to impress their friends with their newfound mixology skills.
As the week came to an end, Friday was spent enjoying the pleasant activities of sewing and knitting. The interactive table allowed us to fully engage in our hobbies, whether alone or with friends. It was a time of relaxation and creativity, as we delighted in the satisfaction of crafting with our own hands.
On Saturday morning, we gathered in the day lounge to enjoy a friendly game of cards, laughing and joking as we tried to outsmart each other. Meanwhile, others chose to relax with a cup of coffee and catch up on the latest news by reading their daily newspapers.
After completing the crossword puzzle, the residents moved on to a game of trivia, testing their knowledge on a wide range of topics. This was followed by a lively discussion group where they shared their opinions and experiences on current events and personal stories.
Some residents indulged in the excitement of watching Wimbledon on the television, on Saturday afternoon and others engaged in pebble crafts, producing beautiful and intricate pieces of art.
The home was filled with a sense of joy and creativity as everyone found their way to enjoy the day. The sounds of the tennis match mingled with the laughter and conversation of those gathered, creating a warm and lively ambiance throughout the home.
It was a heartwarming experience to see residents on Sunday in our garden view lounge, they sang along to their favourite hymns and participated in the service. The atmosphere in our garden view lounge was filled with joy and a sense of community as we worshiped and celebrated everyone’s faiths together. The music and dancing brought energy and vitality to the room, and it was clear everyone was enjoying themselves.
This special moment brought us closer together and reminded us of the power of music and faith in uniting people. We look forward to next week’s dementia friendly services to create moments of joy and connection for our residents.
We’ve got the whole world in our hands
On Sunday morning, we came together to participate in our pebble painting art project, infusing it with a new burst of creativity. It was a wonderful way to spend the day, expressing ourselves through art and enjoying each other’s company.
We had a great time watching Wimbledon in the cozy lounge, keeping up with the tradition of enjoying strawberries and cream, even with the rainy weather outside.