Activities at The Cedars Care Home
Activities are the cornerstone of a wholesome home experience, and our Activities Coordinators are always putting their creative minds to the test by organising new and exciting social events for residents to partake in. Of course, we take into account the likes and dislikes of those we support, so if someone doesn’t feel like trying something new, there will always be something on offer to reflect their personal interests. For the people who may just prefer some peace and quiet instead, we also offer one-to-one time that can be enjoyed with a nice cup of coffee or just a simple chat – whatever they desire.
Angela Cawsey
My name is Angela Cawsey and I am 60 years young. I have lived locally to Cedars since 2011, firstly in Downton and more recently in Alderbury. In the past I have worked with mature people in their homes, and adults with learning difficulties in a number of settings. During lockdown I ran daily zoom sessions for wellbeing, including bingo and quizzes.
I enjoy spending time with people and helping them smile, whether on a one-to-one basis or in groups. When my children were young I volunteered as a helper at Boys Brigade and St John’s Ambulance which was very rewarding.
Other jobs I have enjoyed include, selling computers, an IT and Management Trainer, HR and Business Manager and my personal favourite, being Grandma to 8 grandchildren. I love music, craft, the outdoors and animals.
Read our brochure 'Life-enriching activities' for more information about life in our care homes.
Read our brochure
Activities and Events Partnerships
As part of our bespoke life-enrichment programmes, we host a number of live virtual events in the home on a regular basis through a number of partnerships with places of interest and world class performance companies
Life at The Cedars Care Home
World Laughter Day
The act of laughing can have a serious positive impact on someone's well-being and mental health.
World Laughter Day aims to promote more laughing amongst people and to celebrate the benefits of laughter.
Here are some of them:
It releases endorphins. When you laugh your body releases endorphins, which are natural painkillers that can help you feel good and ease chronic pain. It reduces stress. Laughing lowers the level of stress hormone in your body, helping you cut down on stress and anxiety, making you feel more relaxed. It helps with building relationships. Laughing with someone else can bring you closer together. This means that laughter can help you make friends, it can help you make up with someone with who you've been angry, and it is proven that couples who regularly laugh with each other are closer and more intimate. It improves your heart health and lowers blood pressure. Laughter will get your heart pumping, which means that it is an easy way to get some cardio workout done. At the same time, it lowers your blood pressure, reducing the risk of a heart attack.As you can see, regularly laughing can not only contribute to your health, it also makes you feel better and more positive, which means you'll want to spread this positivity around everyone you come across.
Here at Cedars we love a good old barrel laugh!
International Dance Day
There’s nothing like a boogie to lift your spirits, so we didn’t need an excuse to celebrate International Dance Day on April 29th. International Dance Day is to recognise and honour the art of dance as it is one of the oldest and most valuable forms of entertainment.
Here at The Cedars, we love a little boogie, no matter where we are!
We have always got a variety of musical activities going on for all different tastes.
Exercise at The Cedars
Recently our residents have been enjoying keeping active with Swimming and Pilates!
We had the lovely Donnamarie Fitness in for Pilates and some of the residents took a trip on the Minibus to Romsey Rapids Sports Complex for lane swimming.
There are so many benefits to exercise including:
- improving strength and balance
- helps with energy levels and improves sleep
- great for your mental health
- increases confidence
- enables social connections
- it’s fun!
Another Busy Week
Our residents have had another busy week here at The Cedars. Our Pink Ladies have arranged Pilates classes, minibus trips out, flower arrangements at the W.I., a visit from Carrot the dog, Sunday Cedars Church service and lots more…
Brighton Marathon
Many thanks to one of our resident's family, Michelle, who ran the Brighton marathon to help raise money for Alzheimer’s UK.
"I am running in the Brighton Marathon in order to raise money for this charity close to my heart.
My dad, Derek, was diagnosed with Dementia just over a year ago, and I have seen first-hand the good that this charity can do.
The money you raise will help families like my own be offered the same level of support I have received, such as respite time, coffee mornings for relatives of those with dementia, to support them through this challenging time or general advice.
The money could also help fund research to aid help the future of dementia care.
With our help, nobody will go through dementia alone.
Thank you for your support.
Michelle."
100th birthday celebrations
Marjorie celebrated her 100th birthday in style, with alpacas, dancing and plenty of champagne.
Family, staff and fellow residents joined the celebrations with fabulous treats and her favourite things.
Everyone was delighted when a lovely local couple responded to the request and performed many different styles of dance for Marjorie and the residents before jetting off to Dublin the next day and winning the Irish Open.
Marjorie has also loved alpacas for a long time, so our activities team arranged for Rufus and Caramac, two adorable alpacas from Landford, to come and visit her to wish her Happy Birthday. They proved to be a huge success with not only Marjorie but all of the residents.
A Brownies’ leader for many years, Marjorie was instrumental in setting up the pack in her local village.
The current leaders of that troop came with video messages, a basket of paper flowers, a card and presents from the Brownies, much to Marjorie's delight.
The pièce de la résistance was a fabulous party thrown by the care home which was attended by lots of her family members, including a great-great-great-grandchild.
Head chef, Dave, made a beautiful cake and everyone celebrated with a glass of fizz while Marjorie opened all of her cards and presents.
Marjorie was very touched when all in attendance sang Happy Birthday and ‘For she’s a jolly good fellow'.
Marjorie said: "I have been absolutely overwhelmed by all of the wonderful touches and the lovely tributes I have received, I am so blessed.
"It was fabulous to have so many of my favourite things for my birthday – ballroom dancing, champagne and alpacas – not many people can say they had all that.
"I have been thoroughly spoiled."
