Activities at Hafan-Y-Coed Care Home
We understand that the people we support have passions and interests that could be difficult to pursue after moving into a care home – but that doesn’t mean we don’t encourage them to try! Some hobbies can define a person, so our Activities Coordinators are dedicated to ensuring that everyone we support is able to do what makes them happy to the best of their abilities. Social events are organised with individual tastes in mind and with the idea that residents have the opportunity to try new and exciting things.
Marie Spires
I'm Marie, the lead activities coordinator for Hafan Y Coed. I have been the activities coordinator for nearly three years and am passionate about encouraging the wellbeing of our residents. Ensuring all abilities are catered for in a bespoke schedule is paramount to their individual wellbeing needs. I am joined by Clare and Sue who also help to create a life enrichment program suitable for all communities.
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 Hafan-Y-Coed Care Home
Ensuring staff's wellbeing benefits everybody
At Hafan Y Coed we recognise that our staff's wellbeing not only benefits our employees but our residents too.
We often ensure events are held within the home for our staff's wellbeing and this month held a holistic therapy day. Staff were treated to a massage in our relaxation and meditation room.
Clare said "it was amazing to have a little time out to relax and unwind. I went back to work after my massage revitalised and full of energy"
It has been proven that when employers ensure staff's wellbeing is taken in to consideration, it can help reduce stress, anxiety and promote a happier culture and environment to work in along with improved productivity.
Happy staff = Happier residents
Recognising Success in Annual Awards Ceremony
It was our second annual awards night which saw the whole home come together to celebrate the wonderful staff we have within the home. Over the last few weeks, categories were devised and voting cards printed. Staff, residents, families and friends were all given the opportunity to vote for the staff who deserved an award. The votes were counted and verified ahead of our glitz and glamour evening.
The evening arrived and the theme for the evening was ‘Bright colours’. Staff in teams got together to create a coloured board of food and drink to share amongst everyone who attended. We had, Blue, yellow, orange, rainbow, beige, green, pink and purple to match each table which was brightly decorated. The boards were fantastic and the VIP awards decorations hung around the room.
During the evening the 20 different awards were handed out, from carer of the year to team of the year, there was an opportunity for all departments to win. Prosecco and goodie bags were presented with certificates and their name boldly displayed on the giant projector. Manager Sarah said “It was an opportunity to recognise staff who go above any beyond in their roles and I was more than happy with the chosen winners”.
Learning New Skills in Dementia Care
Studies have shown that residents living with Dementia are able to learn new skills. We are always looking at new ideas to capture our residents interests. This week we found that some of our ladies were keen to pick up new tips and advice on how to apply make-up. Residents asked many questions during the live make-up demonstration and were keen to have a go themselves. Our Activities Coordinator (A previous make-up artist) demonstrated the different looks that can be achieved, which brushes to use and which colours suit which skin types. Our ladies were thrilled to model, along with some of our staff meeting everyone’s self-esteem needs.
New Year's Eve
Our New Year’s Eve went out with a bang as we enjoyed our masquerade ball, with tribute Elton John singer. We pulled out all the stops with a lovely buffet prepared by our head chef and popped open a prosecco or two to toast the year. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that has walked through our doors in 2023 and who has made a difference to our residents well-being. We are excited to see what 2024 will bring , however we can ensure the same amount of, love, care and laughter.
Celebrating Christmas
We have had an amazing month here celebrating Christmas at Hafan Y Coed. We have enjoyed many external entertainment acts, from concerts to school choirs, The Salvation army band, musicians, dance schools, pet therapy ponies and of course Santa Claus himself. Many trips have been enjoyed, from visiting the reindeer, cream teas, theatre shows, shopping experiences and many Christmas dinners. We would like to thank every single person who has been involved in our fantastic countdown to Christmas. Wishing you all a fabulous 2024!
Halloween Bonfire Night
We decided to go all out with our Halloween and Bonfire night by hosting the two events in one. The home had such a fantastic atmosphere and everyone was given the opportunity to go light a sparkler and toast a marshmallow by the fire. Hot soup with homemade bread roles were on offer for the adults, while the children enjoyed hot chocolate and marshmallows, alongside a hotdog or two. The dining room was converted it to a spooky decorated disco with live Dj for the dancers among us. Others opted for the quieter area in the lounge where they could watch the children enjoying the fireworks outside. We raised over £200 which will be spent on various activities resources for the Christmas period. Nancy said “I have had a brilliant night watching all the children have so much fun. I remember lighting sparklers from a child and it was lovely to have a go again tonight”
