Activities at Brookfield Care Home

Residents of Brookfield took advantage of the recent good weather to enjoy the homes beautiful gardens and Ray, resident at the home relaxed in the Japanese garden.  Everyone commented on how much better they felt for grabbing a breath of fresh air, feeling the sun on their faces and checking on the progress of the plants, including the colourful flowers around them.  The residents even enjoyed a refreshing drink afterwards.

For some residents at Brookfield care home in Lymm, the long awaited reunion with family and friends became a reality recently, as garden visits have now been allowed to commence at the home.

There has been much careful planning and preparation for this moment behind the scenes at Barchester Healthcare, who run Brookfield care home. Social distancing was still in place, and homes that are able to take part must have a large accessible garden.   It was welcome news to so many residents, family, and friends, who were kept apart for so long following strict government guidance. Residents and their loved ones got together in the home garden and the garden was fully of joy and chatter.

Violet resident at Brookfield said: “The staff here have been so wonderful and generous with their time, keeping us busy and entertained, especially showing us how to use video calls, but nothing beats seeing my family in real life. This was a special moment, and I was over the moon.”

The residents at Brookfield enjoy their daily cuddles from pet therapy cat, Ziggy who pops in from its neighbouring home each day and loves nothing more than wandering or keeping a close eye on the fish tank!

Pet therapy can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also increase self-esteem and improve social skills, so everyone was absolutely delighted to have him along. Ziggy is very beneficial to those who spend time in their rooms and find him a great comfort.

This particular activity is part of the homes meaningful activities, which are tailored to our residents' likes and dislikes. We are delighted that we were able to get a PAT cat to visit us, and our residents really enjoy it so much! I’m sure Ziggy does too; he is getting plenty of love and cuddles!”

Residents & colleagues at Brookfield were recently delighted to open a box delivered to the home's doorstep from Lymm Rocks, which was filled with an array of beautiful, colourful decorated rocks and messages of kindness, letting residents know they were painted specially for them to bring hope and comfort to them during lockdown. 

This random act of kindness has brought a smile to them, all knowing whilst they may not be able to see their loved ones currently, the message behind the rocks were to remind them that they will meet again. The rocks are all various sizes and of different themes in the hope that when each resident chooses their rock that it means something to them.

As part of the homes 75th VE Day celebrations. Residents enjoyed a ‘high tea’ served throughout the home as they sat in their favourite spots, with current restrictions in place it did not deter our residents from enjoying a Vintage Afternoon High Tea in the home as part of the 75th celebrations.

A friend of the home kindly provided the traditional fare of sandwiches, scones with cream and jam, and a selection of home-made cakes, all served on vintage China—delicious! 

Brookfield would like to thank Ann for her generosity and thought during this current period.

Residents of Brookfield have been busy making, which they have displayed along the home's conservatory window. The idea is that members of community display rainbows in their windows so that children can go ‘rainbow spotting’ when out for their exercise with family. The colourful displays are brightening up everyone’s day! 

This activity took place before the coronavirus lockdown.