Activities at Claremont Parkway Care Home

"Keep Smiling Through: A Jolly Jamboree for Happiness and Dame Vera Lynn!"

Today at Claremont Parkway our residents were entertained by the fabulous Steve Jay to mark International Day of Happiness and the birthday of Dame Vera Lynn, bringing joy and nostalgia to all.

With a heartfelt performance of classic wartime songs and uplifting melodies, the event created a warm and celebratory atmosphere.

Music has a powerful impact on well-being, evoking cherished memories, reducing stress, and fostering a sense of social connections. As familiar tunes filled the room, many residents sang along, smiled and even swayed and danced to the rhythm, demonstrating the profound emotional and cognitive benefits of music.

The afternoon not only honoured Dame Vera Lynn's legacy but also reinforced the importance of happiness, shared experiences, and the simple pleasure of song.
 

A lucky celebration at Claremont Parkway as residents embraced the spirit of St. Patrick's Day with a fun-filled celebration featuring a range of Irish-themed activities, music and plenty of laughter. Dressed in shades of green, our residents and staff embraced the festive spirit.

Throughout the day we had a virtual tour of Ireland's landmarks and landscapes, allowing residents to experience the beauty of the Cliffs or Moher, the rolling hills of County Kerry, and the historic streets of Dublin-all from the comfort of their chairs.

Irish trivia quizzes sparked laughter and friendly competition as residents tested their knowledge of Irish culture, history, and folklore.
The festivities continued with some games including a lucky coin toss into the hats and a shamrock bean bag target game, bringing out everyone's playful side. 

'Fractured Reflections: A Self-Portrait in the style of Picasso'

Residents at Claremont Parkway like getting creative and each week we try to focus on a different famous artist and as well as trying to create their masterpieces we learn about their life and works. This week we were inspired by Picasso.

Engaging in artistic activities provides our residents with a meaningful outlet for self-expression, creativity, and social connection. Whether through painting, sculpture, or mixed media, art allows individuals to explore emotions, reduce stress, and enhance their overall well-being. 

Creative expression has been shown to improve cognitive function, boost mood, and foster a sense of accomplishment, particularly in communal settings where residents can share their work experiences. Participating in art also encourages mindfulness, helping individuals focus on the moment while nurturing a sense of identity and purpose. By incorporating art into daily life, residents can experience personal growth, build friendships, and create a vibrant and supportive community.

Today we were delighted to host our third parent and baby group at Claremont Parkway, bringing together young families and elderly residents for a heart warming morning of connection and joy. These special gatherings create a unique opportunity for different generations to interact, fostering a sense of community, companionship and shared happiness. 

Watching the residents light up as they engage with the little ones is truly magical, and the babies benefit from the warmth and kindness of their older friends. Our residents talked about the changes in the generations and how terry nappies were the  trend and how lovely it was to hang the tiny clothes etc out in the sunshine! 

We can't wait to continue building these beautiful relationships and making treasured memories together!

Our residents love trying new things and this week we had the exciting opportunity to experience archery for the first time!

The benefits were clear to see as instructor Helen adapted the archery to suit all abilities, giving residents a chance to improve their coordination, focus, and upper body strength in a fun and supportive environment. Many residents found a renewed sense of confidence as they found a new skill, with some surprised at their own accuracy.

Beyond the physical benefits, the session also sparked plenty of laughter, conversation, and encouragement between participants, helping strengthen social connections and boost overall wellbeing. Integr8archery proved not only to be an enjoyable activity but a also a wonderful way to promote inclusion, engagement, and personal achievement for everyone involved. 

Move over William Tell and Robin Hood!
 

On Shrove Tuesday, residents gathered to celebrate the traditional day by making and enjoying pancakes together. The air was filled with the warm, comforting aroma of batter sizzling in pans, as residents joined together to prepare and cook the batter mix, sharing stories of pancake races and baking.

Residents chose classic toppings of sugar and lemon, while others got creative with chocolate spread, fruits, and syrups. The event was not only a celebration of the occasion but a chance for the residents to get together, fostering a sense of warmth, connection, and traditions.