Activities at Elm Bank Care Home

The residents and staff participated the nationwide recognition of ‘Carers Week', which is celebrated every year in June.

Carers Week is a vital initiative that shines a light on all the unseen efforts of carers around the UK. Elm Bank care home celebrated a powerful reminder to not only support their carers but also foster an environment where their dedication is continually celebrated. The celebrations during Carers Week served as a heartfelt tribute to the amazing individuals who dedicate their lives caring for others. To mark the occasion, staff received lovely boxes of chocolates as a token of profound gratitude for the tireless work and compassionate care that they provide to residents every single day.

Marvellous Bindura, General Manager said, “Our carers are the backbone of Elm Bank care home, their dedication goes far beyond their duties. They not only provide physical care they provide emotional support and create a sense of family for all our residents here”.

The Air in the home was filled recently with an extra special energy as residents and staff were captivated by Gavin and his musical performance.

Gavin whose stage name is Gav…lalala, performed a repertoire of music that spanned the golden era, including Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. Gavin’s visit underscored the profound and undeniable power of music for those living within a care home setting. The whole lounge was filled with familiar melodies that transformed the atmosphere in to what was truly a vibrant concert. Live music in care homes really offers a wealth of therapeutic benefits. It stimulates cognitive function and certainly helps to reduce anxiety whilst allowing for social interactions, helping residents to not feel loneliness and isolation.

Tina, the activities co-ordinator said, “It was truly amazing to see the residents so engaged and happy. Gavin really connected well with everyone through his music and you could really feel the positivity in the room, even after he had left. It was his debut performance here and we are all looking forward to booking him again very soon for another amazing afternoon.”

Marvellous Bindura, General Manager at Elm Bank said: “It was the first time that Gavin has played for us here at the home, and the residents and staff really enjoyed his performance. It is really important here at the home that we offer a whole host of activities that enhance the quality of life for all here, music is certainly a big favourite for many of our residents.” 

The residents and staff were delighted in welcoming Stone Lodge Therapeutic School in joining them to celebrate ‘Sausage Roll Day’.

Residents donned their aprons, and dusted their hands with flour as they enthusiastically participated in celebrating ‘Sausage Roll Day’ with help and support from Stone Lodge Therapeutic School pupils and teachers. Pastry was rolled out and everyone expertly shaped their meaty fillings, each step was a collaborative effort, sparking memories and lively conversation.

Tina, Activities Co-ordinator said, “The benefits of such activities extend far beyond the delicious end result. It creates stimulation of cognitive function within the mind, especially when doing structured tasks such as baking. It allows for sensory experiences, with feeling the dough, meat and also the smell of the ingredients, and residents enjoy the sight of their creations at the end which provides so much benefit for those residents living with dementia.”

Marvellous Bindura, General Manager at Elm Bank said: “It is lovely to see everyone together, it was lovely to have Stone Lodge Therapeutic School join us for the afternoon. These activities are vital, providing a sense of purpose, and encouraging social interaction. Also who doesn’t love a warm sausage roll, fresh from the oven!”

The residents and staff were treated to a truly unique and glamorous experience as they hosted their very own London Fashion Week pop-up shop.

Residents welcomed Anne and Julie from ‘Count down Cares’, who have been bringing fashion to care homes and surrounding communities for over 12 years. Anne and Julie’s passion for style and their devoted commitment to reaching diverse communities shone through as they transformed a section of Elm Bank in to a treasure trove of delightful clothes.

Tina, Activities Co-ordinator said, “The residents had a truly wonderful time browsing through the racks of colourful clothes, all within the comfort of their homes surroundings. It was lovely to see residents discussing colours, patterns and reminiscing about their own fashion choices throughout their lives. It was not just about the clothes, it was about the joy and the fun residents had, the chance for them to indulge in some personal pampering and self-expression. I think that it is important to say that even within the confines of a care home life can be lived with flair and fashion.”

Marvellous Bindura, General Manager at Elm Bank said: “It is lovely to see everyone together, and celebrating London Fashion Week was important here at the home, and to have Anne and Julie bring the whole shopping experience to Elm Bank was brilliant.”

The residents and staff were delighted in attending the local St Thomas More Catholic Primary School to celebrate a beautiful Pentecost Service held in the school hall.

It was a warmly embraced service by the residents, as they returned to the school hall for the afternoon. Pentecost, meaning "fiftieth" in Greek, is a Christian holy day that commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ, as described in the Book of Acts. It is celebrated 50 days after Easter and marks the birth of the Church and the beginning of its mission. It was wonderful to see the children who had worked so hard in creating what was a lovely service.

Resident Beryl said, "It was a beautiful service, the singing was lovely, and my daughter was once a teacher at the school, I was once a teacher many years ago now."

Tina, Activities Co-ordinator said, “It was lovely that the local school opened their doors to us to let us enjoy the service with them. It means so much to the residents, it allows for the young and the old to mix and the wonderful experiences are shared.  The residents were very engaged, singing to the songs and full of smiles throughout. Days like these are very important to our residents and as well as the religious meaning of the afternoon, it is also important to have intergenerational activities. It is crucial to create links with our local schools and within the community to continue for our residents to remain a part of the community.”

What an amazing afternoon of music with singer Devon and her puppet Bella, who delighted the residents on the dementia community.

We all know the impact music can have on a person’s mental wellbeing, the residents at Elm Bank, are always keen to have fun with musical entertainers in. An afternoon of pure joy was had by all on the Dementia community, as Devon with her puppet Bella sang and engaged with all. Each song got everyone testing out their singing and their feet moving to old classics and new surprises. It was just simply amazing to see how music lifted the spirits of the residents and created joy for all that allowed for all residents to reminisce on memories past.

Devon said, “It was great to come and sing for everyone, the residents really got engaged and it was just lovely to hear them sing and watch them dance. Bella my puppet certainly worked her magic on everyone, just a fun packed afternoon. I cannot wait to come to come back again.”

Marvellous Bindura, General Manager said, "Music is so important to many of our residents and helps are residents in many ways, it is lovely to see the residents engaged and joining in with songs and dancing, the puppet was a delight”.