Activities at Elm Bank Care Home

Residents recently marked World Chocolate Day by taking part in a fun and engaging sensory activity, creating delicious chocolate rice krispie cakes on homes dementia community.

The wonderful hands-on activity gave residents the opportunity to enjoy the sights, smells, textures and tastes of chocolate while mixing and stirring their very own tasty treats. The whole experience encouraged all the residents to have conversations of the past when they used bake for their own family and friends. World Chocolate Day itself is celebrated on the 7^th of July and it is believed to commemorate the introduction of chocolate to Europe in 1550. Chocolate really is one of the world’s favourite treats, and this one day of the year brings all chocolate lovers to get together and enjoy everything that chocolate has to offer!

Tina, Activities Co-ordinator said, “It is really important that the home celebrates these unique themed events as it highlights the importance of such events in a care setting. Residents are able to get a break from normal routine and a chance to socialise, it is a reminder that life is full of small wonderful pleasures. Our residents had a great afternoon it was a resounding success, eating the chocolate was the part they all loved, in fact we all loved!”

General Manager, Larisa Bledea, said: “Our residents and staff enjoyed celebrating this wonderful day. The sensory activity for our dementia community was simple yet very rewarding, it was lovely to see the residents enjoying the smells and tastes of the chocolate, I am sure more was eaten than got melted!”

The residents and staff were recently treated to a truly regal and joyous celebration, marking the birthday of His Majesty King Charles III. The atmosphere was one of palpable excitement and warmth, making for a memorable occasion described by many as a “lovely, patriotic afternoon”.

The home was filled with a wonderful patriotic atmosphere, with flags waving and everyone joining in the celebrations. Matt Miller provided fantastic music which had residents dancing and singing in their seats, Matt also shared many interesting facts about the King, which added to the afternoon celebrations. The afternoon celebrations were perfectly ended with delicious cake and a cup of tea, allowing for all a chance to simply relax and reflect on a truly memorable afternoon of celebrations together.

Tina, Activities Co-ordinator said, “It was a wonderful afternoon of celebrations, it was great to see the residents waving their flags and enjoying beloved tunes with classical hits that spanned the decades. Every resident found a song to cherish, and it is really important to us all that we mark these national celebrations.”

General Manager Larisa Bledea said: “What a truly spectacular performance from Matt for the special occasion, it was an afternoon full of joy, very uplifting and one that all our residents will remember.”

Residents and staff celebrated British Sandwich Week in a true delicious style with creating their very own sandwiches.

The chef’s prepared the raw ingredients to allow for the residents on the Blossom Trail Community to get creating their very own sandwiches. The residents who are living with dementia found the sensory experience of creating their very own sandwiches extremely enjoyable. The classic British staple was turned in to a vibrant, hands-on activity, inviting the residents to design and build their own gourmet masterpieces.

Activities Co-ordinator, Tina said: “It was such an immersive sensory activity for our residents that are living with dementia. The activity really created so many benefits for the residents, from the textures and colours of the fillings to smelling the fresh ingredients. Residents were encouraged to use all of their senses, including taste!”

General Manager, Larisa Bledea, said: “It was a fantastic afternoon for all, all of the creations were delicious and everyone got to enjoy a sandwich after all their hard work. The activity really brought everyone together and the sensory experience for our residents living with dementia was wonderful.”

It was a sip-sip hooray kind of day for the Blossom Trail Community this week, as the residents enjoyed a sensory and colourful afternoon creating their very own Mocktails.

It was certainly a fun and hydrating afternoon for the residents as they experimented with different juices and fruit garnish. The residents also took great pride in decorating their final creations with paper umbrellas and decorative paper fruits. The afternoon was filled with music as the home welcomed Gavin a local singer in to perform some old-time favourite hits, which certainly had all singing and dancing along in the comfort of their chairs.

Activities Co-ordinator, Tina said: “It was really lovely to have this wonderful morning creating Mocktails with our Blossom Trail Community, the activity really got everyone together and it was a great tactile experience of handling the ingredients and socialising with one another. The live entertainment at the end of the day was a perfect way to celebrate.”

General Manager, Larisa Bledea, said: “What a lovely hydrating afternoon for our residents, activities like these are so meaningful, it is not always about the big events and activities. Here at the home, we offer a variety of activities that allow choice for all.”

Elm Bank marked Victory in Europe Day in style by throwing a 1940s afternoon of musical entertainment by the D-Dollies from Mini Concerts.  The home was alive with songs from the past, residents reminisced, and flags were flown, it was an emotional day and for some tears were shed. It was a day that meant so much to so many, with the music came all the shared memories and stories from the past.

Residents and staff enjoyed the afternoon and one resident in particular recalled her memories of being just 18 years of age on the day itself and watching everything unfold on the day. The resident recalled climbing on to a lamppost and watching the street events happening. It was an emotional afternoon and tears were shed as the memories came flooding back during the afternoon celebrations. Many stories of the day itself were shared amongst all.

Tina, Activities Co-ordinator said, “This truly was a wonderful afternoon for all and to hear the heartfelt stories from the residents that remembered the day were beautiful. The afternoon concert performed by the D-Day Dollies from mini concerts was just amazing, it was just very fitting for the day itself and the girls were loved by all the residents.”

Larisa Bledea, General Manager said: “It is lovely to see everyone together, and celebrating Victory in Europe Day in style it was important here at the home, and to have the D-Day Dollies here to perform for such an occasion was simply beautiful. The memories shared by the residents and the stories told really show us how much these events celebrated at the home mean to everyone.”

The residents and staff were delighted in attending the local ‘Dementia Sings Out’ group for an amazing morning of music. The group is held every Thursday at the Compass Church in Wellingborough.

The popular community group, is held every week on a Thursday, it is a group that brings people together who are living with dementia. Carers and family members also enjoy the uplifting benefits of music in a very welcoming and supportive environment.

Live entertainment was provided by Simon from Sunset Magic, who delivered a fantastic performance that featured a variety of well-loved songs. Residents could not resist the urge to join in singing along to familiar tunes, dancing with one another and reminiscing as the music bought back many treasured memories.

Activities Co-ordinator, Tina said: “Dementia Sings Out is a truly wonderful place for the community and our residents love to attend. It is filled with a joyful atmosphere, and proves once gain the benefits that places like these provide to the local community. We are so grateful for opportunities likes these that allow our residents to stay connected with the local community.”

General Manager Larisa Bledea said: “It is lovely to see our residents and staff enjoying a morning with ‘Dementia Sings Out’, the enrichment this group creates in the lives of all living with dementia is recognisable. It is very important to have links with local groups, it not only allows for good community relationship, but also the impact these groups have on residents here at the home is truly amazing”.

Resident & Staff were treated to a truly unique experience as they hosted local Guide Dogs and their handlers at the home for an educational but fun afternoon.

The Guide Dogs and their dedicated volunteer handlers not only provided pure joy for the residents, they also offered an incredibly informative session detailing exactly what it takes and costs to raise a Guide Dog. Residents were fascinated to learn the total cost and investment to raise a little puppy in to life changing company for someone reaches well over the £50,000 mark. Residents also learnt that not all the dogs pass the test, and that all the costs are almost entirely funded via charitable donations.

Tina, Activities Co-ordinator said, “The residents had a truly wonderful time, we all learnt so much. A wonderful stall was also set up with many items for sale with all proceeds going to the guide dog association, and it was lovely to see friends and family join the afternoon event. A truly memorable afternoon was had by all.”

Larisa Bledea, General Manager at Elm Bank said: “This was a very enjoyable activity and it was also a very informative activity that everyone enjoyed. We truly like to host a variety of activities and events for all our residents. The dogs were so well behaved and for many residents this was a trip down memory lane reminiscing and sharing stories of when they also had dogs and pets

A wave of nostalgia swept through as residents gathered for a delightful afternoon of biscuit making, transforming the communal dining room in to a room of pure joy. All this took place as we celebrated National Biscuit Day.

The aprons were on with flour lightly dusted on tables and the rolling pins in hand, the residents enthusiastically worked through every stage of the biscuit making process, from kneading the soft dough, rolling it out and cutting out the intricate shapes. Freshly baked, golden biscuits were enjoyed later on in the day by the residents with a cup of tea. The pride on the resident’s faces as they sampled their own creations was wonderful.

Tina, Activities Co-ordinator said, “It was a wonderful simple activity that offered far more than just a tasty treat at the end. For our residents that live with dementia these hands-on activities are incredibly beneficial for our residents, especially those that are living with dementia, as they really provide essential sensory stimulation. Activities likes these ensure that every day is filled with a meaningful and enjoyable experience for all.”

Residents and staff at Elm Bank care home in Kettering put the ‘fun’ into ‘fundraising’ with a car wash to raise money for Barchester’s Charitable Foundation.

The residents and staff were joined by Jeremy and his friends from the ‘Treasure Hunting Brothers’ who also made a wonderful kind donation to support the Barchester Charitable Foundation. It was a lovely sunny day for the event and as the cars rolled in the residents, staff and Jeremy with his friends were ready with buckets and sponges along with some little helpers. 

Barchester’s Charitable Foundation supports older people and other adults living with a disability or mental health problems by giving grants to help them connect or re-connect with others in their local communities. For more information, please visit www.bhcfoundation.org.uk

Activities Co-ordinator Tina said: “It was an amazing day, everyone pulled together to create a fun event that raised funds for such a good cause. The residents thoroughly enjoyed getting involved and to have the help and donation from Jeremy was just brilliant.”

General Manager Larisa Bledea said: “We love to fundraise for charities throughout the year, we pick different causes to support that have been selected by staff, residents and friends of the home. Barchester’s Charitable Foundation is a great cause that helps many people in need and is also a cause very close to the hearts of all our staff and residents, so we feel really proud to have been able to raise this money. Thank you to everyone who donated and thank you to Jeremy and his friends for the help they gave!”  
 

The residents and staff  were treated to a truly unique and glamorous experience as they hosted their very own pop-up shop and a race afternoon to mark Ladies Day at Ascot.

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 care home in to a treasure trove of delightful clothes. The purpose of the visit was to celebrate ‘Ladies Day at Ascot’, along with a race day afternoon, the day was a true hit with something for everyone.

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 home 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. We ended our day her with a race afternoon, there really was something for everyone.”

Larisa Bledea, General Manager at Elm Bank said: “It is lovely to see everyone together, and celebrating Ladies Day at Ascot, and to have Anne and Julie bring the whole shopping experience to Elm Bank was brilliant. The residents had the opportunity to try clothes on and it was great to have family come in to join in. the race afternoon was a lovely end to the day.”

Residents and Staff commemorated D-Day with an amazing afternoon from the talented ‘Barrack Room Boys’ and their spectacular live show...’Bringing The Past To Life’, and what a show it was for all at the home.

The Barrack Room Boys, dressed in 1940s military attire, immediately captured the residents with their harmonies, delivering an afternoon of songs from the past. The duo sang classics, such as “Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit-Bag” to a rendition of Dame Vera Lynn’s “We’ll Meet Again.” songs that resonated to the residents. The duo engaged with the residents directly, who were truly captivated, singing along and immersed in an afternoon that created smiles all around.

Activities Co-ordinator, Tina said: “The boys were absolutely brilliant, they really had all the residents captivated with their show, their voices were truly amazing. It was so heart- warming to see residents singing along to every word from memory, and the joy that this provided was just beautiful. The boys allowed for all here to honour the day in an unforgettable way.”

General Manager, Larisa Bledea, said: “Commemorating D-Day is all about honouring the bravery of that generation. Bringing in spectacular shows, like the one that the Barrack Room Boys provide, ensures that we celebrate our resident’s history with the respect it truly deserves.”

We were delighted in welcoming the Seventh-day Adventist Church choir to their home for the afternoon and they filled the air with love.

We opened our doors to welcome adults and children from the congregation visited who visited the residents, providing a truly uplifting afternoon of songs and spiritual fellowship. The choirs’ beautiful voices brought smiles to every face, and the residents thoroughly enjoyed the heartfelt performance. The children in particular were a delight, their sweet voices adding a special touch to the event. Afterward, the children personally handed out beautiful, hand written cards to each resident. The cards made with care and creativity, served as a tangible reminder of the day’s warmth.

Tina, Activities Co-ordinator said, “The visit was a powerful reminder and an example of the importance of faith and spiritual activities within a care home setting. These moments of connection and joy are invaluable, providing not just entertainment but a deeper sense of peace and community. The Seventh-day Adventist Church’s generosity and compassion created a day that will be remembered by both residents and staff.”

General Manager Larisa Bledea said: "It was lovely to have the choir come and pay a visit to us, giving up their afternoon to sing and spread joy to all. The residents were so touched by the lovely messages within the cards that some even cried with happiness. It is so important here at the home that we welcome faith for all and this afternoon was a perfect moment of just that.”

Residents and staff enjoyed an afternoon of vibrant colours, radiant smiles and bhangra beats from Aman Singh from 'Leicester Bhangra Classes. Everyone came together to celebrate Culture and Diversity Day, with food and music.

The afternoon was very joyful and energetic as residents and staff engaged in the bhangra dancing, clapping hands, tapping feet and learning many new dance moves. Aman really created a very fun filled afternoon, as well as the dancing he also shared the history of Bhangra with everyone, making the afternoon truly inclusive for all.

Activities Co-ordinator Tina said: “It was an amazing afternoon; everyone was able to participate no matter their ability. Aman adapted his dancing for all, he also shared the history behind the dancing and with all the instruments he had with him the residents were able to really have a full hands-on experience.”

General Manager Larisa Bledea said: “We cannot thank Aman enough for making the afternoon an all-inclusive experience. Culture and Diversity within the home is a vital part of our life enrichment program, residents and staff truly enjoyed this experience in a fun way and it left everyone smiling and appreciating different cultures and traditions.”  

Tony, a resident at Elm Bank was a Centurion tank driver back in 1952 for 3 years, stationed in Germany. Speaking of his memories of that time in his life sparked the Activities Lead Tina to see if it would be possible for Tony to once again stand on top of the Centurion tank that he spoke so passionately about. Tony always spoke of his one wish, which was to see his beloved tank again. 

Activities Lead Tina, said: “Tony has a model of the Centurion tank in his room that he built himself, and hearing his wonderful story of his days based in Germany and his longing wish to see a Centurion Tank again is what sparked the idea to make his one wish come true for him. We got in touch with the local Armourgeddon Military Museum to see if they had a Centurion tank and asked if it would be possible to get Tony to come and visit as a surprise. The wonderful staff at the museum went one step further, and organised it so that Tony could use suitable steps to climb to the top of the tank and stand on his tank and fulfil his wish.” 

Tony said: "I had no idea where I was going or what I was going to see, when I seen the tank at the wall in the museum, I just stopped in shock. The tank just looked at me, and I looked at the tank, I had to go straight up to it and have a closer look. I was very emotional. I felt great when I was standing on top of the tank. When you have been looking after a tank like that for three years it meant so much to me, it more or less made cry, with happiness."

General Manager Larisa Bledea said: "We were thrilled to be able to fulfil this wish for Tony. He has many stories of his past that he shares with us all and his one wish was to be up close to his beloved tank, and for us as a home with the help of the Armourgeddon Military Museum, his one wish was granted. It was a very emotional afternoon for Tony, and staff.”