Activities at Elm Bank Care Home

Residents recently enjoyed a wonderful outing to their local Bosworths Garden Centre in Burton Latimer, having a good look around in the warm September sunshine and the garden centre was truly bursting with colour.

For the residents, there was plenty to see, smell and enjoy, the beautiful displays of roses, geraniums, begonias, fuchsias and lavender brought back some wonderful memories for the residents, who reminisced about their own gardens and favourite flowers. Of course, no outing would have been complete without a little treat, residents sat together in the beautiful café and enjoyed ordering some lovely toasted teacakes and warm drinks.

Tina, Activities Co-ordinator said, “The residents had a truly wonderful time, the afternoon allowed for us to all relax, enjoy each others company and simply have a good old chat in the beautiful surroundings. These simple moments mean so much, helping our residents to feel independent, feeling a connection, being confident and a real sense of belonging in the community.”

General Manager, Larisa Bledea, said: “Outing form a huge part of our homes life enrichment program and we truly enjoy taking our residents out.Trips like these to places in the local community mean so much to our residents and for our residents living with dementia this outing was a wonderful experience. We can not thank Bosworth’s Garden Centre enough for making us all feel so welcome.”
 

Residents enjoyed a rootin’, tootin’ afternoon of music, laughter and friendship as they celebrated Cowboy Day in true Wild West style.

The afternoon was full of excitement as residents and staff donned their cowboy hats and embraced the spirit of the Wild West for a very special afternoon of entertainment. Adding to occasion was the fantastic Steve Carmel, who entertained everyone with a brilliant selection of music that had the room buzzing from start to finish. From the very first song, residents were singing along, clapping their hands and tapping their feet. The whole afternoon was filled with laughter, smiles and wonderful moments of togetherness as residents enjoyed the music alongside staff and friends.

Tina, Activities Co-ordinator said, “The residents had a truly wonderful time, they were able to express themselves and simply enjoy the company of those around them. Steve really sparked a lot of enthusiasm, with familiar songs which encouraged residents to sing along and join in at their own pace.”

General Manager, Larisa Bledea, said: “It is so wonderful to be able to celebrate Cowboy Day, it was a great afternoon of music, dance and so many wonderful memories were made. Days like these are so important in our home, they really create magical moments for our residents, friends and family.”
 

Residents enjoyed a wonderful celebration on National Ice Cream Day, with a fun filled sensory afternoon that brought smiles, laughter and plenty of delicious flavours to the home’s dementia community.

The aprons were on and residents set to work in creating their very own masterpieces, with a colourful selection of ice cream flavours, chocolate buttons, sprinkles and a variety of different sauces to choose from. Residents created unique and tasty treats while enjoying the sights, smells, textures and tastes of the activity. For those residents in their rooms, the activity was taken to them, so that they too could be a part of the experience as they enjoyed delicious bowls of ice cream with their favourite toppings.

Tina, Activities Co-ordinator said, “It was a wonderful simple activity that offered far more than just a tasty treat at the end.”  General Manager Larisa Bledea said: “We really like to ensure that we offer a whole host of activities within our beautiful home, and that residents get to enjoy all life’s simple pleasures, it is not always about lavish activities it is about what the activity means to our residents and the benefit it creates for them.”
 

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”.

Residents, staff, family and friends have been enjoying the wonderful benefits of regular visits from not one, but two much-loved Pets As Therapy (PAT) dogs. The two dogs, Charlie and Alma have quickly become a firm favourite with residents, staff, friends and family alike.

The visits bring an extra special warmth to the home with the residents enjoying the opportunity to spend time with the dogs, offering gentle strokes, sharing cuddles and simply enjoying their company. For many residents, the presence of a friendly dog can evoke treasured memories of pets they have loved throughout their lives.

Tina, Activities Co-ordinator said, “The dogs really provide far more than just companionship, their visits encourage conversation, connection and positive memories, while offering our residents a calming and comforting experience. Even residents who may not always wish to take part in activities, especially group activities can enjoy the gentle presence of a PAT dog.”

General Manager, Larisa Bledea, said: “It is so wonderful to be able to open our doors to these two remarkable PAT dogs. For our residents living with dementia, these dogs offer meaningful sensory experiences and allow for interaction without the need for conversation. We always look forward to welcoming Alma and Charlie to our home.”
 

Residents and staff enjoyed a wonderful afternoon of friendship, laughter and music as they came together to celebrate Friendship Day.

The afternoon was filled with smiles and happy memories, with residents enjoying a fantastic live performance from talented singer Gavin, who provided the perfect choice of songs for the afternoon. The lively selection of songs had everyone joining in, singing along and soaking up the atmosphere. The special celebration brought residents and staff together for an afternoon dedicated to the importance of friendship.

Tina, Activities Co-ordinator said, “We all had such a wonderful time, friendship is such an important part of everyday life, particularly for our residents. Having the opportunity to be together, sharing stories, enjoying music and simply having fun, it really created a wonderful sense of belonging and connection for all.”

General Manager, Larisa Bledea, said: “The day was a wonderful reminder that friendship has no age limit. Gavin provided us with fantastic entertainment and the enthusiasm of staff and residents allowed for an afternoon full of smiles, fun and lots of happy memories. The afternoon celebrations highlighted the warm community spirit we have here at Elm Bank.”
 

Residents recently gathered with family, friends and members of the local community for a very joyful afternoon of fun, music and laughter with their much-anticipated Summer Fete.

The afternoon was a wonderful celebration of community spirit, with a fantastic selection of stall holders offering a variety of beautiful gifts, crafts and treats. Residents, family, friends and community enjoyed browsing the colourful stalls, including a popular Guide Dogs charity stall, which helped raise awareness of the work the organisation does in supporting people living with sight loss. The popular tombola was a huge hit with all, resident ambassador John manned the stall attracting plenty of excitement for all, which added to the fun-filled afternoon.

Tina, Activities Co-ordinator said, “We all had a wonderful afternoon with great music provided by Neil Richardson, who had everyone dancing and singing along to old time favourites".

General Manager, Larisa Bledea, said: “Our Summer Fete is always one of the highlights of the year, and it was truly wonderful to see so many residents, relatives, friends and members of the local community enjoying the day together".

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.”

Residents, staff, family and friends came together to enjoy a wonderful summer barbecue, creating a warm and memorable afternoon that was filled with good food, music, laughter and plenty of dancing.

The afternoon barbecue offered everyone the opportunity to enjoy some traditional summer favourites, including delicious hot dogs, burgers and tasty accompaniments, all enjoyed in a relaxed and sociable atmosphere. Gavin provided great live music, residents and guests were encouraged to join in with dancing and singing adding to the cheerful occasion.

Tina, Activities Co-ordinator said, “The residents had a truly wonderful time, they were able to express themselves and simply enjoy the company of those around them. Gavin really got everyone up and dancing.”

General Manager, Larisa Bledea, said: “It is so wonderful to be able to host a barbecue at the home that is open to all, it was a great afternoon of music, dance and so many wonderful memories were made. Days like these are so important in our home, they really create magical moments for our residents, friends and family and bringing the community together.”
 

August is here and we have our first three birthdays of the month, and what wonderful celebrations they have been!

Birthdays are so much more than just another day, they are an opportunity to celebrate each resident, their life, and the memories they have created.

Here at the home we ensure every resident receives their very own personalised birthday cake, making their day special and as unique and meaningful as they are.

Please enjoy the photos below, that have captured the smiles, laughter and joy making every birthday a truly memorable occasion.

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.”