Meet our Activities Coordinator, Tina Holmes

Hi, I’m Tina, and I am the Activities Coordinator here at Meadowbeck.

I began working at the home as a Care Assistant in 1999. In 2014, I changed my role to Social Support Worker, which I enjoyed, as it involved supporting residents at Meadowbeck in their daily lifestyles.

I then became the Activities Coordinator in May 2017. I love working with the elderly and getting to know them and their families, in addition to supporting them in their active lifestyles to make their time at Meadowbeck as enjoyable as possible.

Activities at our home

Activities are the cornerstone of a wholesome home experience and our Activities Coordinators are always putting their creative minds to the test by organising new and exciting social events for residents to partake in. Of course, we take into account the likes and dislikes of those we support, so if someone doesn’t feel like trying something new, there will always be something on offer to reflect their personal interests. For the people who may just prefer some peace and quiet instead, we also offer one-to-one time that can be enjoyed with a nice cup of coffee or just a simple chat – whatever they desire.

Life at Meadowbeck Care Home

101st Birthday Celebrations

Meadowbeck resident, Ron, celebrated his 101st birthday with a virtual family party and well wishes from everyone in the home.

Born in May 1919 in Market Harborough, Ron has served his country and trained with the RAF and served in 4 Squadron, witnessing the tragedy at Dunkirk, surviving by being pulled out of the channel by HMS Mosquito as they swam across after the sinking of their small rowing boat.

Ron settled in Clifton York and married his beloved Sheila in March 1945, and had 2 children: son David and daughter Judith. Ron fondly remembers the family's caravan adventures on the south coast and enjoying the occasional game of golf at Heworth, where he continued to play until his 90s.

Ron moved into Meadowbeck in July 2019 and says he has enjoyed ‘a marvellous life’. Happy birthday, Ron, from all your friends, family and the team at Meadowbeck.

The Dignity Charity Organ

Staff from Rymers parked up in our car park with the Dignity Charity Organ, and residents enjoyed being entertained in the sunshine.

The music was so uplifting that they sang along to the music with toes tapping and clapping. One of our ladies said how it took her back to Holland and how wonderful it was. The music could be heard in all our rooms, and some watched and listened from windows.

Acts of Kindness

All staff members were delighted when we answered the door to find our local Domino’s pizza take-away had kindly donated 15 pizzas for staff. All were very touched by this kind gesture and how supportive and thoughtful everyone is being at this difficult time.

Friends of Meadowbeck

Meadowbeck have teamed up with a number of local schools including Osbaldwick Academy and Heworth Primary School as well as young friends from the local community for a newly launched pen pal scheme, connecting residents within their homes with creative writing pupils to help combat social isolation to keep them connected to family, friends and the community during the coronavirus pandemic.

Residents of the home have been sharing their stories of the past and making new friends in the inter-generational scheme.

Letter writing, which is part of the school’s creative writing curriculum, has covered topics such as holidays and places to visit, also one student who is learning German writing a letter in German to one of our residents who was born and raised in Germany, as well as cautionary tales from both the students and the residents of Meadowbeck Care Home.

Residents were able to share their interesting tales of the past, and their passion for music and Ballroom dancing and Scenic walks.

Mother’s Day Pamper

Here at Meadowbeck we celebrated this special day with our ladies enjoying a Pamper Party. Ladies relaxed whilst enjoying a Manicure and hand massage with lots of chocolate treats and Prosecco.

Relaxed to relaxing Spa music. Tina our Activities coordinator wanted to make sure ladies felt special for the day. So many smiling faces with a sparkle in their eyes on the day with much laughter. Lots of Skype calls to loved ones too.

Random Acts of Kindness

Knitted items always go down well at Meadowbeck, and residents were very excited recently when they received some a box of knitted gifts at their front door from an anonymous source. The colourful, knitted twiddle muffs touched residents and colleagues with the random act of kindness from a member of the community.

Residents and colleagues would like to say a huge thank you to who kindly left them for their generosity. It is always fantastic to be included in some of the wonderful projects that they are a part of. Residents will get a lot of enjoyment from the twiddle muffs they have donated.