Activities at Oak Grange Care Home
Our teams are trained to enrich the lives of residents through stimulating the mind, body and soul, and taking the time to learn about each person to ensure everyone receives support that adds enrichment to their life.
Our home is always full of life, and we can thank our wonderful Activities Coordinators for this. Dedication to creating a unique and interesting activities programme is what sets us apart from other homes. We always take into consideration that some people would prefer to pursue their own interests, which is why our team strive to incorporative activities that cater to a wide range of tastes and hobbies. Our trips out are always fun and exciting as well, and residents are guaranteed to return with stories to tell their loved ones!
Nicola Chamberlain
Hi, my name is Nicola and I am the Lead Activities coordinator here at Oak Grange, the wellbeing and happiness of each resident are at the forefront of everything we do, and I am committed to upholding these values as your activities coordinator.
With five years of leadership experience and a passion for supporting others, I am thrilled to be part of this team. My creative background allows me to develop innovative and engaging activities that enrich the lives of residents. I am dedicated to creating a welcoming and stimulating environment where everyone feels valued and connected.
Together, we will embark on a journey of discovery, enjoyment and companionship. From engaging social events and group outings to stimulating cognitive exercises and creative pursuits, our goal is to ensure that there is always something for everyone to look forward to.
Furthermore, I am here not only as an Activities coordinator but also as a friend and confidant, I encourage open communication, suggestions, and feedback from each resident and their families.
Activities and Events Partnerships
As part of our bespoke life-enrichment programmes, we host a number of live virtual events in the home on a regular basis through a number of partnerships with places of interest and world class performance companies
Life at Oak Grange Care Home
Celebrating Elvis Presley’s Birthday
It is estimated that Elvis has sold over one billion records worldwide so to honour the undisputed King of Rock & Roll, the staff and residents enjoyed a fantastic day of music, fun and dancing.
General Manager, Sarah Butler, said: “Lots of our residents are big Elvis fans and love his music. We’ve had a fantastic day listening to Dave Bushell a regular singer of ours who transforms into Elvis and sings all our favourite songs.
June, a resident said: “I loved Elvis growing up. Listening to all his old hits has brought back so many memories. We’ve all had a brilliant time reminiscing about our dance hall days!”
Our varied life enrichment programme keeps residents active, and provides a daily choice of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities.
intergenerational singing classes with Amanda Wrigley
In connection with a charity called Ready Generations and Healthbox we have been lucky enough to be part of a fully funded programme of intergenerational singing classes with Amanda Wrigley.
As one of 6 local care homes to be included in the early stages of this intergenerational choir we have begun our choir once every two weeks. Amanda plans to integrate a local school with us here at Oak Grange so that we can all sing together
This will then hopefully be a regular get together that all residents can enjoy even if they are watching and not singing.
During these sessions the residents develop friendships and connections, self-esteem and worth, leadership and physical and mental stimulation.
The benefits for the children are social interaction, confidence and listening skills to mention just a few.
Music strengthens our bonds and is so inclusive for all individuals. This shared joy can be witnessed and heard in many ways such as smiles and laughter, the holding hands of children and resident. The residents enjoy the company of children tremendously and it really does forge some amazing results when they are all together.
Residents and children will hopefully be coming together from all the care homes to the local theatre to meet and sing together at the end of the funded trial, we will then continue with this with Amanda on an individual home basis.
RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch
Residents have taken part in January's Big Garden Birdwatch in collaboration with the RSPB. It was clipboards and pens at the ready as we poised ourselves for an hour of bird watching in our glorious garden.
Last week we made tea cup feeders to entice the birds and today, the weather was on our side, the sun was shining and we tallied off a number of birds, including crows, blue tits and we even had a swan fly past!
We will be sending our results off to the RSPB to be added to their survey.
A Spot of Afternoon Tea
Who doesn't love a spot of Afternoon Tea?
Our Activities Co-ordinator, Heather decided to host an Afternoon Tea for a group of our lovely ladies.
The table was laid with beautiful china tea pots and dainty tea cups and saucers, which our Residents agreed really added a level of sophistication to the event!
Putting the world to rights and enjoying a natter with friends is what its all about - as well as enjoying some delicious cucumber sandwiches and cakes of course!
Keep Calm and Arrange Flowers
A group of ladies from our Jubilee community have enjoyed a relaxing afternoon of flower arranging. January has been a long wet month so we thought it was a good time to bring some colour into the home.
The flower arrangements are now proudly on display in Residents rooms and communal area for all to enjoy.
Margaret said the roses reminded her of her own garden as she used to be a keen gardener and would grow them in all colours.
Storyhouse Pantomine
As part of our Christmas celebrations we went off to the Storyhouse in Chester to see the wonderful pantomime of Cinderella. We took the mini bus into Chester town here we got dropped off outside the door of the theatre. After settling in our seats the production began and from the moment it begun laughter echoed through the theatre, creating an atmosphere of warmth and camaraderie. The casts vibrant performances, catchy tunes and interactive moments had our residents fully engaged, reliving the magic of their youth. Cheers and applause erupted as the characters danced sang and sprinkled fairy tale magic around. A thoroughly wonderful afternoon was had by all.
Upcoming events
April
Spring has Sprung! Here's a snapshot of all of the events we have coming up in April - we'd love for you all to join us!
