Activities at Plas-Y-Dderwen Care Home

It's not just the big activities or group events that make a difference; it's also the small, intimate moments that matter. At the heart of everything we do is our residents' wellbeing. This month, during one of our one-on-one sessions, we took a peaceful walk through the local community. Our journey led us to the park, where we couldn’t resist hopping on the swings, reliving the joys of our youth. We spent time chatting, admiring the flowers, appreciating the calm surroundings, and simply enjoying the warmth of the sun. It was a beautiful moment, filled with connection and tranquillity.

Our residents recently participated in an engaging and educational session on crystal formation. They learned where some familiar crystals can be found and discovered the various uses of common crystals.

Following the lesson, the residents teamed up to create stunning crystal mandalas, and I must say, they did a fantastic job! It was wonderful to see the unique creativity each group brought to their designs. Group 1 proudly named their mandala 'Topsy-Turvy Tree,' while Group 2 chose 'The Relaxed Snowman' for theirs.

The residents were deeply involved in the activity, asking insightful questions and expressing fascination with the images of crystal caves they were shown. The session was not only informative but also provided a relaxing experience for everyone involved. Many residents mentioned how much they enjoyed the activity and are already looking forward to future sessions.

This month, our main dining room was filled with the delightful aroma of freshly baked shortbread biscuits as the residents gathered for our baking club. Embracing the autumn spirit, they rolled up their sleeves and got to work creating beautifully shaped biscuits. The residents were so efficient that the first batch was in and out of the oven within just 35 minutes!

Eager to taste the fruits of their labour, they could hardly wait for the biscuits to cool before indulging. Their hard work paid off, as they baked enough to share with all three communities, staff members, and even a few lucky visitors who stopped by to enjoy these delicious treats. What an incredible job they did!

On August 10th, Plas y Dderwen transformed into the Wild West for our summer fete, bringing a taste of cowboy country to our community. Staff came dressed cowboy and cowgirl attire, and even some of our residents joined in the fun, sporting cowboy hats.

The festivities kicked off with lively music from Jimmy Elvis, setting the perfect tone as cake sales and the tombola were in full swing. Meanwhile, our garden buzzed with excitement as guests enjoyed classic games like the coconut shy, hook the duck, and tin can alley.

The star attraction of the day was undoubtedly the "Soak the Managers" event, where Sharon, our Senior General Manager, and Kelly, our Deputy Manager, bravely took their places in the stocks. Visitors had a blast throwing wet sponges at them, with some even opting for a whole bucket of water! But don't feel too sorry for them—they were the coolest of us all, as the afternoon blessed us with warm sunshine and clear blue skies.

The day concluded on a high note with a performance by Robbie Lee, who had everyone singing and dancing in the garden. It was an absolutely fantastic day, filled with laughter, music, and great fun for everyone involved – YeeHaw!

The weather hasn’t been particularly kind to us this month, but whenever the sun managed to break through the clouds, we made the most of it by heading straight to our newly renovated patio area. These sunny moment have given us the perfect opportunity to enjoy outdoor games like boules, hook the duck and Jenga. We have also cherished the simple pleasure of sitting together, enjoying one another’s company, and spending leisurely afternoons in conversation.

At Plas y Dderwen, we take great pride in offering a diverse range of engaging activities tailored to residents’ interests and needs. Each month, we hold a residents meeting, providing a way for everyone to suggest new ideas and activities they would like to see on our weekly planner. We’re passionate about creating a vibrant and enjoyable environment, where creativity thrives, and every resident has the opportunity to learn new skills or continue pursuing their hobbies.

Our innovative ‘Getting to Know Me’ books play a crucial role in this process. By learning about each resident’s personal history, preferences, and interests, we’re able to design activities that truly resonate with them, ensuring everyone feels included and valued.

This month has been particularly exciting at Plas y Dderwen. We’ve explored a wide variety of activities, from doll therapy sessions that offer comfort and connection, to lively music workshops where residents can express themselves creatively. We’ve also enjoyed the thrill of parachute games, the anticipation of traditional bingo, the challenge of learning guitar, and the fun of balloon tennis, among many other activities.

Our commitment to making everyday enjoyable and meaningful for our residents is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that by encouraging participation and focusing on individual interests, we can create a warm and fulfilling community where everyone feels at home.