Activities at Spen Court Care Home

Men only kind of day. The residents do love a game of dominoes so much so that it’s on the weekly planner. Father’s Day had different rules; no girls allowed!

Such a simple game with a large impact on each resident. Dominoes can be beneficial to hand-eye co-ordination, memory, it’s fun, it is in a social environment, and it’s easy to pick up if we’ve not played it for such a long time.     

Gerald and Muriel met on 9th November 1948. They were married on 23rd May 1953. Muriel worked as an occupational therapist in a hospital as well as farming with Gerald. Gerald had lived on a farm right from being a child. Gerald was a farmer and farm owner throughout his life. 

They went onto to have four children, Cathy, Jackie, Stuart and Mike, nine grandchildren; Oliver, Harry, Pippa, Alison, Scarlett, Noah, Rick, Kylie and Pat. They are also blessed with one great-granddaughter, Isla.
Gerald and Muriel said: “They feel extremely fortunate to have had the life they have lived and to be blessed with the support of a loving family.”      

The dementia friend’s session was led by Sam Singh, who is from the Alzheimer’s society. The session successfully promoted dementia awareness, strengthened community engagement, and provided practical guidance to families and carers on supporting individuals living with dementia.

Attendees shared experiences, asked thoughtful questions, and left with greater confidence in communicating with and supporting people affected by dementia.

The informative dementia-friendly community session has increased awareness, encouraged inclusion, and supported local families, friends and carers.    

Residents enjoyed going through the royal themed memory box supplied by our library service with Heckmondwike Library. 

We looked at memorabilia such as programmes from the queen’s coronation and enjoyed dressing up like the queen!

Spen Court had a fun weekend as we enjoyed the sunshine and had many fresh air outings. 

Pennine also enjoyed their weekly dominoes club and we had a large group which was great!

June activities took a turn for the sun was shining a little too bright for our liking, so we slowed things down and decided on a film afternoon, the residents were provided with a choice of films to watch and the unanimous vote was for ‘Life with Father’ – in colour! Snacks and cool drinks all round, what a great way to spend a sunny afternoon.

The smell of popcorn filling the warm air, the crunch of the cookies and the rustling of the sweet wrappers as they watch the film.
The film was enjoyed by all residents that were present and this is a regular session on our monthly planner!     

There was silence in the dining room, no music, no talking, just pure anticipation as each of the residents waited for more players to arrive.

What started off with four players has slowly progressed to no less than ten players on a weekly basis.
This is a fun session, yet there is also a mystery in the air, a gentle tension surrounding the dining room. 
The eye contact is stern, a gentle knock on the table to let fellow players know they are missing a turn.
As much as we love domino club, we all pause to play for morning tea & cake. The game will continue following refreshments. Dominoes club is a popular part of the weekly activities planner.            

Residents and staff at Spen Court care home in Heckmondwike, honoured their local firefighters by inviting their local fire crew to the home to deliver a basket of goodies to thank the firefighters stationed there for their selfless service keeping the community safe.

 Three firefighters attended and spent time with the residents discussing the importance of fire safety as well as a singing session.

Spen Court enjoyed spending this morning flower arranging. 

Residents enjoyed getting together and making some flower arrangements for the dining room tables. Perfect for Spring!

We love being creative and adding a splash of colour to the home with our popular group, arts and crafts session.

Both residents and team members prepare for the FIFA World Cup. We decorated the reception area to create an atmosphere.

The rest of the home is suitable for non-football supporters!

John is a keen football fanatic, he played for a team in Bristol in his younger days. Alongside John is Abs, a carer.

The shirt he is wearing was purchased in 1996 and is worn with pride.

John is the resident’s ambassador and knows what he wants. That’s why he is in charge of filling in the scoresheet.

The atmosphere is amazing, games are played at all times of the day, they are enjoyed by residents and team members who support different teams, but that’s the fun of it all. Being together, but separately.  

Bringing fun, engagement, stimulation and excitement to the home.

Come on England!! 

As the weather improves so do outings. Many residents enjoy going for a gentle stroll down the Greenway, surrounded by greenery, wildlife, horse riders, bike riders, children returning from school and dog walkers. A walk along the Greenway is always a social walk.

Dot stated that she would like to go shopping. We didn’t need asking twice. Off we went, a lovely walk into the town centre, shopping for nail care products so Dot could receive a manicure.

Outings boost mental health, ease feelings of isolation, and support mobility. No matter of the outing, the benefits are brought to every residents, and they bring so much joy.         

Pennine enjoyed their weekly dominoes club which is something they always look forward to. Socialising over a nostalgic game brings them joy and uplifts their mood.

Liz enjoyed going out of the care home, and a visit to a local café was a lovely way for her to spend her time outside of her usual surroundings.

These trips give the residents a change of environment, fresh air and the chance to engage with the local community, which can be uplifting for mood and wellbeing.

Visiting a café also encourages social interaction, whether chatting with staff, other residents, or members of the public.

Overall, these outings help the residents to maintain a sense of independence, boost confidence, and add variety and enjoyment to daily routines.