Activities at Spen Court Care Home

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!

Ralph is a new resident here at Spen Court, bringing with him a warm personality and a lifelong passion for singing.

Music has always been a big part of his life, and he enjoys sharing his love for songs with those around him. Whether it’s classic tunes or familiar favourites, Ralph’s enthusiasm often brightens the atmosphere and encourages others to join in.

His passion for singing not only brings him joy but also helps create meaningful connections with fellow residents, visitors and team members.

Ralph arrived with a songbook in hand and liked to serenade us all after the evening meal. Ralph was the star of the show when we had Karen in the home to perform her show tunes for us.               

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.

Derrick had always measured time, not in years, but in rides.

His motorbike – a gleaming Royal Olympic, it was more than metal on wheels. It was his first love. Then came Joyce.

Joyce didn’t ask Derrick to give up his bike – not directly. Derrick and Joyce fell in love, upon them getting engaged, the once upon a time first love of his bike was sold for £50.

The bike was sold to save funds to get married and buy a home. Little did they know the home they bought had a shed, which would have been ideal for the bike to live in, but life’s choices had been made.

They went on to have 2 wonderful boys, and the Royal Olympics will forever live in the heart of Derrick.      

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.        

The home had a smell of flowers and freshly baked cupcakes. Cards were spread around the entirety of the home. Many were blessed with visitors, some enjoyed video calls and some enjoyed the atmosphere of the day.

The residents were entertained by Melissa. They sang and danced the afternoon away before enjoying a homemade cupcake from second chef Kerrie. The home was filled with warmth and joy. All the ladies and gentlemen celebrated the day as we think it’s a day of showing love and care throughout.

Maisie and Julie really enjoyed the afternoon. Maisie said, “It was a wonderful day, the sun was shining, and the home was filled with flowers and chocolates, which are some of my favourite things in life.”