Activities at Spen Court Care Home

Spen Court enjoyed World Heritage Day. Residents and the activities team spent the morning discussing monuments and sites of culture in the United Kingdom. Many places the residents had been lucky enough to have previously visited.

Resident, Malcolm Smith took the lead in reading the booklet to the entire group.

Information booklets were pre made by the activities team to ensure each resident had their own copy. The session brought back many happy memories for some residents, which was shared amongst the group.

It was lovely to the hear the experiences of others shared and enjoyed by those that have not experienced by themselves.

Spen Court enjoyed a wonderful visit from Pets as Therapy dog Mr Mac and owner Joyce.

Mr Mac was indeed the star of the show and loved by all. He spent time on both floors, in residents bedrooms and communal areas. Residents were able to stroke and pet Mr Mac.

Pets As Therapy (PAT) is a national charity that enhances the health and wellbeing of thousands of people in communities across the UK. We strive to ensure that everyone, no matter their circumstances, has access to the companionship of an animal. 

Our volunteers and their temperament-assessed pets visit establishments such as care homes, hospitals, hospices, schools and prisons, and bring smiles to many faces. People of all ages get the chance to chat to someone — and stroke a friendly dog or cat. 

Spen Court was proud to welcome our local MP for Spen and Batley, the wonderful Kim Leadbeater MP.

Kim visited our monthly Memory Lane Dementia Café and spent time with each of our residents, conversing with them as they enjoyed a variety of beverages and refreshments.

Our residents and visiting family members were delighted as Kim danced away the afternoon with the ladies.

We also welcomed members our police force who enjoyed spending time speaking to our residents.

The Dementia café is held on the last Wednesday of the month, 2pm to 4pm.

Staff and residents at Barchester’s Spen Court Care Home in Heckmondwike were treated to a chocolate extravaganza courtesy of Ellie Prail and Paul Vernon from one of the world’s best-known confectionery companies, Nestlé.

Residents and patients were invited to think back as far as 1904 when Nestlé first started to sell chocolate bars and how the company was involved in the development of milk chocolate as far back as 1875. Ellie and Paul hosted a fascinating talk about how Nestlé Confectionery was first created and how the company has grown over time to become one of the biggest chocolate manufacturers in the world. Residents were taken on a virtual tour of one of its factories to see Easter egg production in full swing. There was an interactive quiz where residents put their chocolate knowledge to the test before Ellie and Paul gave a demonstration on decorating Easter cookies, which everyone then got to sample.

Kim Leadbeater, local MP for Spen and Batley to converse and spend time with our residents and families.

Kim Leadbeater, joined residents of the home for our monthly Dementia Café. Celebrations included a stunning buffet provided by Mick our Head Chef.

General Manager at Nicole Benn said: “It was lovely to have Kim Leadbeater here for the day. The residents were delighted that she was able to visit us and join in on the day. We all had a wonderful day and we hope that Kim will come to see us again soon!”

Spen Court celebrated Nutrition and Hydration Week (13th – 19th March) with lots of yummy, wholesome food, thirst quenching beverages and some interesting activities along the way.

Nutrition and Hydration Week aims to highlight, promote and celebrate improvements in the provision of nutrition and hydration locally, nationally and globally.