Activities at St Thomas Care Home

Gerry has lived at St Thomas for a while and he would sometime decline to join in with activities in the home. Gerry would spend time in his room reading the newspaper or Gerry would sit in the corridor but wouldn’t join in with any activities. Gerry started to come out of his shell and he would join in with the things he enjoyed. We had asked Gerry if he would like to join bingo with us on many occasions Gerry declined. It wasn’t until one day we were asking all the residents if they would like to play bingo that Gerry decided he would give bingo a try. Gerry took to the game like a duck out of water e didn’t need any help he was able to play alone he was good at keeping up with all the numbers being called out. Gerry even won his first game and to say the least he was shocked that he had won. Gerry said he was surprised that he had one on his first try of bingo. It is safe to say that Gerry will be joining us again for bingo.

There is nothing better than spending a lovely Saturday afternoon in the garden. Although this Saturday afternoon was not your normal afternoon. It was St Thomas Summer Fete we had music bbq games and lots of fun and laughing. Summer fetes are a good thing to bring family and friends together. In this case we had Greta and her Daughter Estelle join us at the party of the year. Greta had come to St Thomas for two weeks respite and to spend time with her husband who also lives in the home. Greta and Estelle embraced us with their company for the summer party. Greta and Estelle sat and chatted to each other and also to other family members and residents while enjoying some lovely cocktails. Greta was really happy to be spending time in the garden with Estelle and the friends she has made in the home since coming to stay for two weeks. Greta really enjoyed the time she had at the party, Greta said that she hasn’t had that much fun in a long time. The party set such a good impression Greta decided to change from two week to become one of our permanent residents in the home. Greta always has a smile on her face and enjoys spending time with everyone I the home.

It is very important to make friends no matter where we are. Kay and Stephen have made a good friendship in the home. Kay and Stephen enjoy taking a weekly trip into town so they can do things they used to do. Kay likes to go into her favourite shop, Bonmarche, to buy new jeans and tops. Stephen comes into the shop and helps Kay pick out clothes. Stephen likes to look around the town centre to see which shops he would like to go in. Kay enjoys walking around town.

They both say it is nice to get out of the home and spend time doing things they don't get to do as much anymore. On this trip into town, Kay and Stephen both wanted a nice cup of coffee before they started looking around the shops. Both Kay and Stephen were shocked at how cheap the coffee was in Greggs. They both said that they would come back to Greggs again as the price was good and the coffee was very nice.

Mary has always loved gardening, ever since she was a little girl. She enjoyed planting flowers and watching them bloom. She participated in the national flower day by planting some beautiful flowers and helping other residents do the same.

As we planted the flowers, Mary shared with us how gardening reminded her of her childhood and the time she spent with her auntie. Mary used to help her auntie make the garden look amazing and bright with various flowers. Mary made sure that the garden was weed-free and that the flowers were watered every day if it didn't rain.

Mary's story was full of joy and gratitude for her auntie. Mary had a big smile on her face as she described what she used to do. Mary also said that her auntie inspired her to take pride in her own garden when she had her own house and that her garden was colorful just like her auntie's.

Joan played her first game of bingo today. Joan is a lovely lady she is kind and polite. Joan has found it very hard to join in with activities due to being blind and deaf, and would always decline joining in with activities with the rest of the home. One day Joan had come down to join us for lunch we got talking to her about joining us for bingo. Joan agreed to join us. A member of the team sat with jean and helped her play the game explaining to her what was going on and what number had been called and if she was close to winning a line or full house.

Joan won the first line of the game she was really happy with that. Then as the game carried on Joan won the full house. Joan was very happy that she had won the full house also. We told Joan what prizes there were and she picked two as she had won both games.

Joan said that she has really enjoyed herself and that she would like to play bingo when we play next time. True to her word Joan has joined us in more games of bingo and also other activities. Joan said she is very grateful that we encouraged her to come and join in with activities as she has made new friends and she is no longer sat in her room all alone.

This photo melts your heart. Pam joined in with the beauty therapy afternoon that we had in the home. Pam was not sure at first if she wanted to have her make up done as she had not worn make up in a long time. Once she had seen some of the other ladies have their makeup done she changed her mind. Pam was patient while she had her makeup and hair done. Once it was finished we gave pam a mirror and her response melted our hearts. Pam said she can't believe how beautiful she has been made and how the makeup has made her look younger. Pam couldn’t stop looking at herself In the mirror, smiling and saying thank you so much for making her look young.