Activities at Tyspane Care Home

Today, residents, families, friends’ young volunteers, and professionals from Tyspane Care Home visited the Braunton Caen Rotary Memory Café for companionship and fun. The Memory Cafe was set up on 30th September 2015 for people with memory problems who live in the village and surrounding areas. The Memory Café is held on the last Wednesday of the month in the Vivian Moon Centre.

The welcome we received was warm, inviting and genuine, which made us all feel valued and appreciated. It set the stage for a memorable experience and helped everyone build immediate connections. The afternoon was made even more special because Abi, a young volunteer at Tyspane Care Home, was made extremely welcome and supported by all those around her. She even won a Bingo prize!

Intergenerational experiences and these types of community events not only bring seniors and young people together but also foster mutual understanding, empathy, and invaluable relationships that can last a lifetime. By engaging in intergenerational activities, participants of all ages can benefit from a shared experience that transcends generations, creating a sense of community and belonging.

Angela (Resident) stated, “It was nice to see everyone.”

Mary (Resident) replied, “I saw my friends.”

A massive thank you to The Braunton Caen Rotary Memory Café, simply marvellous. 

Community is central to human experience, offering individuals a sense of belonging, identity, and support. It holds a fundamental role in shaping not only our social interactions but also our psychological well-being. Through shared experiences, values, and goals, communities offer a network that fosters a connection amongst its members. This interconnectedness is a strong psychological anchor that can significantly influence an individual’s mental health and emotional stability.

At Tyspane Care Home, we understand the importance of nurturing a community and the benefits it brings to our residents and their families. Also, communities are pivotal in shaping an individual’s mental health and identity. They serve as a crucial buffer against the adverse effects of isolation and provide essential emotional support to bolster well-being. With these thoughts in mind, Tyspane Care Home visited the local Braunton Village Fair today. The fair is organised by The Rotary Club of Braunton Caen. The fair had something for everyone: live music, good food, craft and information stalls with all profits going to Family Compass and Children’s Hospice South West.

It was a wonderful experience and allowed Tyspane Care Home to strengthen existing community ties as well as form new connections. 

Careful individual assessment and planning, in partnership with the resident and their family, carers and other supporters, is the starting point for meeting their needs. Being person-centred means meticulous and continuing attention to detail. This being particularly true for our male residents who are more likely to spend more time in their rooms and less time socialising with other residents.  Research suggests that men often gravitate towards gender specific activities such as building projects, card games and other competitive social engagements.  Therefore, it is important that the activity timetable is designed to offer well planned activities to engage everyone who is a resident at Tyspane Care Home including families, friends, professionals, community and staff.

This week, it has been wonderful to see so many of our gentlemen residents attending activities that interest them. It is through a diverse range of activities such as balloon tennis, darts, dancing, baking, gardening and guest appearances from singers and other activity professionals create an environment where everyone feels valued and included. These types of activities not only promote physical health and cognitive function but also foster emotional wellbeing, cultivating a profound sense of belonging within our community.

Tony (Resident) said, “I used to have a garden allotment, so it is so important to me that I am able to continue gardening at Tyspane Care Home.”

Peter (Resident) stated, “I thoroughly enjoy the jazz music, reminds me of home.”

At Tyspane Care Home, we understand that by facilitating participation for all residents, these activities foster camaraderie and social cohesion so that everyone feels like they are part of something special, thereby enhancing the communal fabric of our home.

At Tyspane Care Home we understand day trips and outings are an important part of our life-enrichment programme. We are fortunate to have access to a minibus to provide day-today trips to shops, as well as planned group outings and meaningful places of interest. Popular destinations include Saunton Sands Beach, North Devon Coastal Views, Museums and local Garden Centres. We welcome friends, families and local communities to share in our exciting events and entertainment, all chosen by our residents. Creating special moments, and new cherished memories with loved ones.

So, this wonderful sunny bank holiday weekend, we set off in the mini-bus to the beautiful beach at Saunton Sands. Residents were excited as many had not seen the sea for several years. The beach was packed with holidaymakers, dogs and surfers, which only added to the experience.

David (Resident Ambassador) stated, “It was wonderful, the atmosphere was amazing. It was like a family holiday.”

Irene (Respite Care) replied, “My daughter will never believe I have been to the beach. I have had such a great day. Thank you.”

Making wishes and dreams come provides a sense of accomplishment, purpose, and personal growth. Furthermore, it fosters resilience, perseverance, and a positive mindset, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling life.”

Tyspane Care Home is delighted to launch EnabLE, our new digital care system. EnabLE will allow Tyspane Care Home staff to record all those important life-enriching moments whilst delivering the highest quality of individual care. In addition, EnabLE will help Tyspane Care Home create person-centred plans for each resident.

Tyspane Care Home believes and understands the importance of modernisation and, by harnessing the best technology, it will support better planning, recording, coordinating, and reporting on care quicker and easier.

David Prior (Resident Ambassador) stated, “This is a monumental achievement. Well Done Aime.” 

The Conga dance is usually performed in a big group, with Conga dancers forming a line and following a leader in a circular motion around the dance floor. As they do, they’ll dance and jump to the rhythm of the music. The lively movements and the emphasis on group dancing is the reason why the Conga dance has become so popular at house parties everywhere. When you have a look at it, it’s the perfect party dance!

Dance parties, I hear you say…. Who needs a dance party when you have the dancing queen herself, the fabulous Babs Spear (Head of Physiotherapy) at Tyspane Care Home! The activities lounge was packed this morning for a workout to remember. The atmosphere was buzzing. It is also a well-known fact that Babs disco danced her way into the Guinness Book of Records on a pair of roller skates.

Irene (New Resident) stated, “I haven’t worked this hard in years, I loved it.”

Claire (Resident) replied, “Hard work but entertaining.”

This morning was even more important for some residents, families, friends, professionals and staff at Tyspane Care Home as this week is Dementia Awareness Week. The campaign is run by the Alzheimer’s Society, with the aim of encouraging people and organisations across the UK to act on dementia, and to raise awareness of the importance of timely and accurate diagnosis.

Thank You, Babs, for this morning, we salute you.