Activities at Tyspane Care Home

Wishes and hopes are crucial in life as they drive us to pursue our goals and aspirations. They provide motivation, inspire creativity, and help us stay focused on positive outcomes. Hope, on the other hand, is a powerful force that can help us navigate through difficult times, providing us with resilience to overcome obstacles and the strength to preserve. Both wishes and hopes are essential for fostering a sense of meaning and purpose in life, contributing to our overall well-being and happiness.

At Tyspane Care Home, we understand that every life is unique and a tale worth telling. For many residents, discussing or remembering the past brings back positive memories which they enjoy recounting and is an important exercise for cognitive function. Listening and getting to know a person’s life experience and history also helps us to understand their likes and dislikes, enabling us to truly offer personalised care. However, it is not just the staff at Tyspane Care Home that listen to these stories, residents’ families and friends often get to share in these special moments.

Only the other day, David Prior, the Resident Ambassador at Tyspane Care Home, was sharing his hopes and wishes with another resident, Arthur, and his wife Hazel, and for those who know David, his passion and curiosity for all things electrical and mechanical can only be described as “immense.” He talked about his passion for the RAF Chinook; an Army owned aircraft being designed for moving troops and equipment. 

Hazel, on the other hand, is an empathic lady, passionate about helping others, selfless and generous. She really does go the extra mile, and after listening to David and her husband Arthur, took it upon herself to write to the Royal Chinook Force to share their passion and love of Chinooks. To her astonishment, Flt Lt Raph Winstanley responded with what can only be described as a real “tear-jerker” of a letter along with photographs. The activities lounge fell silent as the letter was read aloud. David and Arthur were overcome with emotional happiness. Absolutely incredible.

It is true that when they say, a selfless person really does prioritise the needs of others and the well-being of others over their own, acting with generosity and kindness; thank you, Hazel.   

Arts and crafts aren’t just a hobby – they can actually have a powerful impact on our mental wellbeing and cognitive health. For residents living with dementia, arts and crafts can stimulate memories, promote self-expression and identity, ease anxiety and stress whilst improving focus and mood. They encourage social connection, and offer a sense of accomplishment. 

At Tyspane Care Home, our weekly activity timetable incorporates two craft sessions each week, the aim being for residents to enjoy the process more than the end result. The sessions focus on fun, connection and relaxation. 

Michelle (Visitor), “It’s the simplicity of the activities that makes the event special, you just enjoy yourself.”
Pat (Resident), “We made some wonderful creations, and Miriam is so skilled at modelling new skills.”  

Elderly individuals, particularly those who have lived through significant historical events and have experienced the ups and downs of life, often become role models for the younger generation. They provide wisdom, guidance, and perspective that can help younger people navigate life’s challenges and make informed decisions. 

One such example of this is Tony Proverb, a resident at Tyspane Care Home. Tony has participated in, and actively taught, young children's and young adults’ athletics throughout his life and continues to do so despite being retired. Only after this event did Tony visit North Devon Athletics Club to support The Penguin Sports Foundation. 

The Penguin Sports Foundation provides a Hydrotherapy programme with 1:1 sessions, Frame Running club and a brand-new Hydrotherapy afterschool club. Tony was welcomed with open arms by the Director of The Penguin Sports Foundation, Gemma Rous. Gemma qualified from Brunel University in September 2007 and became a highly experienced Paediatric Physiotherapist working with children from 0–19 years old with special needs and/or physical disabilities. Gemma was also coached by Tony in her earlier years and he is a well-loved family friend. 

The evening was full of laugher, fun and chatter. The young children and families engaged with Tony as he offered encouragement and advice. He was a true inspiration. Tony stated, “The children are wonderful, they had so much fun on the bikes, I could hardly keep up.”

Thank you to everyone who made this evening so special. Tony will be back.  

Cultural sensitivity means being aware of and respecting the cultural differences that influence how people view their health, aging, and care. It’s not just about knowing traditions or languages. It’s about fostering an environment where residents feel understood and valued, regardless of their backgrounds.

Working with elderly residents from various cultural background is extremely rewarding, it teaches compassion, provides knowledge on different beliefs and traditions and gives one a unique perspective and experience on life.

At Tyspane Care Home, our residents can be deeply impacted if their choices and beliefs are not respected, which in turn they can impact their sense of comfort and dignity. To support residents, families, friends and staff to understand cultural sensitivity our activities team complete “Get To Know Me” booklets to gain greater depth of our resident’s needs. 

A still life is a drawing or painting that focuses on still objects. The subject matter is inanimate and never moves, typically with a focus on household objects, flowers, or fruits. Still life work contrasts figure drawing which focuses on a live human model. With a still life you know the objects won’t ever move and you can practice objects with different properties like shiny metal, clear porcelain, or bulbous apples. Creating a still life is a starting point for someone to practice fundamental skills. When drawing inanimate objects, you can be sure they will stay in the same position until you move them, making it an easier task for beginners.

At Tyspane Care Home, we understand that all our residents are different and enjoy different hobbies and interests, and through our Getting To Know Me booklets we discovered that we had several artists and residents who were interested in art, and as a result of this knowledge we have introduced a still life group. The activities lounge was packed this morning with residents to participate in our first still life group; some to draw, others to watch.

Aime Bown, General Manager replied:
“At Tyspane Care Home we celebrate life through everything we do. Life at Tyspane is about more than just the care needed so our teams are trained and committed to enriching the lives of all our residents, through stimulating the mind, the body and soul.”

Tyspane Care Home understands that music has a profound music has profound benefits for older residents, playing a crucial role in enhancing their overall well-being. Listening to and engaging with music can significantly improve mood, reducing feelings of anxiety and depression. For those with cognitive impairments, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, music can serve as a powerful tool to evoke memories and stimulate mental activity. Socially, music fosters connections, providing opportunities for older residents to engage with others through shared musical experiences, singalongs, and dance.

To support our residents at Tyspane Care Home, mini concerts Emily, joined us for Doris Day musical celebrations. Doris Day was a significant cultural icon in American entertainment, known or her successful career as a singer and actress, her influence on gender roles, and her philanthropic efforts in animal welfare. Doris Day became the oldest living recording artist to chart on UK’s Top Ten with new material on her album, My Heart.

Residents, families, friends, professionals, staff all joined together in a musical extravaganza, the atmosphere was buzzing, as everyone sang and danced along. The conversations generated about Doris Day after the event was inspirational.

Bernard (Resident) stated, “That was so lovely, she had a wonderful voice.”

Bluey (Resident) replied, “I really enjoyed myself.”

Paula (Resident) joked, “I used to think I could sing like Doris Day!”  

It is said that success takes a village, no matter how independent your job may be, you never truly work alone. And your individual commitment is only one pat of the equation. Everyone’s work facilitates or disrupts a team’s ability to reach their goals and objectives; it is easy to get lost in your own world. Busy schedules, remote work, and personal ambitions can make it hard to see your importance as a team member. But absorbing others’ wisdom is a great way to stir up self-reflection and motivate teams to work as one.

At Tyspane Care Home, the Activities Team understand the importance of team work, not just within their team but with the whole team at Tyspane Care Home. For residents, it is important that the activities timetable is updated with new opportunities, and keeping it fresh is so important. Having discussions with the wider home team and encouraging suggestions and feedback is imperative to managing a successful life enrichment timetable.

Therefore, when David (Head of Maintenance) and John (Maintenance), offered to run a woodworking craft shop, building bird boxes with residents, the activities team jumped at this incredible offer. Maintaining independence for residents is crucial in ensuring they live fulfilling lives. It allows them to make decisions about their daily activities, control their lives, and remain active community members. This empowerment boosts their sense of purpose and positively affects their mental health.

David (Head of Maintenance), “It is an absolute pleasure to support activities, and work alongside residents, families and friends.”

John (Maintenance), “Spending time with residents, families, and friends is so enjoyable and rewarding.”

Thank you, David and John. 

Each person’s needs and choices will be unique to them. This means that all staff at Tyspane Care Home must do all they can to help the person convey their personal aspirations and goals, and the support they need. Creating the care plan with the person or their chosen representative will keep the focus on what is important to that individual and will enable their care and support to reflect this.
Actively involving other people who are part of the person’s life will usually improve their care and support. Linking into a person’s existing support network will bring together all the information about them, so that their care and support are tailored to meet their specific needs and preferences. This will help to improve the residents' experience and promote their wellbeing, rather than merely responding to problems as they arise. For young adults at Tyspane Care Home, person-centred care is crucially important in supporting their mental wellbeing, and by offering guidance to help them create new aspirations and goals, they feel included, represented, and in control of their own destiny. 

Sean, one of our young adults, moved to Tyspane Care Home in July 2025, and with help and support from Babs Spear (Head of Department, Physiotherapy) started a person-centred training programme to increase his physical and mental wellbeing, and create new aspirations and goals. Part of this programme involved boxing; adaptive boxing is a sport that’s inclusive and tailored to individuals with diverse abilities.

For Sean, today, (Saturday 13th September 2025), one of his new goals came true. Sean joined community, professional and professional boxing champion, Billy Stanbury at the opening of Braunton Boxing Academy, The Old Tiki Factory, Velator.
Sean was welcomed with open arms and made to feel part of something special. Coaches engaged with him and offered him personal guidance and a chance to spa with Lee Chappell was a dream come true for Sean. The opening of the new boxing gym was packed with local community, professional coaches and local businesses, 

Lloyd Chappell (Manager of Braunton Boxing Gym) stated, “We are grateful to all those who made this possible. It is just amazing how supportive the local community have been. One of the aims of Braunton Boxing Gym is to inspire the younger generations.”
Lee Chappell (Coach and Son of Lloyd Chappell) stated, “It would be a privilege to coach Sean, on a one-to-one basis, as long as Babs Spear coaches me!”

Sean replied, “It has been one of the best days of my life, thank you.” The afternoon ended with two further surprises, a visit to McDonald's and a visit to his Nan (Juliet) house.  Thank you to everyone who made this day so special for Sean. It was truly inspirational. 

Wisdom is a priceless asset that transcends time and generations. In every society, elderly individuals have long been recognised as keepers of profound knowledge and life experiences, making them a reservoir of invaluable wisdom. As we journey through life, their guidance and insights serve as guiding lights, illuminating the path for younger generations. 

At Tyspane Care Home, our residents have accumulated a lifetime's worth of experiences, each encounter leaving an indelible mark on their understanding of the world. These experiences encompass personal triumphs and trials, career challenges, family dynamics, and countless life lessons. Such experiences offer a unique perspective that can't be replicated or substituted by any amount of formal education.

At Tyspane Care Home wisdom and knowledge was shared amongst residents, families, friends and staff today by Chris. Chris is an exceptionally gifted, intelligent, well-spoken gentleman who brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience as the guest speaker at our Book Club Group. He volunteered and was chosen for his experience on the topic of J M Barrow. J M Barrow was a Scottish novelist and playwright best known for creating the character Peter Pan. Chris was very adept at interacting with his audience, managing discussions and adapting his content to the audience’s reactions. His role was crucial in providing valuable insights and fostering a stimulating conversation, leaving a lasting positive impact on the audience. 

Thank you Chris, we cannot wait to hear you speak again.   

Mindfulness means maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment, through a gentle, nurturing lens. Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us. It is a quality that every human being already possesses. It’s not something you have to conjure up, you just have to learn how to access it.

With World Mindfulness Day approaching, Tyspane Care Home organised its annual mindfulness day dedicated to promoting mindfulness and its benefits for mental and physical well-being. Today, residents participate in activities like meditation and mindful practices to connect with the present moment and cultivate inner peace. In addition, residents and their families spent the afternoon in the Community Garden enjoying live peaceful music played by Jonathan on his saxophone.

The Community Gardening is the perfect place for mindfulness as residents can relax and focus on their senses - what they can see, hear, smell, taste, and feel.

Hopefully everyone who attended this special day of mindfulness found a way to cultivate a more balanced and grounded relationship with themselves.

At Tyspane Care Home, we understand that every family has their own favourite special occasions that they enjoy celebrating; personal milestones like birthdays and anniversaries. Milestone celebrations in senior resident care are more than just parties; they are vital moments that affirm residents’ lives, celebrate their achievements, and foster a sense of community. These events serve as opportunities for reflection, connection, and joy, significantly contributing to emotional well-being and social engagement among seniors.

Today, Tyspane Care Home shared in the family celebrations for Hazel and Arthur who have been married for sixty wonderful years. Tears of happiness, joy and laughter filled the home, bring pleasure to all.

Hazel stated, “It has been a wonderful afternoon, thank you Tyspane Care Home.”

Congratulations Hazel and Arthur, simply magical.  

The fairground is a quintessential part of British culture, bringing joy, excitement, and a touch of nostalgia to people of all ages. These vibrant spaces, filled with thrilling rides, enticing games, and sweet treats, have a rich history that reflects the social and economic changes in the UK.

Many of the residents at Tyspane Care Home talk fondly about traditional fairgrounds and their childhood memories of spending time at the fairground. However, for Vernon, one of the residents at Tyspane Care Home, the love of the fairground has continued throughout his life. His passion for the traditional attractions, such as the dodgems and the big wheel, has never dwindled. However, Vernon’s visit to Barnstaple’s annual carnival and fair has not been possible for the last few years due to mobility issues and frailty, but that has never stopped him talking about the fair and his past visits, especially over the last few months. Then more recently, he expressed an interest to Sandra (Vernon’s special family friend) about being escorted to Barnstaple Fair.

So, as a result, Tyspane Care Home arranged “Make A Wish Come True,” for Vernon and he attended this year's Barnstaple Fair. He relived his favourite moments and thrills by riding on the big wheel and driving the dodgems. He loved every moment, he never stopped until it was time to go home, but not before buying candyfloss and toffee apples.

Vernon stated, “I really hope I can go next year. It was great.”

A massive thank you to everyone who made this day so special for Vernon, old memories were relived and new memories made. Simply wonderful.

Faith plays a significant role in the lives of many individuals, and this is especially true for residents in care homes. For many people, their faith is a source of comfort, strength, and guidance, and it is important for care homes to recognise and respect the religious beliefs of their residents. By doing so, care homes can create a supportive and inclusive environment that meets the spiritual needs of their residents.

Faith can also provide a sense of community and belonging for residents in care homes. By recognising and supporting faith and traditions, care homes can create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive community for their residents.

So, today it was wonderful for staff at Tyspane Care Home to accompany Helen to one of her Quaker meetings in the local area. The Quaker meeting creates a space of gathered stillness. The meetings are based on silence: a silence of waiting and listening.

Thank You Helen for sharing your beliefs and values with Tyspane Care Home it was a privilege.

Creating a sense of community is essential in residential care homes. Relationships between residents themselves, as well as staff can be fostered in many ways. Namely through enrichment activities, such as reminiscence activities, puzzle solving, art or dramatherapy and exercise classes.

At Tyspane Care Home, the activities team have worked tirelessly with the physiotherapy team to create a timetable that encourages residents, families, friends, professionals, community and staff to participate in physical activities. Physical activity and regular exercise play a crucial role in maintaining the health and well-being of seniors residing in care homes. Exercise not only contributes to physical fitness but also has numerous mental and emotional benefits. 

Traditions are crucial for social cohesion, cultural identity, and passing down wisdom and values. They provide a sense of belonging, stability, and continuity, connecting individuals to their heritage and fostering a shared understanding in the world.

At Tyspane Care Home, the gardening club members have grown beautiful sunflowers each year, not just for ascetic reasons but to embrace the challenge of growing a taller sunflower each year. This tradition was started when Alex from Lucern Care Home in Exeter, (one of our Barchester sister homes) bet us they could grower taller sunflowers than Tyspane Care Home.

This wonderful tradition has certainly inspired residents, families, friends, professionals, staff, community, and our young volunteers to become involved. This year the sunflowers were taller than previous years, simply amazing measuring a staggering 320 inches in height.

Starting this tradition has certainly benefited everyone involved by fostering a sense of identity, belonging and connection. It has allowed us to provide a framework for shared experiences, create lasting memories, and offer a sense of continuity and predictability, which is important for all our residents.