For some residents at Westvale the long awaited reunion with family and friends became a reality recently, as garden visits have now been allowed to commence at the home.   There has been much careful planning and preparation for this moment behind the scenes at Barchester Healthcare, who run Westvale care home. Social distancing was still in place, and homes that are able to take part must have a large accessible garden.

Charlotte Aspinall, Senior General Manager at the home, said: “This has been a much welcomed development in what have been very strange times. The visits are safe and organised, and it was wonderful to see how happy it made the residents. We will of course endeavour to keep up the high standards of care, and continue with our ever evolving life enrichment programme, to keep residents engaged. But this was a lovely day.”

Jack resident at Westvale said: “The staff here have been so wonderful and generous with their time, keeping us busy and entertained, especially showing us how to use video calls, but nothing beats seeing my family in real life. This was a special moment, and I was over the moon.”

Staff, residents, loved ones and members of the community cheered on NHS staff and other key workers at Westvale who are helping to keep the country running during the coronavirus pandemic. Those who have recently lost a loved one, stood strong and everyone took a moment to remember as they showed their appreciation for our key workers.

Staff, residents and guests celebrated the day of love with residents and relatives at Westvale, welcoming the ladies from St Philip's Church along to their popular coffee morning. The morning was full of chat and laughter as everyone had lots of fun making Valentines cards together. The ladies made special friendship cards for their lifetime friends. They also enjoyed a special performance by popular vocalist, Dean Sinclair, singing love songs for Valentine’s Day.

General Manager, Charlotte said: “Today has shown us all that you are never too old for love. We’ve had a whole range of treats and Valentine’s themed fun for the individuals that live here and their guests and we have enjoyed every moment of it!”

Residents at Westvale House welcomed pupils from Penketh High School, who are working alongside Warrington Youth Group in a 6 week intergenerational project. During the 1st week the Residents and pupils enjoyed getting to know each other. One pupil was thrilled to be a part of the project. She said, “It reminds her of good memories of her nanny who was in a nursing home!

General Manager, Charlotte Aspinall said: “We invited the group to the home as a way to promote social interaction between the generations, and the residents at our home had a lot of fun on the day, and love our young visitors. If anyone ever wants to stop in for a lovely afternoon with your young ones, or just for a cuppa and a break, we’d love to have you join us.”

The staff and residents at Westvale have been flipping and turning pancakes all morning in preparation for their annual Shrove Tuesday pancake ‘bake off’.

Westvale has marked this year’s Pancake Day with a pancake flipping competition with the children from local nursery and of course, lots of pancakes! Prepared by the homes head chef at the home, flippin’ pancakes,  and serving them up with an array of sweet and savoury fillings.

One Resident said: “My secret to the best pancakes is all in the whipping. Give it some elbow grease when mixing the batter and you’ll get perfect pancakes every time. I like experimenting with the fillings – the residents’ favourites are spinach and cheese, chocolate spread and banana and of course, good old fashioned lemon and sugar!”

Westvale care home prepared a traditional Burns Night Supper to the tune of bagpipes and capers continued well into the wee small hours! Staff, residents and relatives at the home were involved in a number of activities to mark the Scottish institution, including honouring the poem Address to a Haggis, written by Burns.

General Manager, Carol Dwyer  thought it was a perfect occasion to celebrate an evening steeped in age-old tradition as well as getting in a spot of Scotch whisky tasting, accompanied bagpiper, Ian to singing a medley of Burns’ songs. Carol said: “Our residents have enjoyed a hearty meal of Scotch broth, Haggis with neeps and tatties all prepared by our stellar chef” One resident said: “I enjoyed acting out the part of the whisky-bearer and asking everyone to raise a dram to toast the Haggis.”