Activities at Westvale House Care Home

Residents at Westvale House in Old Hall, Warrington were reunited today with their favourite 4 legged friend, in the homes back garden. Teddi the cockapoo, is a therapy dog and visited the residents for the first time in over 14 months, today! The residents absolutely loved seeing him again and he got lots of snuggles kisses and tummy rubs!

The visit was arranged by Activity Co-ordinator Sarah Morley. They managed to spend a good portion of the morning with Teddi, and also managed to swerve the opening of the heavens and be safely indoors before the downpour!    Disclaimer; No dogs, or humans, were soaked during this reunion!

Residents and staff at Westvale House paid tribute as they gave thanks to all the nurses at home for all of their hard work and dedication over the years. Resident Nancy Jackson, who used to be a nurse took part in a friendly nursing themed quiz against the homes Unit Manager, Deb.

Everyone thanked the team by reading a specially written ‘Thank you’ speech, poems were read and each of the team received a trophy and some delicious cup-cakes especially prepared by the homes hospitality team.

Staff and residents at Barchester’s Westvale House care home in Warrington were treated to an exciting virtual tour of Five Sisters Zoo, hosted by Head of Education, Adam Welsh.

Five Sisters Zoo is a family run zoo with over 160 different animal species from around the world.  Originally a garden centre that helped to rehome unwanted pets, the animal collection grew and grew until the zoo was officially founded in 2005.  Now Five Sisters Zoo is the most visited wildlife attraction in West Lothian.

Gone are the days when a visit to the zoo was merely a fun day out.  Adam’s presentation showed all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes at the zoo and explored the vital conservation, rescue and education work carried out at FSZ, and at most modern zoos.

Westvale in Warrington celebrated St George’s Day on 23 April in style.

In honour of the patron saint of England, staff and residents at the home dressed up for the occasion and enjoyed a delicious festive lunch, prepared by the home’s chef.

In the afternoon, the residents had the opportunity to learn more about St George and when the day came into prominence in the 1400s, through a variety of quizzes and virtual activities.

St George's Day in England remembers St George, England's patron saint. The anniversary of his death, which is on April 23, is seen as England's national day. According to a legend, he was a soldier in the Roman army who killed a dragon and saved a princess.

St George's Day used to be a national holiday, however, it is now celebrated with parades, dancing and other activities. Flags with the image of St George's cross are flown on some buildings, especially pubs, and a few people wear a red rose on their lapel. Church services on the Sunday closest to 23 April often include the hymn 'Jerusalem', written by the poet William Blake.

Team members and residents at Westvale care home in Warrington had a special day celebrating National Tea Day and the Queen’s 95th birthday on 21 April in style.

The team at the home put together a tea party to mark the day, which falls on the Queen’s landmark birthday. Supplied with a tasty selection of biscuits, cakes, and of course, teas for the event, the residents had lots of fun taking part in sessions including themed quizzes and virtual tea celebrations.

The residents also dedicated time to write cards and letters to the Queen to wish her a very happy birthday.

As part of Barchester’s Life Enrichment Programme, staff and residents at Westvale in Warrington enjoyed an exciting virtual presentation, provided by SEA LIFE London Aquarium.

Everyone at the home had the opportunity to learn more about the SEA LIFE London Aquarium, which is a home to more than 300 species and 4,000 creatures and to see green sea turtles, feeding of Gentoo penguins and sharks in their 1 million litre shark tank.

The SEA LIFE London Aquarium is located on the ground floor of County Hall on the South Bank of the River Thames in central London, near the London Eye. It opened in March 1997 as the London Aquarium and hosts about one million visitors each year.