Staff and residents at Abbey Grange Nursing Home in Fir Vale, Sheffield and Belmont House Nursing Home in Stocksbridge are preparing to celebrate Christmas a little differently this year. Staff are doing everything they can to ensure the season of goodwill prevails and residents have the opportunity to make the most of the festivities.
Residents have been getting creative and making decorations for their home. The crafting sessions have been a great opportunity to reminisce about Christmas in years gone by, as well as decorate the home. Staff will be entering the residents’ creations in the Country Court ‘Deck the halls Creative Christmas Competition’.
Throughout December, residents across the group’s 33 homes will be taking part in weekly festive crafts from baking to making decorations and singing carols, with a prize of a new year party for the home that makes the best overall effort.
Residents at Belmont House have been busy painting wooden decorations for their Christmas tree as part of their entry into the competition.
The Hospitality Team at Abbey Grange has been at the heart of the Christmas preparations with plans for the big day well underway. “We’ve been consulting with the residents about our Christmas Day menu.” Said Louise Wilson, Chef Manager at Abbey Grange Care Home. “We want to ensure that there is something for everyone to enjoy, whether they prefer a traditional roast turkey or something a little bit different. Food is such a big part of any Christmas celebration; it’s a day when everyone’s favourite dishes are on the menu, and all tastes and preferences catered for.”
Abbey Grange and Belmont House are also taking part in a Christmas Message Exchange, “We have invited schools, pre-schools and other community groups in our local areas to send our residents a Christmas message.” Said Home Manager, Joanne Coldwell. “As we are not able to invite the community into our home this year, we thought this would be a great way to exchange Christmas wishes. We’ve already received a wonderful hamper of goodies from The Friendship Pub in Stocksbridge”.
In line with new government guidelines, residents will be able to see visitors to Belmont House and Abbey Grange in their new COVID-safe visitors’ areas. Visits are following the current government guidance and have been a welcome return to the home. Between each visit, the whole area is sanitised and prepared for the next visitor. “Our residents have enjoyed seeing their loved ones again.” said Kyra Travis, Area Manager, “It’s so important for people’s wellbeing, especially at this time of year.”
Traditionally Christmas is an opportunity for Country Court directors to visit Care Homes in Sheffield to say ‘thank you’ in-person to staff teams for all their hard work and to celebrate with their Staff Awards. This year the Awards will be going ahead virtually; with nominations made online, the judges have reviewed the entries and will be announcing the winners in a series of virtual award ceremonies in December.
“The Country Court Board of Directors will be taking the opportunity to say thank you to all staff for their hard work during 2020. This year, more than ever, the staff family has pulled together, supporting each other and our residents. We are delighted to reward their efforts” Said Alykhan Kachra, Co-CEO.
To find out more about how residents are celebrating Christmas in 2020 take a look at our Facebook page @belmonthousenursinghome or @abbeygrangenursinghome or contact Home Manager Kerry Peach at Abbey Grange Nursing Home on 01142 560046 or Joanne Coldwell on 01142 831030 at Belmont House Nursing Home.
