Residents at Country Court Care Homes have been celebrating springtime with a month of spring-themed activities in their care homes. Throughout March, each of their 33 homes have been taking part in activities with a different spring inspired theme for each week, with prizes for the winner. In week one residents enjoyed nature and wildlife activities, during week two they have been getting creative by writing stories and poetry. Week three will see springtime baking and week four is all about preparing for the Easter weekend and decorating their home to mark Easter and the beginning of Spring.
At Lostock Lodge Care Home in Lostock Gralam residents have been caring for ducklings that have been hatching at the care home over the last few days. Residents have delighted in watching the ducklings emerge from the shells and then take their first steps around their new home. After six weeks at Lostock Lodge, the ducklings will go to their new homes. Residents living with dementia particularly benefit from the experience, with big smiles on the faces of residents as they watch and handle them.
“We can already see that the ducklings have great calming and therapeutic benefits.” said Customer Relations Manager, Nina Rogers “We’ve been holding them and feeling how small and vulnerable they are, as well as touching their incredibly soft downy feathers. It’s been a great experience for people”.
Local people have been encouraged to get involved in the spring activities by entering a wildlife photography competition. Friends and families were invited to enter through the care home’s Facebook pages. Residents enjoyed reviewing the photos and judging over seventy entries sent in by friends and family members. The winners were Heather Bothroyd whose cousin lives at The Grove Care Home for her photo of a Blue Tit caught perching on a car wing mirror. Maria Ianni whose mother lives at The Laurels Care Home in Draycott near Cheddar was also a winner for her fantastic shot of a Lions taken Tanzania National Park.
“It’s been a long winter for our residents so we’re celebrating Spring with some new activities for residents to engage with.” Said Steph Molden, Home Manager at Lostock Lodge Care Home. “With the first day of Spring this month, it’s the ideal time to feel hopeful and optimistic about the coming summer and gradual return to normal life for our residents”.
There is a competitive element to the spring-themed activities for the thirty-three care and nursing homes in the Country Court group; the care home demonstrating the most creative activities will win an extra special activity of their choice. Country Court’s activities and well-being partner Oomph! Wellness has provided support and inspiration for Country Court Wellbeing Teams with a series of workshops.
“Our Nature 2.0 workshop guides staff on creative ways to develop enticing and engaging spaces, bursting with colourful, easy to grow vegetables, herbs and edible flowers,” said Bianca Vercoe Senior Client and Impact Manager at Oomph! Wellness. “This has been ideal for creating a meaningful home environment at Country Court Care Homes. It has been wonderful to see the homes so full of life and hope during their spring-themed activities.”
For more information about Lostock Lodge Care Home contact, Nina Rogers on 07568 128 217 or email nina.rogers@countrycourtcare.com
