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 Stanton Court Care and Nursing Home in the Chew Valley residents have enjoyed taking a stroll in the sunshine and admiring the spring flowers around their village of Stanton Drew. One of their first gardening activities of the year was planting sunflowers and broad beans which they’ll nurture and track the progress of as they watch them grow over the next few weeks.
Easter bonnets at Stanton Court
Staff also bought a little bit of wildlife into the home with a visit from two lovely little guinea pigs. Olga de Polga and Pearl were a source of great amusement for residents who enjoyed making some new furry friends. Residents also enjoyed some Easter crafts, making Easter bonnets, cards and baskets to decorate their home.
Meeting guinea pigs at Stanton Court
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 Maria Ianni whose mother lives at The Laurels Care Home in Draycott near Cheddar. She sent in a fantastic shot of a Lions taken Tanzania National Park. Heather Bothroyd whose cousin lives at The Grove Care Home in Waltham, Lincolnshire was also a winner for her photo of a Blue Tit.
Wildlife photo competition: Heather Bothroyd
Wildlife photo competition: Maria Ianni
“It’s been a long winter for our residents so we’re celebrating Spring with some new activities for residents to engage with.” Said Wendy Perkins, Home Manager at Stanton Court. “With the first day of Spring on 20th March, 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 Stanton Court Care and Nursing Home visit their webpage or call 01275 332 410.
