Celebrating life at Barchester

We are delighted to welcome Esther into our home for her short respite stay with us.

Esther is really enjoying her time here and has taken part in the activities, embraced the social side of Silverbirch but more than that has made some wonderful friends, her feedback has been so lovely for the team to hear.....

Respite stay can provide not only respite for the resident but also for their carers or families. It can also give people an opportunity to ease into what life in our home would look like day to day.
 

It was another action-packed day for our residents yesterday, with plenty of fun, laughter and some lovely time out in the community.

Our Memory Lane community started the morning with a variety of games in the lounge, including ten-pin bowling Connect 4 and some fantastic interactive games on our Memory Tablet. There was plenty of friendly competition along the way.

In the afternoon, we hopped on the minibus and headed to nearby Hemingford to visit the beautiful St Margaret’s Church. The residents were fascinated by the stunning stained-glass windows and each took a turn to light a candle, creating a peaceful and very special moment.

And, of course, no afternoon out would be complete without a little refreshment! We finished our trip with a well-earned drink at the Axe and Compass before heading back home to Bayleaf.

What a wonderful day of games, community, reflection and good company.

Our residents always enjoy their special live entertainment sessions with Carly Ann!

Her room visits and small-group showcases have become a much-loved part of life here, bringing music, smiles and plenty of wonderful memories.

What makes these sessions extra special is the personal touch. Residents can share their favourite songs with Carly Ann in advance or make a request during her 15-minute showcase.

Sometimes, these sessions lead to wonderful sing-alongs, with families joining in and sharing the joy of music together. It’s lovely to see residents, relatives and Carly Ann singing along, reminiscing about special memories and enjoying music that means something to them.

A little music can create some very meaningful moments.  

Unit Lead, Louise, was on hand to read this week’s instalment of Oomphs Wellness Weekly to resident Debs. 

Although Debs doesn’t participate in activities in the home, she always looks forward to receiving the home's life enrichment planner and digest on a Monday morning, giving a feeling of inclusion, identity and autonomy.       

On Monday we were treated to a special Live Virtual Event on why 23,568 precious stones have become the world-renowned collection, what lies behind these ancient symbols of monarchy, with an exciting talk with Keith Hanson.

A former soldier of some 30 years, Keith became a Yeoman Warder at the Tower of London in 1997. He later gained promotion to become the Chief Exhibitor, primarily responsible for the safety, security and presentation of the Crown Jewels. Also, during this time, Keith served as a member of the Queen’s Bodyguard of the Yeomen of the Guard. In 2020, Keith was awarded the Royal Victoria Medal for his service to the Crown.            

The morning of the event, resident Brenda attended a church group in the community, where she made her very own Crown Jewels which she proudly showed to all the residents watching the event.’

What better way to celebrate Beer Lovers Day than with a lovely stroll to the local pub?

Albert and Alan enjoyed getting out and about, taking a leisurely walk before settling down to enjoy a refreshing drink and some great company. It was a wonderful chance to enjoy a favourite pastime, share conversation and make the most of the day.

We believe life enrichment is all about creating opportunities for our residents to continue enjoying the things they love. This simple trip to the pub brought plenty of smiles, laughter and a real sense of enjoyment.

Good company, a favourite drink and a lovely afternoon the perfect way to celebrate!     

What a wonderful afternoon it was.

Our residents families, friends and staff all came together to enjoy a day filled with laughter, smiles, music delicious treats and lots of fun.

It was so lovely to see our care home filled with such a warm happy atmosphere, with everyone  getting involved and making special memories together. From enjoying stalls and refreshments to spending precious time with loved ones, it was an afternoon to remember.

Residents at Tandridge Heights recently enjoyed a wonderful afternoon of autumnal flower arranging, creating beautiful seasonal displays to brighten their rooms and celebrate the colours of the season. The activity provided residents with an opportunity to get creative, arrange a variety of flowers and foliage, and enjoy time together in a relaxed and sociable setting. 

Flower arranging offers a range of benefits, including encouraging creativity and self-expression, supporting hand-eye coordination and dexterity, and promoting relaxation and wellbeing. It can also provide valuable opportunities for conversation and social connection.   

Resident Jean was delighted with her finished arrangement, commenting: “It was so lovely, and it really brightens up my room.”