Celebrating life at Barchester

Meadowbeck have teamed up with a number of local schools including Osbaldwick Academy and Heworth Primary School as well as young friends from the local community for a newly launched pen pal scheme, connecting residents within their homes with creative writing pupils to help combat social isolation to keep them connected to family, friends and the community during the coronavirus pandemic.

Residents of the home have been sharing their stories of the past and making new friends in the inter-generational scheme.

Letter writing, which is part of the school’s creative writing curriculum, has covered topics such as holidays and places to visit, also one student who is learning German writing a letter in German to one of our residents who was born and raised in Germany, as well as cautionary tales from both the students and the residents of Meadowbeck Care Home.

Residents were able to share their interesting tales of the past, and their passion for music and Ballroom dancing and Scenic walks.

I would like to thank all the staff for looking after my dad whilst he was on memory lane, the care team were wonderful as were the nurses. The Head Housekeeper, Tracey, was lovely, she would often have chats with dad and us when we visited, a big thank you to you all!

You have amazing staff at Glebefields, we cannot thank them all enough

This week some wonderful banners were put up in the village of Stamford Bridge, where in better times our residents would enjoy a visit to the coffee shop and local pub. These signs have helped boost the spirits of all our staff, who continue to work hard to care for our elderly patients through this uncertain time, and with such an amazing community we look forward to a time we can visit again.

All of us from Winchester House would like to send good vibes this Easter week to everyone and contribute in telling people to ‘stay at home’. This past few weeks, it's been very hectic and we would like to put smile on people's faces.

Residents of Sherwood Lodge have been overwhelmed with messages from their local community. The local constabulary have visited and clapped for carers whilst delivering Easter eggs, and this time, the local youth group, Impact Youth Group, have created a banner to cheer everyone up and bring a smile to their faces. Everyone is looking forward to time when they can visit again for coffee and cake!  

I would just like to pass on my thanks once again to you and all the team at Westvale for the excellent way in which you have dealt with my mum’s illness over the past few weeks. I can honestly say this has been one of the worst few weeks of my life and at one point I was preparing for the worst. You and all the team have shown such kindness and compassion when they themselves are going through such a difficult time.

Residents and colleagues at Woodhorn Park were delighted to receive a beautiful gift from the family of a former resident, which was a small gesture thanking the home for the care shown to their mum, and to residents now during this challenging period.

Residents have been hard as work creating cards as a surprise. They have decorated the front and written personalised messages on the inside. They have also had great fun posing for pictures with our love message board, which will be printed and put inside the cards.

Residents have also been making use of Skype and Facetime so that they can video call their relatives – although some weren’t too sure about the new technology

I just had to contact you all to express my sincere thanks for everything you are doing at this present time. The home have done their utmost to provide care and safety for all of the residents and importantly keeping us informed daily as we are unable to visit. Charles Sadler and all the staff at Corrina Lodge are much appreciated by all families I am sure. They certainly are by me and my sisters. Thank you once again.

During these difficult times, we know at Hunters how important it is to keep up morale amongst the residents. This week, we made use of Skype to relay a singalong with the Mind Song music charity into the lounge for the residents to enjoy.  

The activity staff worked with Mitch from Mind Song to make sure that everyone had a really enjoyable afternoon. The session was ended with a very patriotic rendition of 'We’ll Meet Again' accompanied by plenty of Union Jack waving.

Well done to everyone. I need to mention Braeburn Lodge in Deeping St James, keeping my mum safe and giving her the best care.

Residents at Ochil recently enjoyed an egg-stravaganza from the local community, who treated the residents to an early ‘Easter bunny’ when they were surprised by the generosity of their local Morrison’s store, who kindly delivered Easter eggs for every resident and staff member, and it meant such a lot, as visitors are currently not able to visit the home at this time.

To the wonderful team at Wimborne on Hayling Island. Working so hard and looking after the residents

Residents of Springvale Court enjoyed an afternoon of grins with a live music performance that took place at the home. Local vocalist, Michaela Marshall of Musical Memories, performed a selection of classic hits in the home's car park with her special backing group—the staff—to the delight of residents watching from windows!

Residents joined in with the singing, and clapped along as the band performed their finale song. The hospitality team at the home also provided a spread of sweet treats for guests to enjoy during the show. 

Our residents had a wonderful day singing along with the wonderful performer and had a good old giggle watching us. We do our best to provide a wide range of activities and entertainment as part of the lifestyle enrichment programme for residents, and this was one of our favourites!

Thank you to everyone at Tyspane for looking after my Gran. You are doing an amazing job at keeping the residents safe.

To combat loneliness and isolation, staff at Marple Dale reached out to the community as part of their extended social network to seek pen-pals of all ages to remain connected during the current coronavirus crisis. 

Residents were delighted to receive colourful pictures and letters delivered to the home. Thank you for adding a little colour and sunshine to our residents' days and for your heartfelt message. It was very touching to receive such nice letters from the children.

It is amazing how a simple letter, short story, poem or even a photo or drawing can brighten someone’s day. The residents of Marple Dale will reply as part of our busy social activity sessions.    We are happy to receive things via post, which can be sent to directly to the home, or you can email us directly at marpledale.activities@barchester.com.                                                                 

Springvale Court is helping to tackle any feelings of isolation during this period within their own community. Assistance for residents to use iPads, Skype, Facebook and FaceTime is being encouraged and facilitated by care workers as a way to reach out to families, friends and loved ones during these isolating times. The team are helping residents to create cards for them to write their messages on to for friends and family to read.

Loneliness can be a big problem for elderly people, and communicating with others is key to maintaining happy residents in a happy home. Our doors are usually always open to visitors but at this time we are in lockdown like everyone else ,and so communication & keeping in touch however we can is paramount.

Residents at Bloomfield recently enjoyed the spring time sunshine in the garden. Whilst practicing safe distancing, refreshments were served while Activities Coordinators at the home supported the residents by playing ball games to improve physicality and well-being.

In these unprecedented times, providing a range of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities for our residents is more important than ever. Our residents really enjoyed the activity and fun was had by all. Our varied life enrichment programme for residents includes ways to stay in contact with relatives digitally, such as through Skype, and we have new ways to keep residents active, whilst ensuring that the group activities are smaller, adhering to social distancing advice.