Activities at South Chowdene Care Home
Our home is always full of life, and we can thank our wonderful Activities Coordinators for this. Dedication to creating a unique and interesting activities programme is what sets us apart from other homes. We always take into consideration that some people would prefer to pursue their own interests, which is why our team strive to incorporative activities that cater to a wide range of tastes and hobbies. Our trips out are always fun and exciting as well, and residents are guaranteed to return with stories to tell their loved ones!
Niki Powell
I arrange meaningful activities for all of our residents based on their likes and interests. I love sharing fun times with our residents, their families and with staff. I thoroughly enjoy chatting with residents about their hobbies/interests as well as reminiscing in small groups.
Our activities extend beyond the home with trips to places of interest, places residents have enjoyed throughout their lives eg. Seaside, parks, garden centers, as well as craft/ art workshops at libraries and general interest talks around the area.
Activities and Events Partnerships
As part of our bespoke life-enrichment programmes, we host a number of live virtual events in the home on a regular basis through a number of partnerships with places of interest and world class performance companies
Life at South Chowdene Care Home
Valentine's Crafts
Residents had a lovely morning getting decorations ready for the Valentine's Party. We had already made a recycled heart but the lego roses were certainly a step further!
Residents designed their own vases using glass pens, ribbon, stickers and pebbles which were then filled with beautiful red lego roses.
Residents and staff alike found the roses quite fiddly, but there was a huge sense of satisfaction looking at the finished product, and we all had a fantastic time. A huge thank you to Joe, Coleen, and Phiippa.
Home present cheque to local charity
South Chowdene recently presented Elders Council of Newcastle received a grant of £320 for the cost of refreshments for arts related activities for the members of this charity aimed at improving the lives of older people.
The grant was awarded by Barchester’s Charitable Foundation, a charity that helps older people and adults with disability or mental health problems across England, Scotland and Wales by offering grants to help people connect or re-connect with others in their local community.
Colouring Competition
Children from our partner primary school were very keen to show off their colouring talents as they made Christmas scenes as well as their own compositions, bringing the season to life.
Children from the junior school submitted fantastic entries which residents had a very difficult time judging and deciding on a winner for each age group. Eventually, they managed to pinpoint down to one picture as a winner for each age group and prizes were given out at the very first celebration and achievement assembly of the year when the winners were overjoyed to receive their prizes.
New Year's Visitors
No one really knew what to expect when they heard a fox was coming in to herald the New Year and no one could have foreseen what actually happened.
Steve told us all about how he came to be visiting care homes with Zante the fox and other animals. We had no idea what a star he was and an author as well! He introduced us to each animal he had brought in and told us about their care, their needs and their own personalities.
The residents had a great time and some overcame some very real fears to hold or stroke a dove, rat, snake, and owl. They absolutely loved stroking Zante as his coat was so soft and thick. The staff who held him found it extremely calming and warming.
New Year's Party
The last party of the year really made us reach into the ‘mind bank’ with John’s Spin and Sing.
This evoked many memories and answered some rather searching questions about songs and films in particular.
What a laugh we had with a tipple and some party food!
Carer celebrates 20-years of service
A Carer at South Chowdene has received a prestigious Long Service Award in celebration of working at Barchester Healthcare for twenty years.
Bev started as part of the domestic team 15th November 2004 but made the move to Carer shortly after that. She has worked with residents and their relatives to ensure that their needs have been met over the years.
Congratulations Bev!
Upcoming events
Coffee Morning - last Tuesday of the month
We extend a warm invitation for families, friends and neighbours to join us at our monthly coffee morning, last Tuesday of the month from 10.30 am.
Could you be a Volunteer?
Do you have spare time? Could you make a difference to someone's day to day activities? We'd love to hear from you.
Calling all Emergency Services - Take a break on us!
Calling all professionals - come and take a break on us! There may be a cake or two available...
