Activities at Brampton View Care Home

What a truly wonderful afternoon we had celebrating Diwali with our residents and staff! We had such a fantastic time learning all about the beautiful Festival of Lights. A special thank you to our staff members Hari and Simran who shared their knowledge, explained their traditions, and then treated us to an amazing spread of traditional Diwali foods and sweets.

The celebration continued with the delightful music played by the children on two beautiful instruments: the Rabab and the Tabla! Their performance filled our space with love and endearment, and they were wonderful, showing such confidence as they performed in front of so many people.

It's moments of cultural sharing and intergenerational connection like these that make our community so special. Residents shared their thoughts, saying "What an amazing afternoon filled with understanding and beautiful music," and "the children were so lovely bringing us their music and talent."

Elina House, General Manager, expressed, "We have a very diverse home filled with different cultures, religions, and countries, and we know how important it is to celebrate as many as we can in the home, sharing these precious moments with our residents and other staff, allowing them to showcase their traditions, food, and music." A huge thank you to everyone who took part and especially to the children who shared beautiful music and song.

What a delightful sight it was to witness our residents knitting and chatting away! It was heartwarming to see them effortlessly slip back into a beloved pastime, as if they had never stopped. They didn't even need to glance at their needles or yarn once they got into the groove. It was a peaceful and rejuvenating afternoon, with the added pleasure of watching TV while indulging in their creative pursuits.

One resident, when marveling at their own knitting skills, fondly shared, "I used to knit all of my children's clothes." It's truly heartening to see them reconnect with this craft that holds such fond memories.

What a wonderful morning we had today at our Games session! New friendships were formed, and the sound of laughter filled the room as residents chatted and enjoyed each other's company. The competitive spirit was alive and well as residents engaged in various games, and it was heartwarming to see handshakes exchanged at the end of each round.

Eric and Alan really got into the competitive spirit, and it was fantastic to see them not only meeting for the first time but also getting to know each other through the joy of games. It's moments like these that remind us of the importance of maintaining friendships and social connections.

At our home, we understand the significance of social activities for our residents, and we encourage them to make use of the communal spaces for game play and bonding whenever they choose. And of course, a lovely cup of tea and hot chocolate added to the enjoyment of the morning. Smiles were all around, and it was a truly heart-warming experience for everyone involved.

Another fantastic visit to Dementia Sings Out Choir this week! The session was filled with joy, as residents and staff danced, sang, and laughed together. It was truly heart warming.

We are incredibly grateful to the dedicated volunteers at Dementia Sings Out for creating such a positive and uplifting experience for everyone involved. The energy and connection in the room were truly inspiring.

We can't wait for our next visit! Thank you to all the volunteers for making a difference in the lives of so many people.

Last week was a time to celebrate the incredible efforts of our kitchen and housekeeping teams. We are truly grateful for the outstanding work they do in the kitchen, dining areas, and throughout the entire home. Not only do they keep everything spotless, but they also go the extra mile to connect with the residents, their families, and friends, understanding and catering to their individual needs.

A big thank you to Head Chef Glenn, Second Head Chef Marta, Chef Linda, and all the kitchen staff for creating such wonderful dining experiences in our home.

We also want to express our gratitude to Head Housekeeper Kim and her exceptional team for maintaining a clean, welcoming environment that always smells delightful. They not only bring cleanliness to the residents' rooms but also bring smiles and uplifting conversations.

Elina House, General Manager, said a heartfelt "Thank you all for your hard work and dedication, it does not go unnoticed how much you all work so tirelessly for the residents and support your colleagues".

Residents gathered together with the Deeper Life Bible Church Choir on a lovely Sunday afternoon. The choir brought joy to our home as they sang beautiful hymns accompanied by their own keyboard and instruments.

Their presence united the home and brought smiles to the residents' faces. The choir took the time to speak with our residents, expressing how much they appreciated the opportunity to visit and giving our residents a chance to connect with the members.

For many of our residents, attending church or participating in church activities is challenging due to their health and mobility. Recognising the importance of faith in their lives, we strive to bring spiritual support into our home.

In addition to the visit from Deeper Life bible Church, we also hold a monthly church service with local parishioners. This ensures that our residents can continue to practice their faith and feel connected to their spiritual community.

What a delightful afternoon it was with the Zing Singers! Carole and Pete continue to bring smiles to our residents' faces with their uplifting musical performance. From toe-tapping to clapping, everyone had a wonderful time singing along to well-known tunes. The highlight was a heartwarming group sing-along of 'Happy Birthday' for one of our special residents who will be celebrating tomorrow.

As one resident put it, "That was the best musical entertainment ever! I've had a wonderful afternoon." Another resident shared, "Their energy is so positive and fun. We love to see them both!"

Thank you again, Zing Singers, for spreading joy in our community. We can't wait to have you back soon!

Brampton View, where every day is filled with special moments and heart-warming experiences. Today was no exception as we witnessed new friendships blossoming and residents trying out new hobbies, adding even more warmth to our home.

Our Art Class was a resounding success, and it was just the beginning. From knitting and bubble blowing to enjoying Classical Music and a touch of Bob Marley, our residents also had fun coloring cat masks. It was a delightful mix of activities that led to beautiful connections and personal achievements. We even managed to sneak in a little outdoor time before the rain!

These are just a few of the many precious moments we wanted to share with you. It's moments like these that make Brampton View a truly special place to be. So, undefined, come and be a part of our vibrant community where every day holds the promise of something new and wonderful.

We had an absolutely delightful morning taking a trip to Beckworth Emporium with our lovely residents. The garden centre was decorated with the most stunning autumn colours, and there was plenty of delightful autumn goodies to explore and buy.

We believe that regularly organising outings such as coffee gatherings, pub lunches, mini-bus trips, and other excursions is an important part of our weekly activity calendar. It's always a joy to spend time together and explore new places.

Sarah Activities Coordinators said "We look forward to more wonderful outings in the future, creating cherished memories with our residents".

Residents were treated to a sensational afternoon of music featuring the saxophone and clarinet. The incredibly talented Sarah Riad delighted everyone with her beautiful melodies, creating a magical atmosphere that resonated throughout the home.

From classical tunes to well-known songs, Sarah's performance had the residents tapping their feet and enjoying every moment. One resident expressed their joy at experiencing the saxophone up close, while another shared how lovely it was to listen to the wonderful music with friends.

A heartfelt thank you to Sarah for sharing her remarkable talent with us. We eagerly anticipate her return for another unforgettable performance!

The methods and mediums may change but the heart of live music - the communal joy, the shared emotions, the collective energy - remains untouched. As we look to the future, one thing is clear: live music will continue to be a cherished experience at the home, even as its form and format evolve.
 

We had the privilege of Dr. Nikki Ramskill, the founder of ‘The Female Health Doctor’, delivered an insightful talk to provide valuable information. The event aimed to encourage open conversations, dispel myths, and educate attendees on how to manage symptoms and improve overall well-being during menopause.

This event was especially timely as October is Menopause Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness about the physical, emotional, and psychological changes that women experience during menopause. The event sought to promote understanding and support for women going through this important phase of life.

It was lovely to hear from those who attended their opportunity to clarify confusing and conflicting information they had encountered online regarding menopause symptoms. Dr. Nikki Ramskill's expertise provided much-needed answers, guidance, and advice, empowering attendees to seek professional or natural aids for managing menopause.

And of course it was only right that we had a creative and informative touch to the event, our talented Chef, Glenn Coombs, prepared a nutritious Menopause Cake showcasing the various symptoms associated with menopause in the fun way Glen does best. It was served with refreshments and was a hit with everyone!

Elina House, General Manager, stated " There is such value and importance of hosting this type of event to support the well-being of staff and hosting to similar events in the future. We are truly grateful for the support of Dr. Nikki Ramskill and highlighted the sense of support and understanding fostered for women experiencing menopause"

What a fantastic day we had at Bell Plantation! Our residents had a wonderful shopping trip, and it was made even more special with the visit from family members. June, one of our lovely residents, was accompanied by her son and his wife all the way from Vietnam. It was heartwarming to see them spend quality time together at the home and on the outing to the garden centre.

The afternoon was filled with so much joy as we roamed around, taking in the sights, smells, and textures of the garden centre. Everyone left with bags full of treasures, just in time for supper! It's clear that Bell Plantation is a popular destination, and we're already looking forward to our next visit.

We invite everyone to join us on our future adventures!

At the care home, it's incredibly important to us to know what brings joy to our residents. One of those things is the annual TV show that they eagerly look forward to – it's a delight to see our fellow Strictly Come Dancing fans getting ready for a night filled with music and dancing!

There's truly nothing like settling in for the evening with some delightful treats, enjoying each other's company, and reveling in the pure, dazzling delight of the ballroom!

Who are you cheering for tonight? Let the dancing commence!

Here at the care home, we wholeheartedly support and encourage our residents to continue pursuing their passions while also forming new friendships and embarking on new adventures. So, whether it's rooting for a favourite dancer or simply enjoying the show, tonight is sure to be a memorable one.

Our residents can't get enough of their time with James from Vitality Fitness! He's not just about intense workouts; he's all about bringing joy and energy through simple, fun movements.

The laughter and smiles during these sessions show just how much these small games contribute to their mindset and energy levels. Balloon Tennis is always a hit! It's fantastic to see so much fun while staying active.

One of the pillars of our life enrichment program is expert-led physical exercise. Resident involvement in choosing formats, along with feedback after each session, means that we are constantly improving our activities calendar. Everyone is welcome to join in the fun and stay healthy with us at Vitality Fitness!

The atmosphere has been nothing short of jubilant as resident Pauline marked her hundredth birthday in the most delightful fashion.

Surrounded by her family, Pauline was honoured to receive a telegram from the King himself, acknowledging her extraordinary milestone. A private gathering was organised at the care home, where Pauline revelled in the company of her family, and they all indulged in a magnificent birthday cake lovingly crafted by the home’s talented chef, Glenn.

Born in Coventry, Pauline found her passion in ballroom dancing, where she crossed paths with her beloved husband Tom and they married on his birthday in1949. Together, they graced many ballroom dancing competitions and shared countless joyous years of marriage, Tom passed away in 1983. Pauline's dedication to raising their two children and managing her husband's accounts was a testament to her unwavering strength and love. Her husband, in turn, built her the home of her dreams, complete with a captivating walled garden. With 6 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, Pauline's family has always been her pride and joy. The arrival of her son from Australia, alongside his wife and son, added an extra layer of warmth and love to this momentous occasion.

It was a heart-warming sight to see Pauline presented with a stunning owl-themed flower display, reflecting her deep affection for these majestic creatures. And while the chef prepared a cake adorned with ballroom memorabilia, it was a Chinese takeaway - Pauline's absolute favourite - brought by her family that truly made her birthday feast complete.

Reflecting on the day, Pauline expressed, “It was a wonderful visit, I am so over the moon, and you are all so very kind.”

Elina House, the General Manager of Barchester Brampton View Care Home, shared, “We’re delighted to be celebrating a truly remarkable lady as she reaches this amazing milestone. Pauline is such a popular resident who still enjoys a chat, and we look forward to conversations as she breaks into her next century.”

As we join in celebrating Pauline's remarkable journey, may her story inspire and uplift us all, reminding us of the enduring power of love, family, and cherished memories.