Activities at Cheshire Grange Care Home

We have many regular events and entertainment happening at our home with our residents enjoying a variety of life enrichment activities for their minds, body and soul on a daily basis until now we’d never had a ventriloquist visiting Cheshire Grange, until earlier this week, when we invited Donna and her friends(puppets) along.

Residents were introduced to Vinnie the Monster who had quite a curmudgeonly view on life and Big Bear who loved hugs and honey.

There were songs, jokes and a little bit of magic with help from our very own Debbie McGee, in the form of Activities Assistant Sophia, and of course lots of hugs from Big Bear, who was a little sad not to have got any honey and was happy to go back into hibernation.

I think music in itself is healing. It's an explosive expression of humanity. It's something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we're from, everyone loves music – a quote from musician Billy Joel, and it’s very true for our residents at Cheshire Grange who love music and this year as well as our regular favourite entertainers we are trying out new performers and it’s fair to say they are bringing the joy of song and dance to the residents , staff and visitors.

This past month we have had Cheshire Grange debut performances from singer Julia who brought us a variety of musical theatre songs and delighted her audience by taking requests and singing duo Adare who had residents rocking in their chairs with an upbeat 60s and 70s show.

Residents have asked when both will be returning

As part of our Nutrition & Hydration week we held a Reminiscence Tea Party. We chose old time favourite cakes courtesy of Mr Kipling, Battenberg’s, Angel Slices & Chocolate Rolls, which brought memories flooding back for the residents and sparked many wonderful conversations about baking, children’s favourite treats, rationing and much more, to bring a garden party feel on a wet March afternoon we played a few games of quoits which had every laughing as well as bringing out the competitive side in some of our residents.

What an incredibly busy week, Chinese New Year, Shrove Tuesday & Valentine’s Day all within a few days.

We managed to celebrate all three occasions and not get any of them mixed up,  residents enjoyed learning about Chinese Zodiac animals and what sign they were and if they showed any of the typical characteristics. The question for Valentine’s Day was ‘Love is……’ we had some interesting responses including …the glue that keeps is together and …hard work!

Our arts & crafts sessions saw residents making broaches for both Chinese New Year and Valentines and then wearing them with pride.

“Music doesn’t get in. Music is already in. Music simply uncovers what is there, makes you feel emotions that you didn’t necessarily know you had inside you, and runs around waking them all up. A rebirth of sorts.”   a quote from writer Matt Haig. This is a perfect description for residents reactions to our recent silent disco. All communities joined us for this very different musical entertainment event and residents sat looking a little bemused with their headphones on, and then the music started. The reactions were instantaneous, smiles and bodies became relaxed and started to move to the music, it really was the most amazing reaction to witness. The beauty with this entertainment also was that the headphones were able to reach some of the residents who were nursed in bed so they could enjoy the event too.

We welcomed members from the Warrington branch of the Salvation Army Band, for a Sunday afternoon performance. Residents were able to request hymns of their choice and the wonderfully talented band were able to fulfil all requests, All Things Bright & Beautiful, The Rugged Cross and many more. Everyone felt wonderfully uplifted after the afternoon, Joan said ‘There is just something special about a brass band’

A very big thank you to the gentlemen who gave up their time to bring smiles to our ladies & gents faces.

As a foot note we are having an Easter Egg collection on behalf of the Salvation Army who will then distribute them to children in Warrington.