Activities at Claremont Parkway Care Home

Residents were transported back in time remembering the sweets of old, thanks to Becki who runs the old fashioned sweet shop Sweet Memories of Hadleigh, who came in to the home to sell a selection of the sweets they have at the shop.
Residents, staff and visitors welcomed the opportunity to purchase a selection of old fashioned sweets that they remembered from childhood.

It was a delight to see the memories being stirred up, discussing everyone's favourites and getting to experience the smells of sweets they had long forgotten, such as the Pontefract Cakes, which gave a glorious liquorice smell, which was divided amongst the residents and family members.

With such a selection to choose from Lemon Sherbets, Pear Drops, Mint Humbugs, Flying Saucers, Bonbons in many different flavours, Rhubarb and Custard, to name but a few, which would our residents choose? 

As residents reminisced, the activity team found information on the oldest sweet shop in the world, which is called the "Oldest Sweet Shop In The World" and after some discussion Phyliss guessed correctly that it was in Yorkshire. Reminiscing activities bring such positivity to the residents and leads on to many different avenues to discuss and compare the life from their childhoods and early adulthood, to how life is nowadays.
 

This week we celebrated the Birthday of Joyce who was presented with a cake made by our wonderfully talented Chef Jorge. Celebrating birthdays at Claremont is a very important occasion for our residents and helps them to feel loved and valued.

Storytelling is at its best, especially when spoken from the heart by the writer; Lorna Marlow author. Today our residents and guests were captivated by author Lorna as she read aloud the first chapter of her debut novel.

Finding Home tells the story of 'Lucy' a woman who wants for nothing, except love, respect and financial independence! Trapped in a gilded cage of violence and loss, it takes a surprise inheritance from a distant relative, to enable Lucy to start again. As we listened to Lorna tell the tale of Lucy, her words took us on an emotional rollercoaster, we imagined each character in detail and were hooked to find out more!

Lorna's debut novel is the first of many we hope to read within the Claremont Book Club. 
If you wish to join us on our regular storytelling journey, please contact our Activities Team on 01536 484494 to find out more. Book recommendations, and suggestions for our next guest authors are welcome.

Come along and read alone, or listen with the group. We'll take time to discuss each chapter, and character together over tea and cake in the comfort of our home.  

We'd like to thank Lorna Marlow author for making today's 'Book Club' launch so enthralling.

Today we transformed our quiet lounge into something truly magical — a tranquillity spa right here in the heart of our home, in celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD).

Our Home Manager Joanna Mosses, a qualified reflexologist, led a beautiful wellness day for our residents and guests - creating a fully immersive experience with sound bath meditation rhythms and a twinkling night sky across the ceiling. The space became a sanctuary of healing and mindfulness, inspired by this year’s IWD theme: ‘Give to Gain’.

Activities Assistant; Trisha from the homes’ Life Enrichment Team was on hand treating guests to relaxing foot spas, while Joanna’s expert reflexology touch did the rest.

The feedback from our guests said it all:

Phyliss said it was the best respite care she has ever had — and that the bubbles and foot spa were just lovely.
Bill had a laugh about being surrounded by women, saying they were all enjoying the posh way of living.
Anne shared wonderful stories from her time working at Champneys, and the famous faces she met there — what a life!

It was so warmly received that Joanna is making this a regular event - open to residents, staff, and members of the local community who could do with a little well-deserved pamper time. 

Did you know that the first Friday in March every year is known as ‘Employee Appreciation Day’?

It serves as a reminder that saying "thank you" is not just polite, but powerful! The day is a chance to show appreciation for employees beyond pay and perks. Today home manager Joanna treated her hard-working team to delicious range of Krispy Kreme doughnuts.

Doughnuts are more than just a sweet indulgence - they are a symbol of happiness, community, and the simple joys in life. Their round shape, often associated with unity and continuity makes them the perfect treat that symbolises the togetherness of the Claremont Parkway team

Today was a big celebration for William as he shared his birthday with family and friends in our lovely conservatory.
Lots of family joined him for his special day and he was very happy and grateful for the love and attention he received throughout the day.

He was also presented with a lovely cake made by our talented chef Jorge.

Our residents have had the most wonderful surprise this week when they took time to read all the beautiful handwritten cards, paintings and heartfelt letters, lovingly created by the incredible pupils of Greenfields Primary School and Nursery in Kettering. The smiles they brought were simply priceless!

It all began with an Apprenticeship Day at Greenfields, where our Customer Relationship Manager, Samantha, presented to a class of around 30 enthusiastic pupils on the topic of ‘Working Life in a Care Home’  - from receptionist to senior nurse and every vital role in between.

The students listened, asked thoughtful questions, and began to truly understand the dedication, compassion and teamwork that goes into creating a safe, happy and loving home for each and every one of our residents. During the session, the students were challenged to think about how they would get to know a resident using gentle questions and, most importantly, the art of really listening. Skills that, we have to say, they showed in abundance!

Then came the moment none of them will forget… our Home Manager Joanna surprised the class by bringing along one of our wonderful residents, Noelle, to meet them in person. Noelle charmed every single one of them, answering their questions with warmth and wit and the feeling was entirely mutual.

Now, our residents absolutely cannot wait to write back and we have a feeling this is just the beginning of a very special friendship.  We send thanks to every pupil, teacher and member of staff at Greenfields Primary School & Nursery. You have made our residents’ so very happy.

What a wonderful ‘Afternoon Tea’ we had with family, and friends of our residents for this years’ Mothering Sunday. 

Everyone enjoyed a lovely selection of freshly made finger sandwiches and an array of sweet treats. 

Happy moments together make all the difference. Whether you're a mother in care, working mum, or visiting mother taking time to share your love with others. 

Everyone at Claremont Parkway hopes all mothers had a very special day yesterday... just as special as they are.

On Sunday 8th March the world marked International Women's Day - a moment to celebrate progress and stand in solidarity with women and girls everywhere.

The ladies were presented with flowers to show how much they are appreciated and how much each of them inspire one another, we're truly grateful for the kindness, and hard work each of you brings every day. Your passion and teamwork make our workplace brighter and stronger. 

Together, let's keep lifting each other up and giving support, so women and girls everywhere can gain in moving forward.
International Women's Day has been around for over a hundred years, let's celebrate women's achievement.

If ever there was a feeling to box up and hold close forever, it's that of this morning's intergenerational session at Claremont Parkway.

Both the children and residents had so much fun singing and moving along to the music together - pure magic! Reading and sharing books between the young and residents was pure joy to see the interactions. It's a chance for different generations to come together and have fun, with music, reading and a sing-along too. The photo's show the joy on the residents faces, that certainly enjoyed this mornings session.

At Claremont this evening resident got together for a relaxed evening of art using a range of media and explored their creative side whilst enjoying a glass of sherry.

The room was filled with jolly conversations of favourite artists and whether any of us would make a fortune from our creations. The atmosphere felt warm and sociable and helped us to connect, unwind and appreciate the simple pleasure of art in good company.

Today we welcomed back Anne and her pop up shop and our residents had an enjoyable time browsing the rails and treating themselves to some new attire.

Retail therapy can have several benefits to residents as it supports  emotional well being, independence, and social interaction.
Being able to choose personal items like clothes helps our residents maintain their identity and can help self-esteem and confidence.

Everyone who popped along enjoyed the shopping experience and are looking forward to Anne returning in the summer.

Residents quite often enjoy a little quiet reading of their favourite novel or a history book of a once admired regal figure in the corner and discussing how they are enjoying quiet reflection time.
 
Some mindful colouring while chatting to their fellow residents, enjoying refreshments and discussing the beautiful sun shining in the room, a reminder that Spring is just around the corner, which in turn brings smiles and radiance to the residents. 

Following a fun armchair fitness session with the wonderful Tom from Gfitness our residents joined us for today’s Healthy Heart Awareness event. General Manager Joanna opened with a talk on the facts about the importance of keeping our hearts healthy through regular exercise and eating the right food-stuffs. She spoke about the primary function of the heart and the major risk factors for heart disease, giving everyone the myths, and facts on maintaining a healthy heart at any age.

Deputy Manager Chloe provided blood pressure tests and our Customer Relationship Manager; Samantha created nutrition rich natural yogurt smoothies full of heart healthy fruits including avocado and spinach leaves… a combination chosen by our residents, which after blending tasted delicious!

Guests had the opportunity to try a variety of fresh fruits including strawberries, blueberries, watermelon and blackberries. Chef prepared cucumber and pepper sticks for dipping in the low-fat tzatziki and hummus dips alongside rice crackers which went down a treat during the Heart Healthy Quiz. Residents and guests found the session really helpful and enjoyed learning more about looking after their heart health. 

Noelle said it was a very good day, she really enjoys our get-togethers and loved the strawberries! Phyllis loved the bubble tea and pieces of dark chocolate (honestly its heart friendly). Marigold mentioned she’d had a very good time and enjoyed listening to the talk. Anne said she enjoyed the whole session saying it was ‘learning with a purpose’ and Patricia commented her favourite part was all the avocado as she loves it!

This week is National Pie week and at Claremont we do not like to miss out on an excuse to have some extra special tasty treats. We have started the week with some scrumptious savoury pies made by our talented chef Dijon.

Our residents had a tough decision deciding which one was their favourite from Chicken & Leek, Steak & Ale or Vegetable. Will tomorrow bring savoury or sweet pies and by the end of the week will we have found the four & twenty blackbirds!