Activities at Cubbington Mill Care Home

Julie from Appoint Us Services, was welcomed back into the home with open arms and big smiles, ready for a cuddle catch up and a few treats! 

So what does PAT mean? Pets As Therapy, and when it comes to Dextar the adorable dog, he promotes loneliness reduction, a good sense of wellbeing, prompting childhood memories, and finally promoting improving mental health and physical abilities! Resident Ambassador Audrey is an advocate for animals in the home. Her wish on a star was in fact to have a Cubbington Mill pet. Resident Hazel expressed to Julie, "I don’t often smile, but this really has made me smile!" 

Julie visited residents in their rooms 1-1 where Dextar had a little nap in Mary's bed. Residents Chris and Gisela asked to keep Dextar forever! Dextar will return to us regularly and on National Days such as Animal Day in October.

Today, we celebrated National Cheese Day with a delicious cheesy afternoon. All our residents enjoyed sampling a variety of cheeses from around the world, accompanied by crackers, chutneys and fresh fruit. 

There were smiles all around as we shared memories of favourite cheeses, family recipes and even had a go at a fun cheese-themed quiz! Residents David, Kevin and John shared tales together about their childhood memories of cheese and their favourite variety, camembert being a firm favourite (ours too!). While Carer Karen assisted residents with cheese word search, great fun all round! 

A big thank you to our Head Chef Paul and activities team Rose and Marie for making the day such a hit.

On Saturday 26th April, Rose bravely plummeted through the air in aid of Myton Hospice, to raise money for critical care that Myton delivers every day. The Myton team provide high-quality, specialist care to people whose condition no longer responds to curative treatment, from diagnosis to end of life. They aim to meet the physical, psychological, spiritual and social needs of those they care for and ensure their families are supported both through and after this difficult time. They are also committed to training, supporting and encouraging other care providers to practise good palliative care.

Rose would like to take this moment to personally thank each and every loved one who has donated to this incredible cause. Her heart is feeling truly full (and relieved to have landed safely, with her family & friends)! Now to plan what this self-confessed adrenaline junkie will do next year?! Maybe a group mission to space… she laughed! 

Before coming to Cubbington Mill Dami looked at our Google reviews and expressed she was ‘ready to pack her bags and move in!’’ She had never read such ‘’beautiful testimonials’’. 

Student Nurse Dami left her heartfelt thanks in the way of boxes of chocolates and goodies with a dedicated card to the team and nurses who have taught her the Cubbington Mill way, while completing her 1st year's placement hours. Dami is sad to be leaving Cubbington Mill, but we will stay in contact, and hopefully see her soon when her placement is completed in 2 years' time. 

Good luck Dami, thank you for showing caring, person-centred care to our residents over the last few months, and giving the staff a giggle each day you were working!

Today we have thrown a 70 years combined service party to celebrate, Head of Maintenance, Waldemar Styzecki, who joined in 2005, Team Leader Karen Martin who joined in 2000 and Unit Manager Louise Amos who joined Cubbington in 2000.  

Staff, residents and guests commemorated this special occasion with a whole home party, fit for the King, with laughter, photos and lots of reminiscing! Staff enjoyed a party feast prepared by Peripatetic Chef Marcin and his dedicated team.

Cubbington Mill has built up excellent reputations within its local community, which is exactly why Waldemar, Karen and Louise are celebrating their long service award with us all.

General Manager, Laura Russell said: “It is important to recognise the hard work of our staff here at Cubbington Mill. To be celebrating such long service awards is a fantastic achievement, and the party is a small gesture to show our appreciation of the hard work and dedication these staff members have shown towards the residents and the home. I am very lucky to work with such special people.

When resident Paddy turned Resident Of the Day, Rose got her thinking cap on to create a wish fulfilment alongside Paddy’s wife Diana, due to Paddy being unable to verbalise. Diana and Rose agreed a trip to Jephsons in the beautiful weather we are having would be great! 

Paddy used to visit the park with his daughter and family many years ago, creating a happy, found memory of Jephson's and the time spent there. Student Nurse Emily completed her last day at Cubbington Mill today, so she chaperoned the trip alongside the gentlemen, Stan, Maurice and John. Turning a wish fulfilment into a surprise for resident John also, who was greeted by his family in the park with their beloved dog Winnie!

We shared stories, admired the smells and sights of tulips and hyacinths with a lovely cup of coffee! Diana expressed how wonderful we all are, how pleased she was to see her husband happy and to have the wish fulfilled! Paddy clapped and laughed all the way from the minibus leaving until we were home. A lovely morning was had by everyone, including Johns' relatives, who explained to Rose and Emily how nice it is to join in on expeditions. 

Resident Ambassador John wished on a star for a trip to Coombe Abbey Park. He hadn’t visited since before Covid and was blown away by the beautiful scenery all over again. John invited residents Peter and Chris, who he dines with, to come along on the trip with Volunteer Glenda.

We made ourselves comfortable in the coffee shop and shared stories of times in our childhood being in Guides and Scouts. We fed the ducks, enjoyed watching the children and dogs running in the sun and fields, finally heading back for lunch. A lovely day was had by all! John thanked Rose for making his wish such an enjoyable experience.  

The week aims to highlight, promote and celebrate improvements in the provision of nutrition and hydration – whether locally, nationally or globally. It offers an opportunity to work with the fantastic chefs that we have, and enhance the mealtime experiences that we provide.

We wanted to take this time to share with you some moments of how Cubbington Mill celebrated Nutrition & Hydration week, which took place from Monday 17th March–Sunday 23rd March. 

On Monday you will have seen a mischievous Leprechaun serving pastries to our residents for a Brilliant Breakfast. On Tuesday, the kitchen team supported residents to have a Super Supper. On Wednesday, residents, relatives, staff and friends got together for a good old piece of homemade cake and cuppa, reminiscing together over childhood memories and current affairs, for a Global Talking Tea Party. On Thursday, residents were encouraged to have our drink of the day, decaff tea and utilise the hydration stations dotted around the home for Thirsty Thursday. On Friday, our Hostess with the mostesst served delicious varieties of fresh fruits for Fruity Friday. On Saturday, Peripatetic Chef Marcin created delicious smoothies to be enjoyed for a Simple Smoothie Saturday. And then finally, on Sunday, after a healthy, hydrating week, we treated ourselves to sundaes, for a Lazy Sundae Afternoon!

Rose has taken part in a fruit kebab sale to raise money for Myton Hospice. Rose will be skydiving for Myton Hospice on Saturday 26th April, and because of this fundraising event, has now raised all the money needed! Residents Pat and Gisela, their relatives, staff member Angela and friends were all very supportive and were there to cheer on Rose and wish her well.

Rose said: “Taking part in this sale has been a huge amount of fun and everyone at the home has been behind me all the way. It’s for such an important cause. I’m very glad to be able to do my bit to raise further awareness and money for the charity. Residents can’t quite believe what a thrill seeker I am, for willingly agreeing to jump from a plane. It’s certainly made them all laugh! ”

Rose raised a grand total of £46 in total £471, by selling fruit kebabs and receiving donations which has all been donated to Myton Hospice.