Activities at Derham House Care Home

On the 11th hour of the 11th day on the 11th month we shall remember them.

Derham House made a remembrance wall to remember the residents and family members who fought for our country past and present.

Our residents enjoyed singing to songs from the 40’s from our amazing singer Tracey Lea.

The residents thoroughly enjoyed a visit from an owl this week. 

It was lovely to see the joy on the resident's faces as they interacted with the amazing creature of the night.

For some residents, this experience was particularly meaningful, and it truly brought a smile to everyone’s day. 

The owl’s visit provided a unique form of pet therapy for the residents.

The event was attended by the care home residents and staff, creating an atmosphere of warmth and excitement throughout Derham House.

What an amazing feeling to have your hair and nails done. Some of our residents enjoyed a lovely manicure while waiting to have their hair washed and blow dried.

Our weekly event offers residents the opportunity to treat themselves to a brand new look or simply enjoy a pampering session to uplift their spirits.

In our salon Julie works her magic, providing haircuts, styling and treatments to those who wish to partake. Julie caters to the individual preference for each resident.

Meanwhile, the dedicated Activity team spoil the ladies with soothing manicures adding a touch of glamour to their day. The gentle care and attention lavished upon them contribute to their overall wellbeing and a sense of self-worth.

Pamper days offer benefits for mental health and emotional wellbeing.

This week we welcomed a brand new experience to Derham House. We were all excited but apprehensive at the same time. What would our residents think about this? Or how would they feel?

Benefits of VR:
A fun activity with multiple experiences to choose from, on a wildlife adventure to visiting the 7 wonders of the world.
The VR experience can uplift your mood and reduce feelings of isolation.
Researchers have found that exposing people with dementia to virtual reality environments helped them recall old memories, reduced aggression and improved their interactions and behaviour with their caregivers.

Group interaction:
Multiple people can take part, even family and friends are welcome were welcome to join adding social interaction and new memories.
One family member was amazed how real the experience was “I felt I was actually there”
A resident said “I can see an elephant”
The hand actions and looking all around put smiles on all our faces to see how much they were enjoying the experience.
Bedbound residents had an escape from the daily routine by visiting places they had never seen before from the comfort of their bed.
 

For many seniors, health declines as they get older. For people with dementia, this decline is generally seen in progressive cognitive impairment. However, as reading is exercise for the brain, it can help keep the brain fit. Although the benefits of reading haven’t been widely studied, research shows how it can improve senior health. 

There are also reports that reading can decrease symptoms among people already diagnosed with dementia. 

Reading in groups, such as in book clubs, can build social connections. Discussing books can help people with dementia maintain analytical and verbal skills; this activity also provides the opportunity to talk about any feelings brought up by recent reads. This can be especially useful if seniors are reading about the experiences of other people with dementia. 

What better way to celebrate National Book Day then to visit our local Bookstore, Waterstone’s Lakeside Shopping Centre.

What an array of books to choose from for our 1st visit, crime, autobiography, sport, fiction, what do we pick!!!! Crime was the choice for the day. 

Crime fiction, detective story, murder mystery, mystery novel, and police novel are terms used to describe narratives that centre on criminal acts and especially on the investigation, either by an amateur or a professional detective.

Just a little side tracked from the books, what do we see??? Children reading and having fun.

As we come out the bookstore one resident noticed the West ham shop, as her and her family are MASSIVE West ham fans. So we had to go in the shop and have our picture taken.

To finish the morning off you would think they would like a cup of tea, but, NOOOOO, a trip to McDonalds for a great big thick Milkshake.

A great morning was had by all.

Staff at Derham House had a cultural day, celebrating the wonderful nations of our staff.  It was time to show off what culinary delights their country had to offer.

Zimbabwe Oxtail Stew

Indulge in the flavours of South Africa with this exquisite Oxtail Stew. Bursting with tender, succulent pieces of oxtail simmered to perfection in a rich, savoury sauce, this dish is a true delight for the senses. The South African Oxtail Stew is a beloved traditional recipe that showcases the country’s rich culinary heritage. It embodies comfort, warmth, and a celebration of communal meals shared with loved ones.

Whether it’s a cosy family gathering or a special occasion, this Oxtail Stew is sure to impress. The long, slow cooking process allows the flavours to meld together, resulting in a dish that is rich, comforting, and soul-satisfying.

Transport yourself to the heart of South Africa and experience the joy of savouring a bowlful of this hearty and authentic Oxtail Stew. Prepare to be captivated by the flavours and traditions that make this dish a true culinary treasure.

Caribbean Rice and Beans

Caribbean rice and beans, often referred to as “rice and peas” in some regions, is a beloved dish with a rich history. This dish is a staple in Caribbean cuisine and has deep cultural and historical roots.

The origins of Caribbean rice and beans can be traced back to West Africa. The dish typically consists of rice cooked with beans (often red kidney beans or black beans), coconut milk, and a variety of spices.

The dish evolved over time, with each Caribbean Island adding its own unique twist. For example, in Puerto Rico, it’s known as “arroz con gandules” and is made with pigeon peas and often includes pork. In the Dominican Republic, it’s called “moro de habichuelas” and is typically made with red beans.

Caribbean rice and beans is more than just a meal; it’s a symbol of the region’s resilience and cultural fusion.

Romanian Layer Raspberry Jelly Cakes

Romanian raspberry jelly cakes, are a delightful dessert with a rich history. These cakes are typically made from a light, fluffy sponge cake filled with whipped cream, and mascarpone cheese topped with raspberry jelly.

The addition of raspberry jelly gives it a unique twist making it a favourite among many.