Activities at Dovedale Court Care Home

Staff and residents at Dovedale Court had a fantastic time celebrating Real Bread Week, surely one of the best weeks of the year!

Over the course of the week, staff and residents have kneaded, proven and baked a selection of different breads from granary loaves and floury batches, breadsticks and enjoyed the finished results with a hearty bowl of soup.  It was a great source of fun and anticipation to see the outcome of their collective baking efforts.

General Manager, Rachael Watson said: “It wasn’t just the residents that were excited when we found out there was a Real Bread Week, the eyes of the staff lit up too! Who doesn’t love freshly baked bread?  We have all had a great time trying out new recipes and adding different flavours and ingredients, we’ll be applying for Bake Off next!”

Residents enjoy doll therapy at Dovedale and have been spending some quality time with their therapy dolls who resemble newborn babies. The home have created a sensory lounge for residents to enjoy with the therapy dolls, rummage boxes and the homes Magic Table 360. 

Rachael Watson, General Manager said: “The dolls are greatly loves by all of the residents and give a nice sense of belonging and peacefulness in the home and it is great so see our residents interacting with them”

Residents put on their blue suede shoes to enjoy a virtual performance streamed by the King himself, Elvis.  Residents enjoyed watching the concert which saw them toe-tapping along too and fondly shared memories of their favourite hits by this legendary artist, which films they enjoyed watching and are looking forward to their next virtually streamed musical event.

Residents and staff at Dovedale Court have been busy sharing the love for Valentine’s day by creating personalised cards to send to their loved ones along with making heart shaped decorations to display throughout the home.  Residents enjoy the craft session and shared stories of their most romantic gestures received, loves lost and cherished.

Dovedale Court Care Home in Preston has recently brought a bit of magic to residents by providing a new ‘Magic Table 360 and the Happiness Programme’ as a way to improve residents’ quality of life.

Designed and manufactured in the UK, the Magic Table 360 uses interactive games to connect residents with staff and with each other, and research shows it improves the wellbeing of people living with dementia. Using interactive light projections, the Magic Table 360, which can be played independently or in a group, stimulates movement by inviting participants to take part in all sorts of different fun activities such as popping bubbles, playing the piano, colouring in pictures, sweeping leaves or interacting playfully with fish. Games are rich in colour, movement and detail, and allow people of all ages to play in a safe and comfortable environment.

The Magic Table 360 is portable so it can be used wherever residents feel most comfortable, it can be projected onto the floor, ceiling, walls, a whiteboard or even the bed. The Happiness Programme allows for a range of games that change seasonally and have country-specific versions covering 14 different categories, so there will always be something new for residents to try.

Residents from Dovedale often get together to enjoy their regular art and craft sessions which supports their creative ideas and encourages different methods of Art. Residents have been busy showing their own style of colourful designs this week with card making.

Residents enjoy the colouring and crafting as find it very calming and therapeutic. It enhances mindfulness and promotes a positive mental well-being.