Activities at Elm Bank Care Home

Elm Bank was filled with delicious aroma of fresh baked bread as residents from the Blossom Trail Community celebrated National Baking Week with a fantastic afternoon of culinary creativity.

The atmosphere was buzzing as everyone got hands-on creating their own beautiful loaves from scratch. There were smiles all around as residents carefully kneaded, shaped, and seasoned their bread with an array of tempting toppings. From traditional sesame and poppy seeds to perhaps some more adventurous favour combinations, each a loaf created was a unique work of art!

Tina, Activities Co-ordinator said, “It was great as the bread was freshly baked the same day and delivered warm to the residents to enjoy with their tea. It was such a joyous activity and hearing all the residents’ stories from times past was lovely.”

General Manager Larisa Bledea said: “We really like to ensure that we offer a whole host of activities within our beautiful home, and that residents get to enjoy all life’s simple pleasures, it is not always about lavish activities it is about what the activity means to our residents and the benefit it creates. Everyone certainly enjoyed eating the creations at the end.”
 

The residents and staff, recently wrapped its residents and staff in a comforting embrace of support and cheer to mark World Mental Health Day, demonstrating a profound commitment to the emotional well-being of everyone in its care. The day was centred on the simple yet powerful gesture of yellow, a colour universally associated with hope, joy, and optimism.

The homes dedicated chef’s baked dozens of vibrant yellow cupcakes, which were lovingly decorated and the homes well-being champions provided many sweet treats for staff to enjoy. The cakes and sweets treat, served as a reminder of the day’s vital message: that talking about mental health is essential, and no one should be alone feel alone.   .

Tina, Activities Co-ordinator said, “It was a wonderful day for both residents and staff, the yellow cupcakes and sweet treats put a smile on all. The afternoon was filled with wonderful live music from the ‘Two of Diamonds’, it was a great day for all.”

General Manager Larisa Bledea said: “Mental health is just as important as physical health for all our residents and staff, and in a care setting, fostering a culture of open support is priority.”
 

Elm Bank continues to celebrate the ongoing success of its monthly Community Dementia Café, a vital and heart-warming initiative that brings joy and support to the local community who are living with dementia and their loved ones. The most recent gathering this week proved to be a particular vibrant affair, leaving everyone with a smile.

The highlight of the afternoon was a captivating performance by the Dave Johnson, the cheerful melodies and heartfelt songs had everyone tapping their feet and singing along, creating an atmosphere of shared joy. For many, the familiar tunes sparked memories and brought smiles to faces, proving once again the incredible therapeutic value of music for people living with dementia.

Tina, Activities Co-ordinator said, “The café is a warm welcoming place for individuals living with dementia and their families to connect with others facing similar experiences. This shared understanding really helps combat feelings of loneliness and isolation, fostering a sense of belonging. Since its launch it the café has become a loved fixture in our local calendar, which demonstrates Elm Banks commitment to being a true hub for community support, not just a care provider”.

The residents and staff were delighted in welcoming the Seventh-day Adventist Church choir to their home who filled the air with beautiful sounds.

A group of children adults and children from the congregation visited the residents, providing a truly uplifting morning of songs and spiritual fellowship. The choirs beautiful voices brought smiles to every face, and the residents thoroughly enjoyed the heartfelt performance. The children in particular were a delight, their sweet voices adding a special touch to the event. Afterward, the children personally handed out beautiful, handcrafted cards and flowers to each resident. The cards made with care and creativity, served as a tangible reminder of the day’s warmth.

Tina, Activities Co-ordinator said, “The visit was a powerful reminder and an example of the importance of faith and spiritual activities within a care home setting. These moments of connection and joy are invaluable, providing not just entertainment but a deeper sense of peace and community. The Seventh-day Adventist Church’s generosity and compassion created a day that will be remembered by both residents and staff.”

Our varied life enrichment programme keeps residents active, and provides a daily choice of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities.

Staff and residents had a truly special afternoon recently, as they were visited by Michelle’s Petting Party.

The residents and staff transformed a lounge into a mini-farm as they were treated to a visit from Michelle’s Petting Party with a whole host of furry and feathered friends who came to say hello. It was an afternoon of pure, unadulterated joy. Residents and staff’s faces lit up as they took turns in stroking and cuddling the animals. The highlight for many was the hen, who really got everyone talking.

Activities Co-ordinator, Tina said: “The residents and staff thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon, it was not just about fun; it was a real treat for the resident’s well-being. The gentle act of stroking the animals helped to calm and relax everyone, and the happy atmosphere was really infectious. It was also great as Michelle was able to take the lovely animals and visit residents in the comfort of their rooms so that no one missed out on the fun. Michelle’s Petting Party certainly brought the barnyard to Elm Bank, but more importantly, she brought a whole host of happiness, we cannot wait to have Michelle back to visit us again.”

Our varied life enrichment programme keeps residents active, and provides a daily choice of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities.

The atmosphere was electric as residents enjoyed a lively performance from Gav Lalala, which added a really festive backdrop to the afternoon celebrations. From the first bite to the last note of music, the smiles were abundant. The joyous celebration culminated in a heartfelt moment as the residents, “a glass in hand,” raised a toast to the day. An opportunity created for all to come together, enjoy great food and music, and raise their spirits in a joint celebration of global culture and companionship.   .

Tina, Activities Co-ordinator said, “It was a wonderful afternoon for both residents and staff, the great selection of food from around the world provided residents with a culinary experience that put a smile on all their faces. The afternoon was filled with amazing live music from the ‘Gav Lalala’, it was a great afternoon for all.”

General Manager Larisa Bledea said: “World Food Day was a huge success here at the home and it was lovely to see residents and staff enjoy great music and sample different foods from around the world, prepared by our wonderful chefs. The feedback from residents and staff was lovely, they enjoyed each other’s company and reminisced on trips abroad over the years where they recalled eating the local food. Cheers to a memorable World Food Day at Elm Bank!.”

The residents recently enjoyed a wonderful and beneficial shopping excursion to their local Morrison’s store, proving that age is no barrier to independence and the simple joys of a familiar routine.

The trip was a resounding success, offering residents the chance to personally select items, manage their own small purchases, and engage with the wider community. Laughter echoed through the aisles as they navigated the store, revisiting favourite treats and sharing memories sparked by products on the shelves. One resident was over the moon when she came across a store colleague who she used to see every time she went shopping prior to moving in to the home. The reunion was an emotional one for both as it had been a while since the resident had been shopping.

Tina, Activities Co-ordinator said, “It is not just about buying a certain item, it is more than that, it is about having the choice, the independence, and the feeling of a normal day out. These experiences are vital for our resident’s well-being and it gives them a real sense of self-worth. It was lovely that our resident was able to bump in to a store colleague that she had not seen for a while, it certainly makes trips like this really important for our residents as they remain connected to the community.”

General Manager Larisa Bledea said: “The residents are already looking forward to their next adventure, proving that with a little support and a lot of heart, independence and joy can be found on any road, especially the one leading to the local supermarket.”
 

In the heart of Elm Bank, a new kind of magic was found, not in grand gestures but in the gentle stroke of a paintbrush. A delightful afternoon was spent on the dementia community adding vibrant colours to images.

The air was filled with a quite concentration and lots of smiles with burst of conversation around times past. It was not just a simple craft session; it was a profound experience that provided a multitude of benefits. For many, painting provides a powerful outlet for self-expression. It allowed the residents to communicate feelings and memories that may otherwise be difficult to articulate verbally, unlocking a sense of freedom and an emotional release.

Tina, Activities Co-ordinator said, “It was a wonderful simple activity that allowed for our residents to benefit from not only the emotional side but also it offered cognitive advantages. Painting requires focus and problem solving, helping to keep minds sharp and engaged. It was lovely to see the residents mixing colours feeling the textures of the brushes, it is a sensory experience that is rich in stimulation that engages multiple parts of the brain.”

General Manager Larisa Bledea said: “It was a lovely activity that most importantly fostered a sense of community and connection. Whilst all the residents were working on their own masterpiece they were part of a shared experience. It was lovely to see the support they offered each other during the activity. It certainly was a very joyous afternoon.”

The residents enjoyed a delightful afternoon of music, sunshine, and ice lollies this Bank Holiday Monday, as the homes garden was transformed in to lovely outdoor concert.  

The event, which took place under clear blue skies, was met with smiles and happy chatter from residents. Seated comfortably in the garden, they tapped their feet and swayed to the music and even danced the afternoon away. Residents also enjoyed a lovely ice lollies which was a refreshing compliment to the afternoon.

Tina, Activities Co-ordinator said, “It is really important to us all here at the home that we celebrate key days throughout the year. Bank holidays are important here at the home and we love to have entertainment on for our residents and their loved ones to enjoy. Events like this really provide significant benefits for our residents, offering a wonderful opportunity for social engagement and mental stimulation. Live music can trigger positive memories and emotions, while the shared experience of the outdoor event can help combat feelings of loneliness, promoting a sense of community.”
 

The residents and staff at the home were treated to a truly magical experience when Northeast Producers Ltd who brought their enchanting outdoor theatre performance to the home’s beautiful garden. The show ‘Memories are Made of This’ was held on a glorious sunny day, which offered a captivating blend of music, storytelling and dance.

For many of the residents, the performance was a poignant reminder of days gone by. As the residents watched the performance, they were transported back to a time when they, too, would have visited the theatre. The experience stirred up treasured memories of grand auditoriums’, the hush of the crowd before the curtain rose, and the shared joy of a live performance.

Tina, the activities co-ordinator said, “It was truly amazing to see the residents so engaged and happy. It was a real chance for our lovely residents to relive the memories of attending the theatre back in the day, and experience those cherished moments again. It also created the opportunity for some to experience a live theatre performance for the first time on a lovely warm summer’s afternoon. Also it was not just a performance; it was a deeply meaningful connection to the past, reminding many of the timeless joy the live theatre can bring.”

A wave of nostalgia swept through Elm Bank as residents gathered for a delightful afternoon of biscuit making, transforming the communal dining room in to a room of pure joy.

The aprons were on with flour lightly dusted and the rolling pins in hand, the residents enthusiastically worked through every stage of the process, from kneading the soft dough, rolling it out and cutting out the intricate shapes. The residents of course enjoyed the best part: freshly baked, golden biscuits with a cup of tea. The pride on the resident’s faces as they sampled their own creations was wonderful.

Tina, Activities Co-ordinator said, “It was a wonderful simple activity that offered far more than just a tasty treat at the end. For our residents that live with dementia these hands on activities are incredibly beneficial for our residents, especially those that re living with dementia, as they provide essential sensory stimulation. Activities likes these ensure that every day is filled with meaningful and enjoyable experiences.”

General Manager Larisa Bledea said: “We really like to ensure that we offer a whole host of activities within our beautiful home, and that residents get to enjoy all life’s simple pleasures, it is not always about lavish activities it is about what the activity means to our residents and the benefit it creates. Everyone certainly enjoyed eating the creations at the end.”
 

At Elm Bank, we firmly believe that age is just a number when it comes to keeping fit. The residents are fully embracing the importance of keeping an active lifestyle with a firm favourite of the life enrichment programme being the fantastic fortnightly armchair exercise sessions, led by the wonderful Toms’ G Fitness.

The benefits of staying active both mentally and physically, are vital for health and wellbeing at any age, and are especially crucial in later life. We are so thrilled by the very popular seated exercise sessions. These sessions are expertly adapted to suit all abilities, making sure everyone can take part and enjoy the numerous health benefits without any undue stress on joints and muscles.

Tina, Activities Co-ordinator said, “The sessions are very popular with our residents and in the summer if the weather is not to hot we love to hold the sessions outside. It really helps our residents in boosting their strength and mobility, improving their balance and confidence as well enhancing mental well-being. It is lovely to see our residents come together as the sessions also promote social connection for all”.

The air was filled with the sweet aroma of melted chocolate and the cheerful sound of rustling wrappers. Residents gathered around a large table, and busily engaged in a beloved activity; making chocolate rice crispy cakes.

The simple, no-bake treat, a staple of childhood parties and school bake sales for generations, proved to be more than just an afternoon activity. As residents stirred the mixture, their faces lit up with shared memories, as conversations flowed easily of times past. The seemingly simple activity holds a profound importance in a care home setting. Beyond the sensory pleasure of taste and smell, tasks like making chocolate rice crispy cakes offer a unique form of reminiscence therapy.

Tina, Activities Co-ordinator said, “It was a wonderful simple activity that allowed for our residents to connect with their personal history, triggering memories and fostering sense of identity. Activities like these is a powerful way of combating feelings of isolation and it celebrates the rich tapestry of life. It is a beautiful reminder that the simplest things can often bring the greatest joy, and that memories we cherish are as sweet as the treat that help us relive them.”

General Manager Larisa Bledea said: “We really like to ensure that we offer a whole host of activities within our beautiful home, and that residents get to enjoy all life’s simple pleasures, it is not always about lavish activities it is about what the activity means to our residents and the benefit it creates. Everyone certainly enjoyed eating the creations at the end.”
 

The residents made the most of the warm August sunshine and there beautiful homes garden.

In the age of constant stimulation and complex technologies, it is easy to overlook the profound joy that is found in life's simplest pleasures. For many residents of care homes, this isn't a choice but a way of life, and one of the most cherished sanctuaries is the garden. A garden offers more than just a beautiful view; it offers a tangible connection with the natural world. For our residents spending quality time outside amongst the flowers, trees, and the gentle buzz of bees allows them to engage their senses and reconnect with memories. The earthy scent of soil, the vibrant colours of blooming petals, and the warmth of the sun on their skin evokes powerful feelings of peace and contentment.

Tina, Activities Co-ordinator said, “We do not always need big activities and events, sometimes it is the little things that truly matter. We have lovely grounds here at the home and spending quality time outside offers significant physical and mental health benefits for our residents. The fresh air and natural light from the sun are crucial, as they improve our resident’s moods and help regulate their sleep. All senses are woken when outside and that is truly amazing”.
 

Elm Bank recently celebrated International Beer Day in Style, the day itself is celebrated on the 1^st of August each year. Our communal lounge was transformed in to a lively pub for a day of fun, community and fantastic beverages. Residents and staff all came together to enjoy a traditional pub quiz and carefully selected assortment of beers, proving that a good time knows no age.

The atmosphere was electric as our residents eagerly participated in the traditional pub quiz, their faces lighting up with each correct answer. The real star of the show was the beer itself, from classic ales to refreshing lagers, there was a drink to suit every taste. The home created a lovely tipple trolley that was taken around the homes community allowing for all in their rooms to enjoy a lovely beverage to celebrate the day itself so that no one missed out. The event was a testament to the homes commitment in enriching the lives of its residents by bringing the vibrant, social atmosphere of a pub indoors.

Tina, Activities Co-ordinator said, “It is really important that the home celebrates these unique themed events as it highlights the importance of such events in a care setting. Residents are able to get a break from normal routine and a chance to socialise, it is a reminder that life is full of small wonderful pleasures. Our residents had a great afternoon it was a resounding success, not just were empty glasses left behind, but also hearts also full of lasting memories, Cheers to that!.”