Activities at Elm Bank Care Home

It was lovely to see Norman and Sandy his owner at the home again this week. Norman the Poodle is a PAT Dog, and the joy he brings to all our residents and staff is just amazing!

We will keep you posted on Norman and his visits, with some more wonderful pictures of the smiles on the faces of the residents, staff and visitors that he meets on his travels around the home.

Yesterday we all wished Patricia a happy 21st Leap Day Birthday, with a lovely gift and a delicious home made birthday cake. Patricia, who was 84, was delighted to be celebrating her Leap Day birthday, making her just 21 years old.

Patricia was born in Liverpool on the 29th of February 1940, at one minute past midnight. Usually she would celebrate her birthday on the 28th of February, alongside her parents wedding anniversary. We surprised Patricia with a gift that made her smile after discovering she was a huge fan of a progressive rock and metal band known as the ‘Dream Theatre’ from the United States.

Patricia said, “I was completely surprised with my gift, after having a lovely day out with my family and then coming back to my book. I was on a video call to my friend at the time of opening my gift, who lives in America, I did not even know that the band had a book out. I have been to see the band over 60 times perform live, I used to follow all their tours around America”.

The residents have been busy with their bread making skills, enjoyment was had by all creating their wonderful rolls and loaves! Chef Jo was delighted to bake all the creations.

Last week the residents enjoyed the wonderful sounds of the African Drums. Everyone learnt about the culture and traditions behind the instruments, even testing out their own musical talents. It was evident on all faces the joy this created for the afternoon.

Elm Bank care home, was filled with love and friendship for St Valentine’s Day for special couple, Pam and Brian Bullous who celebrated their 65th Valentine’s Day together.

Brian and Pam first met at a dance in and Chesterfield and at the age of 22 years Pam married Brian on the 22nd of March 1958. Living in Sheffield for many years, they moved to Kettering to be closer to their daughter and are now both enjoying a new chapter in their lives, living together at Elm Bank. A romantic reception was held at the home for Pam and Brian as they dined privately, Chef Sophie delighted the couple by cooking up their favourite dishes.

Brian stated the secret to a long happy marriage for him was; "Luck" which put smiles on all our faces.

Residents had a very busy day yesterday, marking Pancake Day with a pancake flipping afternoon of fun for both staff and residents and of course, lots of pancakes! Sharntelle, head chef at the home, flipped more than 100 pancakes, serving them up with sweet and savoury fillings for all the eager staff and residents to enjoy.

Sharntelle said: “My secret to the best pancakes is all in the whipping. Give it some elbow grease when mixing the batter and you’ll get perfect pancakes every time. I like experimenting with the fillings – the residents’ favourites are good old fashioned lemon and sugar!”

In the afternoon it was time to get decorating Valentines cupcakes, Marvellous the General Manager said "so much fun was had by all it was lovely to see all the smiles on everyone's faces , the pancakes tasted amazing and the cakes looked fabulous!"