Activities at Hethersett Hall Care Home

 On Friday the 8th of May, we celebrated the 75th VE Day anniversary in style. We decorated the home with lots of Union Jack bunting and balloons, our chef prepared a war time themed lunch and supper! Donna took time to bake wonderful cakes too! Residents and staff gathered together at 11am for a two minute silence followed by a special message from our dear Friends, Friend in Deed. The children waved flags as they sang “we’ll meet again” and acted out “digging for victory” in their gardens.

In the afternoon, residents waved flags and wore party hats as we raised a glass to the nation, showing our gratitude to “those who gave so much”. We ended our celebrations watching and singing along to a montage of wartime classics sang by Charlene.

To those who gave so much, we will always remember them.

One of residents, Margaret kindly took the time to knit 12 face mask adapters for staff, to help make their masks more comfortable. Margaret has knitted items for our Fetes and Christmas Markets before but this particular project is very much appreciated by all staff. Thank you Margaret!

Since our residents haven’t been able to have visits from their family and friends, activities staff have put together a timetable for regular Skype, FaceTime and What’s App video calls. At first, most of our residents found it quite overwhelming how advanced technology is but it has given them the opportunity to keep in touch with their loved ones which they look forward to each week. It’s so lovely to see our residents smile as soon as the video call connects and the laughter shared! Our residents have learnt a lot about technology however the residents can’t wait to reunite with their families, a big party is definitely on the cards!!

This week our residents have been busy raising funds Friend in Deed who do such amazing work within care homes creating intergenerational friendships to combat loneliness. As a thank you to support them in these difficult times two of our residents completed their challenge of fitting 26 pieces to quite a tricky jigsaw puzzle. They managed to raise £150 in just a few days! Thank you so much to our residents and to those who donated.

We take great care in planning an activities programme that coincides with life enrichment ideas to enhance physical, mental and emotional well being. We encourage residents to help with “meaningful chores” to maintain life skills such as light “washing up” after lunch or folding napkins; providing a sense of purpose and achievement. A couple of residents in Memory Lane have been mesmerised by flowers projected from our Magic Table. This stimulating activity has sparked lovely interactions between staff and residents, special moments that make us all smile, particularly at this time. We have sent photos and videos to families to provide reassurance that their loved one is being supported to take part in activities, no matter how big or small. 

On Tuesday the 21st of April residents joined together to play a variety of target games, “at the fair”. Residents tried their luck playing Ping the Pong, Skittles, Lawn Darts and Hook a duck. This activity was aimed to meet the physical and social needs of our residents, to encourage gentle exercise to maintain mobility whilst interacting with others. Great fun was had by all! 

On this day, we also celebrated National Tea Day and the Queens 94th birthday with a selection of tea and biscuits sent to us by the National Tea Group. Our chef also prepared some lovely scones. We decorated our home with lots of Union Jacks! Our residents wore hats and watched the Queen’s Birthday Parade from last year as they enjoyed their afternoon tea.