Activities at Hurstwood View Care Home

The sun has been shining and we have been making the most of the weather. Our gardens are starting to look a lot brighter now; the flowers are blooming and it’s great to get out in the fresh air. We have been enjoying Pimm's and ice cream in the sunshine, which we all hope continues so we can spend more time in the garden.

Five residents enjoyed an afternoon out at Barnsgate, where we all had a slice of cake or a toasted tea cake. The weather wasn’t great for the views, but the staff at Barnsgate made up for this with their general chatting and, as always, great service. We also had the privilege of two carers joining us on their day off, which made the trip even more entertaining.

Here at Hurstwood view we are holding a sunflower growing competition. All the residents have nurtured the plants from seed and we are now pleased that the weather has brightened up so they can go out into the garden. Everyone is keen to check on their chosen flower and cannot wait to see who gains the title with the tallest sunflower.

We celebrated Carers Week at Hurstview View by gifting all of our Carers with a special card and some delicious biscuits, just as a way of saying thank you for all the incredible hard work that they do.

Easter was a great sunny time at Hurstwood, and to brighten up the home, the residents created some wonderful flower arrangements, which were displayed in our café area.

Dinky the pig came to the home, along with some of her friends, including a tortoise, a bearded dragon and a skunk.

We have had the pleasure of 2 visits from the lambs at Petpals, where we all got a chance to feed and pet the animals. They were very noisy whilst waiting for their milk, but then bounced around, playing happily after. Some of the lambs even went to resident's rooms for a stroke.

On a hot spring day at the beginning of April, we took a small group of residents to a pub in a nearby village. Bill Potter, resident of Memory Lane, commented, "it was lovely to sit in the sunshine and enjoy a nice cool pint."

Tracey has also been visiting us twice for music therapy. Everyone enjoys getting involved with singing along to the piano and playing musical instruments. There is also a chance to talk about some of our favourite songs and name the singer from pictures. We can’t wait for our next visit from her.

Local cheerleading group, Spirit Elite, attended Hurstwood View on a quiet Sunday morning to show us their new routines. It was the first time some of them had performed to an audience, but after a few nervous cries, the performance was underway. We enjoyed four routines from the children, who ranged from the ages of 4 to 15 years old. The room was packed out and a big round of applause was given to all.

We all had fun and games at the annual Christmas party. An afternoon of singing some popular songs and plenty of carols was topped off with Mince Pies and Mulled Wine. It was great to send our Christmas wishes to everyone who attended.