Activities at Iddenshall Hall Care Home

Pomanders have been made since the Middle ages and we are keeping the tradition!  Pomanders are made as Yule Tide gifts, good health & luck charms for the New Year.  We are delighted with the results of the soothing fragrant balls of perfume that we have created for the home.

Residents are overjoyed with the newly implemented visiting suite so that they can continue to spend time with their loved ones for the autumn and winter seasons in addition to the outdoor visiting that has been on offer for those able for many months.

The visiting suite has been designed with both comfort and safety in mind, and has been recently adapted from a room which is accessible internally by residents and externally by visitors. The room is similar to a living room with comfortable furnishings and heated to create a welcoming and warm environment for residents to continue to spend time with their loved ones in the upcoming months. The room has an intercom system fitted so residents can clearly communicate, and engage in conversation, whilst being able to see their friends and family through a Perspex glass divider fitted for safety to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Iddenshall Hall and Beeston View Residents celebrated bonfire night on 5th November. In celebration, the home created a very special indoor firework and bonfire display.  The residents enjoyed traditional bonfire night treats, including toffee apples, treacle toffee and parkin beautifully prepared by the homes chefs.

Iddenshall Hall & Beeston View commemorated Remembrance Sunday on 08th November, where they joined the rest of the United Kingdom in holding a two-minute silence at 11am.

As well as marking Remembrance Day by wearing poppies and watching the televised service, some residents started their remembrance by painting poppies and making crafts which were used for decoration of the home. This helped stimulate memories and them to share stories and talk about the importance of Remembrance.

One of the Residents said it made her feel proud to make things to remember those who had fought for their country. After watching the service staff and Residents joined together for photographs with their banner and poppies.

Iddenshall Hall and Beeston View through the life enrichment programme are looking at new ways to keep residents socially and mentally stimulated, As part of their person centered activities ‘making a Wish’  initiative, residents are given the opportunity to tell staff about something they would like to do in their wildest dreams. This could include virtually visiting a magical place or enjoying a special activity, with staff then doing their upmost to make that dream become a reality in some form.

For one resident, it was simply to handle her typewriter, so she can write stories and her thoughts to remember so she can talk about it. The homes activities team are delighted as they watch her daily practise!

Sally started at Iddenshall Hall in October 2000, having previously been a self-employed hairdresser. Sally initially started in housekeeping working part-time whilst bringing up her family. During her time she took up working in both the Kitchen and in-house hairdressing until she gradually worked her way up to becoming Head of Housekeeping.

Sally said, "During my time here at Iddenshall & Beeston View I’ve made lots of good friends, met lots of lovely residents and residents families over the years. I’ve worked in many areas of the home which has meant I have a wider knowledge of the working home environment. My own father resided at Iddenshall for his palliative care needs, which I knew the high standards of care he’d receive. So thanks to all the carers and staff who knew him and gave him great comfort during his stay. All in all, this just shows it’s a great place to both work in and to live. I thoroughly enjoy my job”

When asked, all staff and residents at Iddenshall Hall & Beeston View said they feel very lucky to have Sally as a colleague and friend, everyone appreciates having her around.