Activities at Juniper House Care Home

The home was in high spirits as they celebrated the National Day of Wales with a baking session making Welsh cakes in honour of the traditional feast day and the country’s patron saint. Residents and staff were treated to a baking session by our home manager, Karen, who is from Wales.

Before we got started, Karen explained the significance of these little griddle-baked treats. She told us how Welsh cakes have been a staple in Welsh households for generations. Traditionally, they were made on a flat cast-iron griddle heated over an open fire. These were a practical and delicious way to use up leftover ingredients, particularly during times of economic hardship. 

Then the real fun began! Karen guided us through each step of the recipe. We mixed flour, sugar, butter, raisins and spices, filling the kitchen with a warm and inviting aroma. Everyone who was at the baking sessions participated. The real magic happened as the cakes began to puff up and turn golden-brown. Karen flipped the cakes, ensuring they were evenly cooked. Finally, the moment of truth arrived. We all sampled our creations. Warm from the pan, everyone was amazed by the outcome. The Welsh cakes were perfectly textured - slightly crisp on the outside and wonderfully soft and crumbly on the inside.

General Manager, Karen, said: “We love celebrating St David’s Day here at Juniper House. I felt honoured to be able to take the baking session and explain the background of Welsh cakes to residents and staff. It took me right back to my days in Wales. I enjoyed every moment with the residents. From start to the end, we all enjoyed tasting our homemade cakes.”

Carroll, a resident at Juniper House, said: “It has been a lovely day. It was wonderful to see everyone go to so much effort to get involved with the day’s celebrations. I really liked this baking session and I loved tasting the Welsh cakes. They tasted amazing.”   

What a wonderful afternoon we had yesterday singing along to some love songs. Having a dance and overall a wonderful time. 

Jinto gave us a exercise class to one song, followed by family and staff coming together to sing two songs with Val and Rob.

The sound of joy was recently brought to Juniper House by bagpiper Steve! A wave of emotion, a mix of joy and bittersweet remembrance, washed over many residents thanks to the generous visits and captivating performance of a local bagpiper, Steve. 

More than just a musical interlude, Steve's performance was a heartfelt gift. Steve didn't just simply arrive, play and leave. Understanding the profound impact music can have, he thoughtfully dedicated his time to ensuring each resident experienced the magic of the bagpipes first-hand. He slowly and carefully walked around the entire home, his pipes filling each room and corridor in the home with stirring sounds of traditional Scottish music.

The result was nothing short of remarkable. Smiles blossomed on faces and eyes filled with tears.
Steve took time after to say how he was only 11 years old when he started to learn to play the bagpipes and was talking to the residents about how old his bagpipes were and how far they have travelled till he managed to buy them.

Jean asked if she could possibly go in a wheelchair to see Steve. I said that was ok, but Steve would be walking around the whole home to which Jean said, could we walk behind him? I said that we could, and Jean had the biggest smile on her face. So I took Jean to the coffee shop where Steve started to play, and within a few seconds Jean's eyes filled with tears, and she said how she just loves the bagpipes. We walked around the whole home and Jean enjoyed every minute of it. Jean was clapping her hands as we went round the home and her smile got bigger.  

Jean said how grateful she was to Steve for coming along and how much she enjoyed it. 
Carroll sat chatting with Steve and, after a chat, Steve offered to play a little more in the coffee shop.

What a wonderful afternoon we had yesterday singing along to some love songs. Having a dance and overall a wonderful time. 

Jinto gave us an exercise class to one song, followed by family and staff coming together to sing two songs with Val and Rob.

On Wednesday 29th January we celebrated international puzzle day. We joined together and enjoyed Jigsaw puzzles and word searches on the rainbow. We had lots of fun. 

Everyone was asked which puzzle they would like to do. Some wanted to do a jigsaw puzzle while others wanted to do word searches on the rainbow table. The ladies sat at the table and picked which puzzle they wanted to do. We started by getting all the pieces for the outside ready first. It was harder than we thought, but that did not stop us. We were all determined to get the puzzles finished.

At the end of the day, not only had we completed the puzzles, but we also had long-lasting memories. Puzzle day was not just about solving challenges, it was also about team work. We couldn’t help but smile and laugh, reflecting on the fun we had. A sense of fulfilment that came from working together to overcome the hurdles. It was a day filled with joy.

Carroll picked her puzzle as she said what a beautiful picture was on the front. Helga said she was not going to give up and had very little help at the end and finished the puzzle. Sheila enjoys doing a puzzle every day in her room, so she had a big smile on her face watching others doing puzzles and enjoyed finishing her one off as well.  

Every Wednesday at Juniper House we look forward to seeing Sam the PAT therapy dog.

Sam brings us all so much joy, happiness and love. He loves all his treats and the love he gets at Juniper House.