Activities at Lanercost House Care Home

Residents at Lanercost enjoyed gifts and a fun-filled day of activites in celebration of Father’s Day.

This year, due to the current situation, family and friends joined in the celebrations virtually via video call. Residents weren’t phased by this however, as they have become quite tech savvy at Skype calls, FaceTime, and online events. These platforms are an invaluable way to keep people connected with loved ones and friends, as well as with the local communities, during these unprecedented times.

Anna Paule Operations Manager of the home, said: “We’ve all had a wonderful day today, and involving the families of our residents makes Father’s Day even more special. Using safe and effective communication, like video calling, allows our residents to stay in touch with family and friends. It’s important that we all feel connected right now, and we are continually adapting, and finding new ways to make sure every effort is focused on creating an enjoyable environment for all of our residents, whilst adhering to social distancing advice.”

Residents and staff celebrated the annual Chelsea Flower Show this year by sprucing up the home's extensive grounds, replanting hanging baskets to display around the home and clearing the flower beds and tubs in preparation of re-planting in the summer. The gardening outdoors provided an opportunity to take advantage of the recent glorious weather to enjoy a breath of fresh air. 

Staff and residents at Lanercost showed support of Mental Health Awareness Week, spreading some positivity and joy, as the theme this year was ‘Kindness’. Running from 18th - 24th May, Mental Health Awareness Week encourages us to start conversations around mental health, sharing our experiences and stories, promoting an overall healthier understanding of mental health issues, especially at this uncertain time.

Throughout the week, Lanercost residents and staff supported the initiative by reaching out to the team, sharing support sheets, which were distributed in an effort to encourage conversation. Residents were also touched to receive messages from their local community outside of the home to show acts of kindness.

As care homes across the country remembered to toast the heroes of WW2, residents at Lanercost came together to remember with a virtual street party, with residents sharing tales of when victory in Europe was announced.

On May 8, 1945, these proud men and women had been dancing in the streets while still on active service. Every year since, they have paused to reflect on the conflict that claimed millions of lives. 

Lanercost House took the time to wish Captain Tom Moore a very Happy 100th birthday. They prepared a colourful banner to say thank you for raising so much money for the NHS.

Captain Tom is a former British Army officer known for his efforts to raise money for the NHS in the run-up to his 100th birthday during the Coronavirus pandemic. Moore served in India and the Burma campaign during the Second World War.

We were delighted when some of Carlisle Section 4 officers did some socially distanced community engagement in various locations around Carlisle, handing out balloons to children, the elderly, and people who are experiencing lonely periods of self-isolation. They brightened people’s days in what can be a scary and anxious time for some.