Activities at Magnolia Court Care Home

Hanukkah Celebrations. We began the 8 days of celebrations with a wonderful musical afternoon by Johnny Jazz who lit the first candle for us and read the Berakhah.

Last week we lit the final candle and Rabbi Yossi kindly took the time to visit us and lead the celebrations with prayers, songs and of course some delicious mouthwatering Doughnuts baked at a local Jewish bakery. It has been lovely for the residents to meet every night and switch on the Hanukkah candles while saying a blessing and joining together.

Celebrating our diversity is such an important part of making Magnolia Court feel like home, for everyone in our homes. We cherish history, family and tradition here.

What Better Way To Spend Your Day.

Residents, visitors and staff have a special visitor every fortnight. Everyone please meet our special friend, Teddy. Teddy Has recently started to become a regular at Magnolia Court and his wonderful owner Lisa only has to say the life enrichment leaders name and Teddy is running around excited to come and see us all. What an honour for us.

Teddy is not only beautifully natured and simply adorable, but with the science behind it, animals can improve self-esteem and confidence in people with dementia. It can also promote quality of life and encourage independence. If a person with dementia is having trouble communicating with others or having conversations, looking after a pet may help them to stay engaged and involved.

We look forward to your next visit Teddy & Lisa!

Some of our residents at Magnolia Court Care Home recently enjoyed stepping out of their comfort zone by taking part in language classes.

Merci beaucoup (thank you!) to 'Speak Like a Native' for a great French lesson when we began with learning the basics (individual words), before going onto learn and speak sentences in French!

Learning a new language has an excellent range of benefits and research has found improvements amongst older adults re. increased levels of attention, verbal fluency and memory, regardless of IQ and often to a greater degree, than with younger learners.

Language learning can also have a positive impact relatively quickly and research has also identified a marked difference in concentration levels after just one week of intensive learning.

Resident Judi said "It's amazing how it all comes back to you. I used to speak French fluently, but lost it when I stopped travelling to France. It brings back so many memories for me and its a great sense of achievement when you learn something new".

Our residents also embraced their creative side during the session by moulding items with playdoh which is incredible for improving general dexterity.

With a whole host of benefits and having fun along the way, we all agreed and said "oui, oui" to having more language classes, regularly at Magnolia Court.

Celebrations were in full swing at Magnolia Court Care Home in Golders Green at the weekend, as one of its residents reached his centenary, milestone birthday in true style.

The Home Management team collaborated with resident Stuart Black’s wife Crystal, to organise a birthday party fit for Royalty and gave a warm welcome to Stuart’s relatives who travelled from as far away as Israel, who joined together with Stuart’s friends, relatives, staff and his fellow residents to celebrate this momentous occasion, when he also received a telegram from King Charles and Queen Camilla in recognition of his landmark birthday. A champagne reception was held at the home in Stuart’s honour and his guests enjoyed a special birthday cake by family, live musical entertainment and refreshments provided by the home’s chef Valentina.

Stuart Black was born in Liverpool. He celebrated with a family party in the gardens of Magnolia Court Nursing Home, with Crystal his wife of 44 years. Family members travelling from many parts of the country and Israel. The King and Queen's card took pride of place amongst the many cards and presents that arrived. It was definitely a day to remember for one and all.

The birthday boy said, ”I am not quite sure how I feel about reaching 100 years old, it is a very advanced age and I am thankful”. Among those relatives attending were Crystal his devoted wife, nieces and nephews, and Richard a long-time friend who played host for the afternoon to lots of guests. Speaking about Stuart, Crystal said it is wonderful to be with him on this very special day to say just how proud he makes us feel.”

Lenie Terrado, General Manager of Barchester Magnolia Court Care Home added: “We’re delighted to be celebrating a truly remarkable man as he reaches this amazing milestone. Stuart is such a popular resident who always has an interesting tale to tell, and we look forward to hearing many more as he breaks into his next century.”

This month, our long-serving (25 years!) Kitchen Assistant who has won some very worthy recognition.

Susan Okolie is key to the smooth running of our kitchen department at Magnolia Court and we are so grateful for the constant hard work and enthusiasm for her job. She work really effectively, day to day, but we have all noticed that she is an integral part to ensuring a high standard of care for Residents, Staff and everyone visiting Magnolia Court.

Susan expressed his gratitude and appreciation on being the Employee of the month, and wants to continue to take on greater responsibilities, above the call of duty.

Well done Susan!

Today, in recognition of 'International Chef's Day' which is observed worldwide, on the 20th October every year - Lenie, General Manager presented Head Chef, Asica with a beautiful flower arrangement to say a BIG "thank you" on behalf of residents, relatives and colleagues.