Activities at Meadow Park Care Home

Residents of Meadow Park took to the homes beautiful garden to take advantage of the early spring sunshine to enjoy a breath of fresh air and re-fill their bird feeders and a do a spot of gardening.

Everyone commented on how much better they felt for grabbing a breath of fresh air, feeling the sun on their faces and checking on the progress of the spring bulbs growing in the homes extensive grounds.

As part of our continued partnership with V&A Dundee, team members and residents at Meadow Park in Bedlington enjoyed a "Creating V&A Dundee" virtual talk.

Everyone at the home had the opportunity to discover the fascinating story behind the origins of V&A Dundee – Scotland’s design museum and the latest addition to the country’s list of instantly recognisable buildings.

They heard how the history of the city and site inspired the architect to draw from a range of unusual sources to create a thoroughly modern museum that is as intriguing as it is complex. The presentation showed incredible images of the entire design and construction process – from initial concept to opening celebration – as well as sharing a few of the building’s lesser-known secrets! It was a testament to the skills and creativity of all of those who brought V&A Dundee to life.

Lucy Tomlinson, Resident Experience Manager for Barchester Healthcare, commented: “Our varied life enrichment programme keeps the residents active, and provides a daily choice of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to the residents’ interests and abilities.”

Residents designed, baked and decorated a beautiful Easter cake to enter into Barchester's Easter Cake Competition.  Once the photos had been submitted to the judges the cake was cut and individual portions were shared amongst the master bakers.

Residents and staff at Meadow Park celebrated all things Irish for St Patrick’s Day this week. The home was decorated with shamrocks and everyone got dressed up in green to mark the day.

Held on March 17th, Saint Patrick's Day actually observes the death of St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, but the day has come to be a huge celebration of Irish heritage and culture.

Staff and residents at the home marked the day by making shamrock decorations, learning some Irish words and phrases, learning Irish dances, listening to Irish music.

Staff and residents at Barchester’s Meadow Park care home, in Bedlington, were delighted to be invited to have their 2nd vaccination at the home which has lifted everyone’s spirits after what has been a very challenging year for everyone.

General Manager, Vicky Mallaburn said: “Last year was a year like no other and the vaccine feels like the light at the end of the tunnel.  Our teams have been magnificent in how they have risen to every challenge during this pandemic and we are proud to play our part in this next phase to ensure the most vulnerable are protected.”

For residents at Meadow Park care home in Bedlington, the long awaited reunion with one family member has become a reality, as one single named visitor is now allowed to visit each resident in their bedroom.

There has been much anticipation of this moment by families and residents alike.  Guidance was issued by the Government on March 4 and Barchester Healthcare, who run Meadow Park care home, is proceeding with a safe and cautious approach to visiting. Strict protocols are in place with all visitors required to have a negative Lateral Flow Device test result before being allowed into the home, and infection control measures and social distancing in place for every visit, with hand holding allowed but not recommended.

Despite the need for testing and social distancing, it was still welcome news for so many residents and their family members to be able to meet in the comfort of their bedroom. Residents and their relative enjoyed getting together and catching up face to face.