Activities at Moreton Hill Care Home

As well as lots of fun, games, entertainment and laughter at our home, many residents enjoy one or more of our pamper sessions on offer.  Our wonderful hairdresser Annette has been working at Moreton Hill for just over 15 years and has her own salon on the premises where she can wash, cut, blow dry and style our residents’ hair.  There is nothing nicer than having someone else do your hair to make you feel relaxed and pampered. Annette loves chatting with all her customers and is really a part of our family.  She is also happy to do a manicure and soothing hand massage.  Anything to make our ladies and gents feel super special!

Everyone at Moreton Hill looks forward to Friday lunchtimes at the home because after the regular ‘Oomph’ Exercise Class in the morning the residents enjoy a pre-lunch sherry at the Sherry Social followed by fish & chips.  At the request of Iris, Chef Stuart, made it an extra special occasion this month by wrapping the fish & chips in newspapers.  It was a great conversation piece with everyone re-calling times at the chippy in their local towns or villages and holiday by the sea in all kinds of weather.  One resident, Valerie, even brought along her bottle of vinegar to add to the authentic taste!

With Shrove Tuesday and Valentine’s Day back to back this year, our residents were kept very busy with preparing for and enjoying the two days.  In the run up to Shrove Tuesday a poll was taken to determine the favourite topping for the pancakes. It was the traditional lemon juice and sugar that won the vote.  Before, however, the residents got to taste the pancakes cooked by Connor and Stuart in our kitchen we had a few games.  Tossing the pancakes was a challenge that everyone enjoyed and the winner for the most flips was Vivienne.  Most of the pancakes did end up on the floor and went straight into the bin.  Luckily our chefs had cooked up a good supply for everyone to eat at lunchtime.

Valentine’s Day saw staff and residents dressing up in their best floral outfits and wearing red.  A flower arranging class run by local florist Katherine showed our residents how to make beautiful wraps of single red roses which were then given out to residents in bedrooms and displayed around the home.  On the morning of 14th we decorated Valentine cookies for tea and made individual gift wrap boxes for friends and families.  We ended Valentine’s Day with a poetry afternoon.  The theme of course was ‘Love’.

We kick started 2024 with an ever popular game of dominoes.  Every month a cup is awarded to the player who has the lowest score over the games played.  It is always great fun and just a little bit competitive!  Residents play as individuals or if they need to and prefer with a partner.  This way everyone gets a chance to join in .  In this game, it was Moira, one of our Resident Ambassadors who came out on top, closely followed by Derek.  There are, however, more games planned throughout the month so the tournament and the cup are still up for grabs.

We were thrilled to welcome Morwenna and her father to come and play the harp, flute and guitar at our home. They are both such talented musicians and our residents loved listening to their beautiful music. What was so special about their visit was that some of our residents were able to have a turn at playing the harp. It was surprising how easy it was to make a beautiful sound! Also, rather than just playing in one spot at Moreton, Morwenna and her dad took their instruments around  the home and played to residents in their bedrooms and in corridors. This meant it was a wonderful interactive event that everyone could enjoy. We can’t wait for them to return and play for us again.

It was a fabulously festive period throughout December at Moreton with a huge variety of activities for our residents, families, friends and staff to enjoy.  We were thrilled to welcome pupils from two local schools, Cashes Green and St Joseph’s to sing to us as well as having our own special Carol Service led by Lynn Harrison from Standish Church.

Tickled Pink gave an excellent panto-musical and got everyone singing along as did the local brass band and Stonehouse Community Choir.  Our Communities enjoyed their Christmas party with Mike, one of our fantastic volunteers playing his accordion.

On Christmas Eve we read our favourite Christmas poem ‘ The Night Before Christmas’ and we had a visit from our Moreton Hill ponies Naya and Beauty to chomp on their Christmas carrots and apples.  Ruby one of our gorgeous therapy dogs wasn’t going to miss out and certainly got noticed as she trotted around the home in her festive finery.

On Christmas Day a visit from Father Christmas in the morning was followed by a delicious Christmas lunch with lots of good cheer and fun.

Finally on New Year’s Day we kick started 2024 with a super smoothie healthy toast to all our friends wishing everyone a very happy 2024.