Activities at North Park Care Home

A big thank you to the Cornish Seal Sanctuary for the fantastic live virtual event today!

Residents across our services loved seeing the seals up close and learning about the incredible work the sanctuary does to protect them and other wildlife in Cornwall as well.

Everyone truly enjoyed the experience. 

National Relaxation Day encourages us all to slow down and unwind, at North Park we held a pamper day where residents were treated to relaxing massages, guided meditation and pamper sessions of their choice. Doris who participated in the meditation was overjoyed with her hand massage and nails saying “oh I feel like Royalty”, before falling asleep!

We also had a Reiki practitioner join us who gave short sessions to those who wished to try including family, friends and staff. Carol who sampled the Reiki stated “I have felt amazing since the Reiki. I am now getting a sleep scores around 90 where before I was only getting 70… I feel more positive and less grumpy, a big thanks to the healing hands”.

Residents, staff, family and friends came together to have a Mad Hatters Tea Party. The Party began by decorating biscuits to mimic the White Rabbit’s watch which was lots of fun even though the biscuits did not last long. There was a delicious un-birthday buffet created by chefs  Diane and Mark with a plethora goodies for everyone to enjoy followed by a themed quiz ending the day with music and a sing-a-long.

Residents Jean and Cec commented on what an enjoyable day it had been with Michael adding “yes, well they all mad here!

Staff and volunteers applauded as eleven year old Isabelle and seven year old Theo Kennedy completed Basic Life Support training. When the two youngsters heard their dad was going into work to do his mandatory training they both asked if they could join in.    

Lisa Frame, General Manager was only too happy to allow them to join in stating “I believe that everyone should have a basic understanding of first aid, no matter how young or old, we have had youngsters and residents alike join us on our training courses and they have come away with more knowledge, understanding and confidence.”

Barchester care homes and hospitals nationwide linked together for a fantastic quiz in celebration of Barchester’s 100th live virtual event.

Residents engaged in a variety of questions ranging from historical trivia to visual puzzles and brainteasers.

Everyone who joined had a fantastic time and enjoyed some friendly competition.

Residents at North Park enjoy a diverse life enrichment programme and we can never count on the weather in Darlington. However, when the sun shines everyone likes to go out into our garden and soak up the sun and enjoy being out in the fresh air without a care in the world.

This does not mean we abandon our other activities, we just move them outside and facilitate for those wishing to be active.  We find this gives residents another perspective on life and new ideas emerge. From the arts and crafts outdoors residents have formed a plan for a ‘pool’ in the garden using pebbles and paint! We will keep you updated on how we get along.