Activities at Oak Grange Care Home

A wonderful day was had by all celebrating Cinco De Mayo, an annual celebration observing Mexico’s Independence following The Mexican Army's victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla, on May 5, 1862.  

Claudia, Head of Activities, coordinated the entire day and hosted a Party for all with a variety of Mexican Cuisine and Live Entertainment in the gardens.  Residents were thoroughly engaged throughout the day  learning about the Historical Day, tasting new foods and having a great time at the party!

Staff and residents at Barchester’s Oak Grange care home in Mollington Grange were treated to an exciting virtual tour of Five Sisters Zoo, hosted by Head of Education, Adam Welsh.

Five Sisters Zoo is a family run zoo with over 160 different animal species from around the world.  Originally a garden centre that helped to rehome unwanted pets, the animal collection grew and grew until the zoo was officially founded in 2005.  Now Five Sisters Zoo is the most visited wildlife attraction in West Lothian.

We celebrated this day with a variety of activities such as painting flags, learning history, having a sensory stimulation therapy dance with Claudia (dressed up as a Medieval lady), and a special treat from our chef Simon Burnes who cooked a British classic of delicious fish and chips and a special cake in the shape of the St George’s flag.

We also took part in a virtual zoom quiz competing against two other care homes in Chester including a Sister home - Barchester's Crabwall Hall and Chester Lodge.

It was a fun day full of surprises and scrumptious treats.

As part of Barchester’s Life Enrichment Programme, staff and residents enjoyed an exciting virtual presentation, provided by SEA LIFE London Aquarium.

Everyone at the home had the opportunity to learn more about the SEA LIFE London Aquarium, which is a home to more than 300 species and 4,000 creatures and to see green sea turtles, feeding of Gentoo penguins and sharks in their 1 million litre shark tank.

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.”

We celebrated The Queen Elizabeth's 95th birthday in style by brewing up a storm for National Tea Day with an afternoon tea party.

Head chef, Simon Burns created a tasty selection of freshly-baked biscuits, pastries and cakes for the occasion all enjoyed with a selection of teas.  Residents took part in royal and tea-themed sessions including virtual tours of royal palaces, a royal quiz and delicious cupcakes made by virtual volunteers Alexandra and Isabella  The presence of a singing garden performer and costumed dancer, Activities Coordinator Claudia made the day extra special for everyone

All staff and residents at Barchester’s Oak Grange care home, in Mollington, are delighted to have received both doses of their Covid-19 vaccinations, after what has been a very challenging year for everyone.

General Manager, Karen Fitzgerald said: “We’ve all been through such a difficult time and this feels like such a big step on the way to getting back to some normality. I am so proud of the team and how they have worked together and continue to do so and we are all so grateful to be prioritised to receive the vaccine first.  Now that everyone in the home has had both doses, we can start to work towards getting life in the home back to a new normal, but we know there is a lot of work to do in order to get there.”