Activities at Orchard House Care Home

Mental Health is emotional Health and Wellbeing. Talking about your feelings can help you stay well with your mental health and also reach out if you feel troubled.

Here at Orchard House we run Knit and Natter small groups where residents enjoy social interaction with each other. Angela Harding Head of Lifestyle said “ for World Mental Health Day we are knitting squares for a special blanket for little kittens and cats that are homeless”.

Kim Flemming, Acting General Manager at Orchard House said: “ We are encouraging residents to engage in a positive activity together and it’s for a great cause. A local Island Charity which is a cause very close to the hearts of all our staff and residents, and we are really proud  to carry out this significant stimulating activity.”

Mel Read Manager at Cats Protection Ryde Isle of Wight said “We are delighted to receive the big blanket from the residents of Orchard House.  We especially value the blanket knitted by older people who are coming together to do something that makes them come together not feel isolated and they also feel that they are doing something really worthwhile.”

We had a ball dressing up for a Book Day, we picked our favourite characters from childhood, residents enjoyed all the laughter and entertainment! Our art session in the afternoon had us all busy creating pictures from books on travel and there was much reminiscence discussing the places we have visited on our holidays  

Residents enjoyed being out in the autumn sunshine to plant out spring bulbs, they chose their own mix of daffodils, tulips, crocus and hyacinth for their very own baskets. We are all looking forward to seeing their individual displays of spring colour in a few months time!  

Residents of Orchard House recently enjoyed being part of Balance Week by taking part in strength and balance classes.

Falls and consequent injuries are a huge problem in the older population in the UK; over a third of 65 years and older have falls every year. Older frail adults are not just simply injured, but lack the ability to get themselves up off the floor, and this is due to poor strength and flexibility, particularly in the legs.

The physical challenge was taken on by some of the residents. Our weekly strength and balance classes aim to improve residents' quality of life here at Orchard House, reducing the fear of falling and improving their confidence and their ability to perform daily tasks. Recent studies suggest the classes also improves cognitive function and quality of life among older participants. 

We are proud to offer these regular exercise classes here at Orchard House, delivered by Angela, our Actvities Coordinator, who is a fully qualified instructor. Falls prevention is a key factor in helping reduce hospital admissions, and a lifesaving exercise to help people do everyday tasks to stay independent.”

Orchard house Care Home in Newport Isle of Wight brought celebration to residents this weekend by rolling out the special Isle of Wight Day. The day recognises what is special and unique about the Island.

The day also aims to make money for several charities on the Island. Different events are held all in various locations and there is usually a parade.

This year, we joined forces with Carisbrooke Castle Museum to support Island history. Residents will enjoy COVID-19 secure DVDs, museum objects and photos in outreach boxes, different themes and different topics with wipe clean sheets of information.

On the day, staff and residents were socially distanced while watching old film footage.

Residents were also treated to a delicious special menu created by Head Chef, Claire Daffern, using all fresh Island produce, all locally sourced by Claire herself.

Residents were absolutely delighted when the dedicated staff at Orchard House braved the heatwave and wore fancy dress outfits of their favourite book characters on World Book Lovers Day.

Residents had a special treat when Angela Harding, Head of Lifestyle, brought in beautiful books of old photographs of life of times gone by as part of the 'Magic of Yesteryear' imitative with the support of the Lord Louis Library.