Activities at Ouse View Care Home

After much anticipation, residents and staff at Ouse View received their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine on Saturday 9 January. The morning was abuzz with excitement at the home, as Jorvik Gillygate Practice's Dr Ben Shorten, and nurse practitioner, Angela Goldsmith administered the first of what will be two vaccinations, with the second following at a later date.

Everyone’s spirits were lifted after what has been a very challenging year for all, and this is very much seen as the first step in getting things back to normal. As General Manager, Pauline Hodgson said, "The vaccine feels like the light at the end of the tunnel." Pictured are staff and residents enjoying a bit of post-vaccination light relief.

To help celebrate International Flower Day, residents prepared some beautiful tulips from Amsterdam for each of their rooms. Flowers are a welcome addition at this time of year, and are a lovely way to bring a sensory experience into activities within the home.

Observing #WorldReligionDay, residents helped celebrate the global event today by discussing the six major world religions of Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism and Sikhism. They learnt about the various iconic symbols used to represent each religion, as well as interesting facts that help explain some of the differences and similarities within religions around the world. Residents also discussed their own faith and what it means to them

Ouse View staff took time out to say a huge thank you to York City Church in Gillygate York for the wonderful hamper, card and DVD they so generously gifted to the home recently.

The hamper included all sorts of delicious festive treats and goodies, and the DVD featured York City Church's recent Virtual Christmas Carol Evening, including traditional, well-known carols and readings.

Ouse View residents have been enjoying lots of festive activities during its 'Countdown to Christmas' throughout December, and the DVD will no doubt prove a very welcome addition.

As part of Ouse View's advent calendar of activities throughout December, residents enjoyed a traditional Dickensian afternoon tea.

Over tea and cream scones, conversation soon turned to the age-old debate of whether the cream should sit atop of the scone, with the jam on top of that (Devon cream tea); or the jam as the first ingredient on the scone, followed by the cream (Cornish cream tea).

Regardless, the scones were deemed delicious, and the afternoon proved a great success with everyone, as the countdown to Christmas continues. Tea, anyone?”

Germany is credited with starting the Christmas tree tradition as we now know it in the 16th century. Following in the footsteps of Martin Luther, who is said to have first added lighted candles to an evergreen tree, were the residents and staff of Ouse View, who were pitted against each other in the home's inaugural Christmas Tree Decorating Competition.

On hand to judge this highly coveted award was none other than Barchester Healthcare Regional Director, Lindsay Price. Competition was fierce, standards were high, and choosing between the three trees was difficult, but a winner was finally chosen...

Lindsay presented the winner's trophy—sorry, toffees—to Sheila who represented Ouse View residents! Fantastic job Sheila, and a big thank you to all the residents for helping make our home look so wonderfully festive. Lindsay and Sheila are pictured with General Manager, Pauline Hodgson.