Activities at Ouse View Care Home

Ouse View Care Home in Fulford, York have recently brought a bit of magic to residents by installing the Tovertafel ‘magic table’ as a way to improve residents’ quality of life.

Created in the Netherlands, the Tovertafel uses interactive games to connect people in the mid-to-late stages of dementia with each other, their family members and friends, all the while stimulating movement. Using interactive light projections, the Tovertafel, which can be played independently or as a group, invites participants to pop bubbles, sweep leaves or interact playfully with fish. Another game generates a series of well-known sayings and phrases, which often sparks discussion and brings back memories. Games are rich in colour, movement and detail, and allows people of all ages to play in a safe and comfortable environment.

Movember is an annual event involving the growing of moustaches during the month of November to raise awareness of men's health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men's suicide. Doing its own bit to help raise awareness of this worthwhile cause were the staff at Ouse View who used their considerable (and we can't emphasise 'considerable' enough) artistic talents to adorn their disposable masks with a variety of moustaches that would be sure to give Salvador Dalí a run for his money.

Ouse View residents paid their respects to the heroes of the First World War by commemorating Armistice Day with a two-minute silence in the home's cinema room. They enjoyed watching television coverage of the special service held at Westminster Abbey to mark the centenary of the burial of the Unknown Warrior. One resident remarked: "I may not be able to go to church at the moment, but this was the next best thing

Remember, remember the fifth of November, gunpowder, treason and plot." Ouse View residents may not have been plotting treason, but they were definitely planning on having an enjoyable Bonfire Night. A selection of fireworks were followed by a wonderful fifth of November dinner enjoyed by all.

Residents are overjoyed at Ouse View care home in Fulford, York as Barchester Healthcare has implemented a designated visiting suite for residents to continue to spend time with their loved ones for the autumn and winter seasons in addition to the outdoor visiting that has been on offer for those able for many months.

Balancing resident wellbeing and safety is at the forefront of Barchester Healthcare’s thinking and they understand how important it is for residents and their family and friends to be able to spend time together in the safest way possible.

There has been much careful planning and preparation for this moment by Barchester Healthcare, who run Ouse View care home. It was welcome news for their residents and family and friends as we enter the colder season meaning catch-ups can continue to take place, instead of, or in addition to, outdoor visiting already offered for those able.

As part of Ouse View’s ongoing community engagement programme, the home teamed up with St Oswald’s CE Primary School, Fulford for a newly launched pen pal scheme connecting residents with its creative writing pupils. Year 5 pupils recently started a new topic about the war, and have been incredibly kind in sending many letters to residents at Ouse View. The beautifully written letters introduce themselves, and ask residents to share stories they might have about their own wartime experiences. Residents will be writing back to each pupil, and as you can see from the photos, they were totally captivated by the content of the letters.