Activities at Overslade House Care Home

Overslade House was full of animal mischief on National Pet Day when a variety of exotic animals came to visit the home.

Residents, and visiting relatives, children and friends were pleasantly surprised to see all creatures great and small as Animals for Parties paid a visit.

It was a fabulous afternoon for National Pet Day with Animals for parties. We had all kinds of pets from snakes, Australian toads and tiny turtles to a lovely barn owl called Tula and a bearded dragon called Rocky. Residents, friends and relatives enjoyed getting up close to rabbits, Guinea pigs and skinny pigs too.

It was lovely to see the enjoyment and the therapeutic influence animals can have on people.

Resident Pam was very excited by the Animals for parties animals: “I love all animals and have encountered many different kinds on my travels. Today was very enjoyable and it was wonderful that the animals were free to roam amongst us and we could pet them.”   One little lady Layla dressed in her beautiful Frozen outfit,  was very brave handling all of the animals, when asked her favourite Layla said the frog was her favourite.

Residents enjoyed a fascinating virtual visit to the Harrogate Chocolate Factory.

The Factory was founded by Harrogate Skills 4 Living, a registered charity that provides care, support and accommodation to people in the Harrogate District with learning disabilities and autism.

We had a brilliant time with Harrogate Skills 4 Living as they took us on a wonderful virtual visit to their Harrogate Chocolate Factory.

Our residents were thrilled to discover details about the chocolate-making process and the fascinating journey from bean to bar, all while enjoying some delicious sweet treats.

The Factory aims to employ people with learning disabilities and autism, involving them in all parts of the process, from sorting and roasting the beans to packaging and sales.

The experience was truly enjoyed by all.

Following this residents talked about Cadbury’s Chocolate Factory in Birmingham, we did a quick tour of that followed by scenic canal journeys from Birmingham to Fazeley.

Residents Nathan, John, Peter and Phil  agreed unanimously that the mint chocolate was the overall winner.

Happy International Women’s Day.  Residents did a quiz on famous women supplied through the Oomph wellness programme and Barchester Healthcare and also watched videos learning about historical women and their achievements.   They found it a bit of an eye opener, as some, they hadn’t heard of. Ladies enjoyed pamper sessions in preparation for Mother’s Day  and some of our residents enjoyed a mini bus trip and had coffee and cake at the Well Being Coffee Shop in Crick, Northants,  a lovely and very accommodating place to relax in the Northamptonshire countryside not far from the Althorp Estate, Princess Diana’s burial place.

Overslade House would like to wish a very happy 101st birthday to our lovely resident Edna.  Edna celebrated with family, friends, staff and residents and received a lovely cake made by our Head Chef Joanne Kolat-Furca.   Edna was born 7th March 1923 and raised in Coventry.  Edna married Ronald and led a colourful life they were married for 65 years. Edna loved to go dancing at Courtaulds Social Club in Coventry.  During the war Edna made the covers for the aircraft, when aircraft were made of wood with canvas covers, this progressed to making the camouflage covers and then on to making car seat covers after the war.  General Manager Violetta Baesu said “we all want to know Edna’s secret she is amazing“ Edna said “thank you ever so much, I’m not 101 am I ? Well I never!” Congratulations Edna.

Residents celebrated British Pie week this week by watching videos on Melton Mowbray and how to make a pork pie, did you know it takes 4 days? We of course then had to sample some Melton Mowbray pork pies they were delicious. Residents then went on a scenic virtual trip over the Welland viaduct and finished off with a documentary on the discovery of King Richard III in a Leicestershire car park.   Over the course of the week, overseen by our Chef Dario Mozzettini, staff and residents experimented with many different types of pie fillings and flavour combinations.

John, a resident said: “I absolutely love pies!  I don’t mind if it is sweet or savoury, there is just something so satisfying about a pie – whether it is served with gravy or ice cream and of course you cannot beat a Melton Mowbray Pork Pie!”

Lucy Sharpe has been with Barchester for 15 years and has worked with residents and their relatives to ensure that their needs have been met over the years. Carers, residents and staff came together to celebrate this occasion.  Lucy received a gift voucher , flowers and a gold brooch award.  Lucy said “I really enjoy my job and love the residents, I can’t believe I have been here 15 years!”

Violeta Baesu, General Manager, said: “We’re delighted to be celebrating a total of 15 years of loyal service with Lucy. Lucy has demonstrated her dedication and loyalty to this home and its residents year after year. I speak for all of us here at Overslade House when I say that I’m looking forward to many more years of working with Lucy!