Activities at Plas-Y-Dderwen Care Home

We recently had the pleasure of inviting two local PCSOs, Sylvia and Martin, to Plas y Dderwen to meet with our residents and talk about their job roles within the community and to discuss local matters. The visit was requested by our residents during our monthly residents meeting. It was a wonderful opportunity for our residents to engage with the local officers and learn more about their work. During the visit, one of our residents, June, who is 101 years old, had the experience of being held in handcuffs during the visit and everyone cheered for her release! The visit took place during our VE Day celebrations, and the officers gladly joined in with our afternoon tea. Overall, it was a fantastic and informative visit, and we are grateful to Sylvia and Martin for taking the time to connect with our home. It was a meaningful experience for everyone involved, and when asked how she felt about being held in handcuffs, June replied, “They were very uncomfortable and I don’t wish to experience it again!”.

We recently hopped onto our minibus and headed to the Caraway in Carmarthen for a wonderful afternoon of food, laughter and beer!

We all enjoyed lunch, and washed it down with a refreshing pint of lager. As we chatted and laughed over our meal, we all talked about our favourite foods and other meals we would like to try. Colin enjoyed telling us his jokes and making us all giggle until our jaws were aching and Mike sat back to enjoy his beer. It was a wonderful social event for our residents and we can’t wait to do it again soon! We love being part of the Carmarthen community and visiting local places.

This month, we held another pudding club event, which went down a storm. The residents helped to make Banoffee pie earlier that day and other team members prepared Cheesecakes and Bread and Butter Pudding! We invited friends and family of our residents to come and taste the puddings. The turnout was good, and everyone who attended had a wonderful time. The guests were impressed by the presentation and taste of the desserts. The event was a great opportunity for our residents to socialize with their loved ones. Brenda, one of our residents, said, "Thank you for a wonderful afternoon. You all worked so hard, and everyone enjoyed it." It was a wonderful afternoon for everyone involved, and we look forward to next month's pudding club.

It was a beautiful day when our minibus pulled up outside the care home. The residents were excitedly shuffling out of the door, eagerly anticipating the trip to Carmarthen. Even though it was a bit grey and drizzly outside, we were all in high spirits and ready to have a good time.

Once we were all boarded onto the bus, there was a buzz of excitement as they settled into their seats. We were all chatting and laughing, looking forward to the day ahead. Our driver, Paul (Head of Maintenance) started the engine, and we were off!

When we arrived in Carmarthen, we were greeted by the hustle and bustle of the busy streets. The minibus dropped us off, and we all climbed out, eager to explore the town. We browsed around the shops, admiring the beautiful clothes and materials on offer.

After a while, we decided it was time for a break, and we headed to a café. We ordered tea and scones with jam and clotted cream, and they all sat around the table, chatting and laughing as we enjoyed our delicious treats.

It had been a fantastic trip, filled with laughter, good company, and delicious treats. The residents all felt grateful for the opportunity to get out of the home and be able to enjoy this moment with each other.

We recently took a minibus trip to Carmarthen Town. Despite the gloomy weather, we were all in high spirits! Retail therapy always helps lift up our mood. The residents enjoyed exploring the local shops and some of them had shopping lists ready to ensure they didn't miss anything. Brenda couldn't resist trying on a few items from the sales rack but unfortunately, they weren’t quite the right fit!. Gill commented, "I'm really grateful for this opportunity to go into town. Since I gave up my car, I was worried I wouldn't be able to come here often, but these trips make it so easy. Thank you for inviting me." At Plas y Dderwen, we prioritize providing opportunities for our residents to maintain their lifestyle and routines. Ensuring their access to outings and the local community is an essential part of our life enrichment program.

1st March is one of the most colourful days of the year here in Wales. You’ll find bright daffodils, green leeks and vibrant traditional dress.

To celebrate the patron saint of Wales, we invited the children of Johnstown School to our home. We had two classes throughout the day, one group in the morning and another after lunch.

The children came in traditional Welsh clothes and brought gifts of daffodils, Welsh cakes and Welsh flags they had created themselves. Following the words of St David himself: gwnewch y pethau bychain – do the little things. What better way to celebrate than to bring those words to life with an outpouring of hwyl and kindness.

If that wasn’t enough, the children and teachers had worked hard to prepare a wonderful show for us all. The residents enjoyed listening to the children sing Welsh songs and they watched with sparkles in their eyes and smiles on their faces as the children blessed us with Welsh dancing.

Welsh cakes were enjoyed throughout the day and the Chef prepared traditional Welsh cawl for our evening meal. Delicious!