Activities at Plas-Y-Dderwen Care Home

On January 24th we hopped onto our minibus and took a short trip to the Nurture Centre in Carmarthen Town.

There we joined a group run by People Speak Up, where we were able to get crafty in a variety of ways. Some of our residents chose reed weaving, whilst others enjoyed painting and some of our residents learned a new skill by attempting the pottery wheel. Some were a little unsure at first, but they soon got into it and they created some fabulous pots, which we will hopefully paint when they are all dried out.

We were also treated to storytelling by the talented Ceri, who tells the most amazing stories and the residents listen to them eagerly until the end.

Taking part in creative and artistic activities can create feelings of well-being, boost self-esteem and can help with enhancing fine motor skills.

It was great to meet new friends and it was also a good chance to get to know each other by chatting over a hot cup of tea.

Barchester set a competition for all of their homes and hospitals, to make the most Creative Christmas Cake and it was only natural our residents would want to get involved. They all got together to make a plan of what recipe to use, and how to decorate it. They then set to work. They enjoyed talking about their own experiences of their own cake making of years gone by and some of our residents definitely showed their skills during this challenge. The way Shirley cracked those eggs and the way June stirred up that mixture was beautiful to see.

It was wonderful how the residents all worked together and when it came to decorating the cakes, they did our home so proud! Even though we didn’t win the competition they are all winners in this challenge and they got to enjoy the cake, which tasted delightful!

A wonderful evening was had by all, when Mr and Mrs Clause took a break from the North Pole to visit our home. Santa thought our decorations were extra special this year, so he wanted to be a part of the celebrations.

Staff and families brought their children for a special visit to see the man in red, and the residents loved having a personal visit to their room and to learn they are on the Good list this year! Everyone who visited Santa each receive a special gift and the joy on everyone’s faces was full of Christmas magic.

The weather didn’t stop us venturing out, no matter how wet or windy it was outside, we were all warm and cosy inside a beautiful pub enjoying a pint or two and a delicious Christmas Lunch.

We headed to the Hollybrook Country Inn in Bronwydd, Carmarthen and enjoyed a wonderful Roast Beef lunch, which came with all the trimmings. The food was delicious and the residents enjoyed every single mouthful.

One of our residents, Brenda, said “I think I am gonna pop in a minute”, although she still found room for one of the delightful pudding options!

We all had a wonderful afternoon together, singing, laughing, pulling crackers and those good old cracker jokes went down a treat.

Who doesn’t love the sound of a Welsh Male Voice Choir?

Carmarthen Male voice choir took time out this week, from their busy schedule to visit our care home.

Some members of the choir were delighted to spend a good part of their evening singing for our wonderful residents and staff.

It was great to hear popular carols, and the choir were appreciated by all, bringing so many happy smiling faces.

After the show, everyone enjoyed tea and the first mince pie of the season, whilst enjoying the sparkle around the home of our Christmas lights, we had switched on earlier in the evening.

We supported Children in Need with Pudsey crafts and non-uniform day. Residents enjoyed painting pictures of Pudsey bear and it was a great chance for us to get together and talk about the charity. The staff enjoyed wearing their Pudsey t-shirts and it brought a smile to everyone’s faces.