Activities at Rivermead Care Home
We all know that keeping active is important. We have created a wonderful culture within the home and we work together to give residents the best possible experience. We are here to ensure that residents enjoy an environment that is both stimulating and socially active. We ensure the team knows each residents' preferences, so that we can deliver a person-centered programme of events and activities. Essential to our homely feel is the strong relationships of trust we build with residents and their families and friends. The home also has its very own minibus for our numerous outings for coffee and shopping, which residents love.
Nicola Bedford
Hi, My name is Nicola and I am the activity coordinator for Rivermead. I plan and deliver a range of interactive and stimulating activities throughout the week for all the residents.
We focus our planning through person centred care, meaning the activities we deliver are tailored to each of the residents individual choice and interests.
It’s a very rewarding job role to be in, seeing the residents enjoy their lives to the best of their abilities and enhancing their experiences, building and maintaining friendships and supporting their wellbeing.
Activities and Events Partnerships
As part of our bespoke life-enrichment programmes, we host a number of live virtual events in the home on a regular basis through a number of partnerships with places of interest and world class performance companies
Life at Rivermead Care Home
New Technology
This November we are taking part in a one month trial to explore the wonders of technology. The company www.recreovr.co.uk are in partnership with the Alzheimer's Society and we are thrilled to be joining this experience.
We have been encouraging the residents to explore some of the wonderful places that they can visit virtually and the feedback we have had has been amazing with comments such as;
"that's something different" , “that tree looks like the back of my house” , “ I can see the animals walking around” , all of this feedback was met with laughs and smiles from the residents who were brave enough to try this new experience.
Halloween
Barchester’s Rivermead care home, in Norton, was a den of ghoulish activity as the home’s spooky Halloween afternoon party got in to full swing.
Residents and staff got in to the spirit of things by decorating the home, holding a pumpkin carving morning, having a disco with Halloween-themed songs from our musical entertainer Martin then followed by some of the residents favourite songs that we had a lovely sing and dance to.
The sound of Music
Rivermead was filled with the sound of wonderful music this October by the talented Martin and his guitar. Martin has fantastic engagement with the residents, using his comedic personality to grab their attention and even take requests of songs. Music really has an amazing effect on our memory lane community, bringing some of their favourite songs to life, seeing them sing and dance. Our music enthusiast, Beryl, was overjoyed to have a special spontaneous serenade as martin sang beautifully to her. Not only was this a fantastic group experience, Martin also took the time to play for those who could not join us in the lounge as they received a special one to one performance in their rooms.
Feathery Friends
Our Garden was full of smiles and fury feathers this October as we were visited by a birds of prey rescue centre. This experience was such a wonderful way for the residents to enjoy some animal interaction, especially for those who have a love for animals, but also for those who may not have experienced it before. Our big animal lover, Vivian, was full of questions for the handler such as their natural habitats and food sources, how he came to own them, how old they were, and commenting on their general beauty. The handler was so patient and kind with each of our residents, giving them time to pet the birds, but also reassuring some of the residents that were slightly wary in the beginning.
Knit ‘n’ Natter
This October we had a taster session for a knitting group. One of our members, Glenda, is a keen knitter as she spoke proudly about the lovely colourful blanket she has knitted on her bed. The other members of the group were also knitters many years ago and spoke of how this activity was such a wonderful way to reminisce, share tips, and how they taught their children from a young age to knit and the clothes they would make for their grandchildren. The knitting session lasted for an hour with the lovely Sarah who volunteers for Ryedale Remakes in Malton. Sarah was fantastic with our residents, giving each of them her undivided attention for a good natter as we sipped on coffees/teas as well as delicious cakes provided by our chef.
It's the little things....
Today we were treated to these amazing goodies by a relative of ours the wonderful Sheryl, who’s husband we had the pleasure of caring for.
We feel honoured that people still think about us when sadly their relatives are no longer with us. Shez, you clearly know the way to our hearts! We’re putting bets on this to not even last us the weekend!
Upcoming events
April
Hello April! We are looking forward to a fun filled month ahead - all welcome.
Could you be a Volunteer?
Do you have any spare time? Could you help make a difference to someones day to day life? For more information on volunteering, we'd love to hear from you.
Community Cafe - Last Tuesday from 10.30 am
We extend a warm invitation to community friends to join us at our popular Community Cafe - all welcome.
Emergency Services - Take a break on us!
Calling all emergency personnel, come and take a break with us! There may be a cake or two.....
Dementia Cafe - 2nd Tuesday of the month
Join us for our Dementia Cafe, 2nd Tuesday of the month from 10.30 am - all welcome.
