Activities at South Chowdene Care Home
Our home is always full of life, and we can thank our wonderful Activities Coordinators for this. Dedication to creating a unique and interesting activities programme is what sets us apart from other homes. We always take into consideration that some people would prefer to pursue their own interests, which is why our team strive to incorporative activities that cater to a wide range of tastes and hobbies. Our trips out are always fun and exciting as well, and residents are guaranteed to return with stories to tell their loved ones!
Niki Powell
I arrange meaningful activities for all of our residents based on their likes and interests. I love sharing fun times with our residents, their families and with staff. I thoroughly enjoy chatting with residents about their hobbies/interests as well as reminiscing in small groups.
Our activities extend beyond the home with trips to places of interest, places residents have enjoyed throughout their lives eg. Seaside, parks, garden centers, as well as craft/ art workshops at libraries and general interest talks around the area.
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 South Chowdene Care Home
Colouring Competition
Children from our partner primary school were very keen to show off their colouring talents as they made Christmas scenes as well as their own compositions, bringing the season to life.
Children from the junior school submitted fantastic entries which residents had a very difficult time judging and deciding on a winner for each age group. Eventually, they managed to pinpoint down to one picture as a winner for each age group and prizes were given out at the very first celebration and achievement assembly of the year when the winners were overjoyed to receive their prizes.
New Year's Visitors
No one really knew what to expect when they heard a fox was coming in to herald the New Year and no one could have foreseen what actually happened.
Steve told us all about how he came to be visiting care homes with Zante the fox and other animals. We had no idea what a star he was and an author as well! He introduced us to each animal he had brought in and told us about their care, their needs and their own personalities.
The residents had a great time and some overcame some very real fears to hold or stroke a dove, rat, snake, and owl. They absolutely loved stroking Zante as his coat was so soft and thick. The staff who held him found it extremely calming and warming.
New Year's Party
The last party of the year really made us reach into the ‘mind bank’ with John’s Spin and Sing.
This evoked many memories and answered some rather searching questions about songs and films in particular.
What a laugh we had with a tipple and some party food!
Go Carolling Day
Happy ‘Go Carolling Day’!
Well, we have been Carolling for quite a while in preparation for the day starting with ‘Carols by Candlelight’ when families and friends joined us for broth and mince pies and traditional carols sung by candlelight.
We then had the privilege of being invited to Larkspur Community Primary School Carol service where Resident Ambassador Edna Scurfield gave out cards we had made for penpals from the school and we really enjoyed singing along to carols and Christmas songs with the children and parents.
On Go Carolling day itself, we joined many others virtually for the ‘Together with Music’ Intergenerational Carol karaoke and then had the huge pleasure of welcoming Year 4 from Kells Lane Primary School who sang beautifully and had us all entranced.
Long service celebrated
Second Chef, Michelle received her 10 year service award this month. Michelle started at South Chowdene as a Care Assistant and migrated over to the kitchen as Kitchen Assistant.
After many years we eventually persuaded Michelle that she was more than capable of being the Second Chef after stepping into the role for a temporary period. We wouldn't be without Michelle, she certainly comes out with some corkers that keep us entertained and giggling
'Tis the season to be jolly
South Chowdene got in the Christmas spirit at the Christmas Party for residents. The homes Christmas party was in full swing with Dave Brewis entertaining, visitors and staff singing and dancing along with the residents. There was a bar attended by the Elf and residents enjoyed a feast of festive foods and reminisced around food they had prepared for Christmas festivities in the past.
General Manager, Kelly Angus said: “Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year and our fantastic residents love to get festive so we’ve pulled out all the stops. It is so lovely to see them all getting into the Christmas spirit, it’s definitely my favourite time of year.”
Upcoming events
Coffee Morning - last Tuesday of the month
We extend a warm invitation for families, friends and neighbours to join us at our monthly coffee morning, last Tuesday of the month from 10.30 am.
Could you be a Volunteer?
Do you have spare time? Could you make a difference to someone's day to day activities? We'd love to hear from you.
Calling all Emergency Services - Take a break on us!
Calling all professionals - come and take a break on us! There may be a cake or two available...
