Activities at South Chowdene Care Home

On Louis Braille’s birthday we had a go at writing Braille ourselves. Armed with a copy of the Braille alphabet and grids to fill in with suitably arranged dots, several residents set to the task of writing their own name in Braille. Some found it so fascinating they also started on other phrases and messages to their family members. It was amazing how quickly we remembered certain letters and no longer needed to refer the alphabet sheet for them.

Residents at South Chowdene celebrated Christmas in style with a spirited party on Christmas Eve including party games: Pin the red nose on Rudolph and Throw the Halo onto the Angel.

We were very keen to find out what was in the beautifully wrapped box from Mandy and Annie and were astounded to find a box of heart shaped chocolates with a picture of Mandy on each chocolate. It wasn’t long before we found out that they tasted as beautiful as they looked.

Christmas Day was full of fun, happiness and reminiscence with residents opening their presents, watching the Christmas service from Westminster Abbey then there came the delicious Christmas Dinner followed by the Queens’s Speech and Christmas Movie and Carols.

Boxing Day was another celebratory occasion with Ros Friend’s birthday party. The Christmassy theme was put aside and we had a good old traditional birthday party with a sumptuous cream and fresh fruit birthday cake made by the kitchen.

The New Year Party saw more fun and frolics as well as discussions about traditions residents had in their households and resolutions that are always made but hardly ever kept. Residents loved the calendars sent by WAG.

Staff and Residents at Barchester’s South Chowdene care home, were delighted to be invited to have the vaccination at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and from our supporting GP Dr. Warwick and his dedicated team from Fell Cottage Surgery   which has lifted everyone’s spirits after what has been a very challenging year for everyone.   Operations Manager, Lara Masucci said: “Last year was a year like no other and the vaccine feels like the light at the end of the tunnel.  The team has been magnificent in how they have risen to every challenge during this pandemic and we are proud to play our part in this next phase to ensure the most vulnerable are protected.”   Resident Greta Sockets (89) said "My parents didn't believe in vaccinations, I didnt have any until I had a family of my own. I had a friend who suffered with Polio and when it was offered all of my children and I had the vaccine".   Greta  was surprised that some people would be scared or refused and she is thrilled to have had her vaccine. Greta would like to encourage you all to have yours when your time comes!   Carer Debs Henderson said " I wasn't scared, we need to keep ourselves and our residents safe!" 

Following a tradition of ‘fairy doors’ in Low Fell, we have installed our own door at the tree in front of South Chowdene.

Residents have painted pebbles to go round it and made Christmas decorations which have been pinned to the tree for children to take home and put on their own trees. Children have also been invited to write to the South Chowdene Fairy, and we have already had a couple of letters.

The door was formally opened on Friday 11th Dec by our volunteers, especially Mandy and Grace, who gave us the idea; and Annie, who just likes to be a part of everything. Residents were overjoyed to see Annie in person, but would have like her to be able to actually come into the building.

This year, we really missed our Christmas concerts with Oakfields Primary School and them coming to carol with us.

As they have made and sent us lots of pictures and messages of hope and encouragement this year, residents decided it was time to do something for the children. They cut out hearts and drew different designs inside them with messages on the back. These were laminated and ribbon put through so that they could be used as a Christmas ornaments. Three ornaments were sent to each primary school class.

This was celebrated in style to raise money for Dementia UK. Staff became elves (which very much amused the residents) and residents took part in an ‘Elf Quiz’ and enjoyed the ‘Elf doughnuts’.

Residents joined in the fun and frolics of Christmas Jumper Day, donning their best and cheesiest Christmas woollies or mixing and matching festive items to be part of the experience.