Activities at South Grange Care Home

For some residents at South Grange care home the long awaited reunion with family and friends became a reality recently, as garden visits have now been allowed to commence at the home.

There has been much careful planning and preparation for this moment behind the scenes at Barchester Healthcare, who run South Grange care home. Social distancing was still in place, and homes that are able to take part must have a large accessible garden.

It was welcome news to so many residents, family, and friends, who were kept apart for so long following strict government guidance. Residents and their loved ones got together in the home garden for visits, and the garden was fully of joy and chatter.

South Grange had a blast celebrating Friendship Day on 30th July with a virtual concert and a traditional tea party. Throughout the week Residents made friendship stones and dedicated their stones to friends that they love.

Residents and staff gathered in the garden to display a collection of balloons to remember those friends that they have lost as they look forward to welcoming new friends to the home. There were smiles all round as staff also shared the importance of friends and how they can enrich your life.

Residents and staff at South Grange were at the ready for Wimbledon with delicious strawberries and cream, which was due to run from 29th June - 12th July.    This year however, due to the current situation, there was a change to proceedings.

The All England Tennis Club have unveiled ‘The Greatest Championships’, a digital recreation of the famous tournaments bought to life online to take place over two weeks, starting Monday June 29.

Tennis fans at South Grange were delighted by this and were able to enjoy the event from the comfort of their own armchair. Residents and staff got together to watch the matches, and also celebrated by playing balloon tennis before proceeding onto having a themed party with food, music, decoration and afternoon tea with a choice of scones or strawberry and cream.

Residents at South Grange revelled in all things sweet on World Chocolate Day with a range of chocolatey activities on Tuesday 7th July.  Staff helped residents make mouth-watering fresh fruit and chocolate kebabs as they joined in with a chocolate themed quiz to continue the celebrations.

Residents voted on their favourite version of the film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory – Gene Wilder or Johnny Depp?  The original 1971 version won the vote, which residents enjoyed watching.

A project for the summer was to recycle an old pallet into a planter and with the help of Sam, Head of Maintenance who kindly made and painted the planter for the residents to plant seasonal flowers.

Staff and residents alike thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon and the gardening club is one of many daily activities which are great for both the physical and mental well-being of the residents. The homes activities team arrange many activities which match the hobbies and pastimes of our residents as part of the homes life enrichment programme. The planned activities can reduce stress levels, improve strength and most importantly, improve well-being as a result of social engagement.

Residents enjoyed an afternoon of fun as they took part in a friendly game of bingo.  A little friendly competition took place as Residents raced to be the winner of the bingo game, a popular activity within the home.  The ladies remarked at how much they wanted to win, prompting laughs and giggles from fellow Residents in the home.

Gill Conway said “Everyone has really enjoyed themselves today, a bit of friendly competition is always nice and the Residents look forward to playing again soon.”