Activities at Sutton Valence Care Home

Sutton Valence Care Home in Sutton Valence commemorated the signing of the Armistice Day agreement on the day that the guns finally fell silent.  They joined the rest of the United Kingdom in holding a two-minute silence at the eleventh hour, on the eleventh day, of the eleventh month.

As well as marking Armistice Day by wearing poppies and observing the national two minute silence, residents took part in two services one overseen by Reverend Fiona Haskett and a second wreath laying service of our own.

Today we commemorated the signing of the Armistice Day agreement on the day that the guns finally fell silent. As well as marking Armistice Day by wearing poppies and observing the national two-minute silence, residents took part in two services one overseen by Reverend Fiona Haskett and a second wreath laying service of our own organised by Adele, one of our residents. Our day was made extra special with the conversations that followed both services.

At Sutton valence our Residents Lynn and Adele enjoyed a trip to our local garden centre in Staplehurst Kent. They had a lovely afternoon soaking up the amazing Christmas decorations that were on display and it got us all excited to start putting up our very own decorations soon in the home. Before home time we stopped off at the coffee shop for hot chocolates and of course a slice of cake.

While we might not be keen on displaying Skeletons, Ghouls and Ghosts in our home, we definitely enjoyed the amazing flower display that Emma said she just 'threw together' for us.  The display of Autumn flowers and Berries was amazing. Our plain Pumpkin did not turn into the Cinderella carriage but a beautiful display to share with everyone.  As Lynn said, “it certainly was not just thrown together.” which is what our Emma was trying to get away with saying.

Halloween would not be the same in Sutton Valence without the 60 plus hand knitted pumpkin hats that arrive every year. They are used to cover a little chocolate treat or piece of fruit for our residents and we thank Heather for her time and efforts.  The little hats are collected and recycled to new-born baby units in our community.

We have been sharing preserved fruits and savouries, enjoyed making lanterns, and looking at bright flowers all in celebration for Diwali. This is a beautiful family Festival of Light. Sabitha is a Senior Nurse and gave up her time to explain how the family make special foods, and worship different Gods over several days. They take gifts to Brothers, who have a family role to help protect them and they enjoy family time together.

This may seem a brave subject to touch on and especially with various residents all with different needs. However, this was a subject that a small chat group enjoyed talking about and more importantly they wanted to listen to those that are happy to admit they have had moments where mental health has been an issue for them and share their stories.

Eileen was happy to say she is of a generation where you “Got on with it!” A generation where it was hidden and maybe it was a weakness, or a taboo subject, could even be “catching!”. But what followed was warmth and time. In a group with ages from 50 to 80 plus they agreed: being there, having empathy, talking, touch, patience, love, Professional support, and medicines all help but they all agreed “Chatting in a relaxed safe friendly environment was in fact, the very best medicine and care you can ever have!