Activities at Tandridge Heights Care Home

Residents and staff at Tandridge Heights Memorial care home in Oxted dressed to impress, donned their best hats, and had their bets at the ready for Royal Ascot. This year however, the event took place behind closed doors.

But the residents at Tandridge Heights were not phased by this as they had the opportunity to enjoy the event from the comfort of their own armchair. Residents and staff got together to watch races, and also celebrated in a very Royal Ascot fashion by having afternoon tea and also took part in dressing up in to mark the occasion. The residents received a lovely surprise on Ladies Day with some local horse riders from the Tandridge Priory Riding Centre kindly putting on their very own parade for residents.

Staff at Tandridge Heights Memorial Care Home baked  their way to raising £100 for the Alzheimer’s Society, by getting involved with National Cupcake Day. Residents and staff were invited to enjoy a cuppa and cupcake, whilst raising funds for the Alzheimer’s Society.

The activities team planned a day full of cupcake themed events , ranging from cupcake quizzes to dingbats, the residents also coloured and designed their own cupcake bunting and mini flags.

Keen to get on board with the fundraising initiative, kitchen staff led by Second Chef, Melanie had prepared a variety of tasty cupcakes for the residents to sample as well as plain cupcakes for the residents to decorate.

You better beer-lieve that residents at Tandridge Heights were more than hoppy to raise a glass, and sample some top ales, in celebration of National Beer Day.

Beer lovers at the home celebrated, and spread beery joy by joining the national toast at 7pm on June 15th, along with millions of people across the country to say ‘Cheers to Beer’!

The hospitality team at the home brought in a range of brew-tiful British ales for residents to sample, and they enjoyed a beer tasting. Residents also learnt about the history of beer. Family & friends were invited to share a drink via skype.

Victoria Oladosu, General Manager at the home, said: “We love socialising and celebrating all kind of events. Beer day is one that the residents really enjoy, it’s nice for them to enjoy a tipple! We are continually adapting, and finding new ways to make sure every effort is focused on creating an enjoyable environment for all of our residents, whilst adhering to social distancing advice.”

On Saturday June 13th, the Queen celebrated her second, and official birthday. But there was an extra incentive to join in the festivities at Tandridge Heights as residents were asked to design a birthday cake in honour of Her Majesty’s birthday.

The winning cake design was then whipped into reality by the homes’ chef, Jane Clark, to be enjoyed by residents and staff on the Queen’s special day.

Residents were also treated to afternoon tea with a royal theme prepared by the hospitality team. The Queen’s birthday was marked with a small celebration at Windsor Castle, where the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh are staying in isolation. Residents tuned in to watch a Royal Salute from the military, lead by The Welsh Guard and massed Bands of the Household Division, which replaced the Trooping the Colour after it was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Victoria Oladosu, General Manager said: “Residents absolutely loved the idea of having their cake brought to life, and were very happy to celebrate our longest reigning monarch. Here at Tandridge Heights Memorial care home , we are continually adapting, and finding new ways to make sure every effort is focused on creating an enjoyable environment for all of our residents, whilst adhering to social distancing advice.”

Tandridge Heights held a day of celebrations to thank care staff at the home, who make a real difference to the lives of those in their care.

Staff were treated to a relaxing experience the whole week long. The lounge was set up as a quiet space for staff, with sensory music and essential oils helping to set the mood. All the members of staff received a box of chocolates and a “Thank you card”. The carers were also treated to a raffle where everyone got a gift. In addition, the kitchen also provided sweet treats the whole week long.

Residents also gave thanks by sending gifts and cards to the local Agency and Domiciliary carers. Staff made phone calls, organised FaceTime and Skype calls to family members who have been unable to visit due to lockdown, but whom also give so much support to their loved ones, and carers in the home.

Victoria Oladosu, General Manager said: “I am very proud of the carers at Tandridge Heights. In light of the current situation our carers have continued to work tirelessly to provide high quality, personalised care to the people living in our homes, and often go above and beyond the call of duty, which has a huge impact on people’s lives. They offer friendship and comfort to residents and their relatives, during what can be a very emotional time. We appreciate the work they do all year round, and especially in these unprecedented times”.

Tandridge Heights has teamed up with Bohanam House in Gloustershire for a newly launched pen pal scheme, connecting residents from each care home with each other through their stories of the past by sending letters, and making new friends.

In light of the current situation and the residents not being able to have visitors at this time, we all felt it was so beneficial to keep in touch with one another. They wanted to write letters of happiness and encouragement. We will also cover topics such as holidays and places to visit, as well as cautionary tales from all the residents of Tandridge Heights. Our residents are hoping to share their interesting tales of the past. We hope we can continue even after the current situation subsides.