Activities at The Cedars Bourne Care Home

We had a great time celebrating the Mexican festival of Cinco de Mayo in style.

We dressed up and enjoyed some traditional Mexican music, along with delicious Mexican dishes, prepared by our talented home chef Gee Jowett.

Our residents got involved in a variety of fun-filled games and sensory sessions; before joining a virtual Latin Dance Class from our online partner Oomph on Demand. The residents enjoyed the class so much we did it twice!

During the day, the Piñata was a great fun and we all learnt something new about the meaning of the Mexican festival; as well as some Spanish greetings and phrases.

Excitement was in the air at The Cedars Care Home in Bourne, where residents and staff have been busy making Coronation-themed decorations and baking up a storm of red, white and blue cakes and pastries with the help of head chef Richard Parrott in preparation for the King’s Coronation on May 6.

Staff and residents at the home put their heads together and came up with a plan for their celebrations fit for a King. Over the bank holiday weekend the home held a resident crowning party on Saturday, a garden party and concert with live entertainment from local vocalist Nikki Downes on Sunday, as well as a Coronation-themed quiz, crafts and a game of pin the crown on the king on Monday. The whole home came together to celebrate our new King and talk about the new era the country is entering.

Senior General Manager at The Cedars Care Home said: “We’ve all had such a brilliant time celebrating the Coronation, such a momentous occasion. Our staff and residents love the Royals and so they were all so excited to take part. It has been a real collaborative process - thinking about how we wanted to celebrate, planning our activities, decorating the home and creating all the party food. It was so lovely to be able to invite our friends and family to come and join us for a proper celebration too.”

Dorothy, a resident at The Cedars Care Home said: “I can remember the Queen’s Coronation, and that of King George. It makes a lasting impression on you. It is such an important occasion to mark.”

The Cedars went back in time this week when residents and their guests were treated to a talk from guest speaker Chris Carr from Briga and Friends; a local historical re-enactment group.

Chris gave the residents a fascinating talk on medieval medicine in an informative and entertaining costumed presentation; including replica medieval medicinal texts, herbs to touch and smell and a demonstration of medieval surgery.

The residents were fascinated to learn about the medieval use of the poisonous herb hemlock, which was used as an aesthetic; as well as the theory that disease was spread by tiny invisible imps in the air. Activity team member Lisa then volunteered to be a patient with an arrow through the arm, as Chris demonstrated how it would have been removed; using some very sharp and dangerous looking tools.

Residents were then invited to ask questions, which Chis answered using her incredible local and medical historical knowledge. Resident Elizabeth Brett said that the presentation was ‘wonderful’ and ‘fascinating’, whilst Jo Kay expressed how marvellous it is that this old knowledge is not lost. The talk was arranged by request of resident Anne Miller, who was particularly interested in the herbs that were used- including the lavender and honey they used to stuff their wounds!

The residents are really looking forward to Briga and Friends next visit; which will be entitled ‘cooking during rationing’.

Residents across our services had a delightful time during a special virtual sensory storytelling event, led by Art Historian Jon Sleigh from the Historic Royal Palaces.

Jon took us on a journey to discover some of the more unusual and unexpected inhabitants of the palaces and the Tower of London, sharing fascinating stories about the pets at the palaces.

Whilst enjoying the virtual experience, our residents were treated to hot beverages, delicious biscuits, berries and cakes.  It was a truly lovely time for all.

The Cedars Care Home in Bourne went back in time this week when residents and their guests were treated to a talk from guest speaker Chris Carr from Briga and Friends; a local historical re-enactment group.

Chris gave the residents a fascinating talk on mediaeval medicine in an informative and entertaining costumed presentation; including replica medieval medicinal texts, herbs to touch and smell and a demonstration of medieval surgery.

In order to support residents’ relatives and friends, and the local community, Barchester’s Cedars Care Home in Bourne held a special dementia themed event as part of their regular weekly community coffee morning.

On Wednesday the dementia coffee morning hosted residents from other care homes, as well as visitors from the community, to provide support for friends and family living with dementia, or for those who think a loved one may have dementia.  It provided a chance to find out about coping strategies, how to get a diagnosis and what support is available from like-minded people.  We enjoyed a cuppa, a slice of cake and a chance to relax and unwind together.