Activities at Tyspane Care Home

Community volunteers play a vital role at Tyspane Care Home, Braunton. Volunteering can involve a wide range of activities, from companionship, fundraising and entertainment. Volunteering connects people, skills and good causes; volunteers are at the heart of communities as they can use their local knowledge and life experiences.

At Tyspane Care Home we understand the importance of volunteers and visitors for the wellbeing of our residents. Supporting residents to continue to enjoy hobbies and interests is crucial to boost their self-esteem, reduce feelings of depression and anxiety, and improve overall mood. So imagine, David's face this afternoon was a pure picture of joy when a regular visitor from Milltown cruised up Tyspane Care Home drive with a Massey Ferguson 1953 Petrol Tractor on the back of a 20ft trailer especially for David. David being a massive fan of Massey Ferguson Tractors having learned to drive when he was younger in one.

This experience and social interaction provided David with the opportunity to share past experiences, stories, and wisdom, fostering a sense of purpose and value.

James (Volunteer and Visitor) stated, “I really enjoy spending time with David, we have common interests.”

David (Resident Ambassador) replied, “What a wonderful surprise.”

The RMS Titanic was a British passenger liner that, at the time of its building, was the biggest ship of its kind in the world. It took three years to build, and was thought to be so advanced that it was called ‘unsinkable’. On 10th April 1912, the Titanic set sail from Southampton, England, on her maiden voyage to New York, USA. The ship carried over 2200 passengers and crew members. Passengers had paid huge sums of money to be on board the famous ship.

Five days into the voyage, in the early hours of 15th April, the Titanic struck a huge iceberg off the coast of Newfoundland. The ship’s hull compartments began to fill with water, and the ship broke in two. It took less than three hours for the Titanic to sink. Due to insufficient safety precautions and a lack of lifeboats, only 705 people survived the disaster. The rest of the ship’s passengers and crew were lost in the icy waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The disaster provoked worldwide horror and outrage, and has become one of the most famous maritime events in world history.

Although the Titanic Anniversary has never become an official event in any country, people all over the world commemorate the date every year, using it as an opportunity to reflect on the events of the past and remember those who were lost. So, this afternoon at Tyspane Care Home, residents, families, friends, professionals and staff gathered in the Activities Lounge to be entertained by Jonathan playing the saxophone to mark the anniversary. Tyspane understands it is important to remember these anniversaries because:

• It encourages us to connect with historical events.
• It keeps alive the memories of those who lost their lives on board, and the survivors of the disaster, one of whom lived until 2009.
• It connects us with each other, and is a reminder of people’s courage and resilience.

Gary (Resident) stated, “What a lovely afternoon.”

Pauline (Visitor), “Simple wonderful.”

"Many brave things were done that night but none more brave than by those few men playing minute after minute as the ship settled quietly lower and lower in the sea...the music they played served alike as their own immortal requiem and their right to be recorded on the rulls of undying fame." Lawrence Beesley, Titanic Survivor.

Today, Tyspane Care Home residents, families, friends and staff welcomed back Babs Spear (Head of Physiotherapy). Believe it or not, Babs only went on holiday for two weeks, but she was missed by residents every minute of those two weeks. 

Residents, families, friends, professionals and staff at Tyspane Care Home appreciate and understand the importance of daily physiotherapy for the elderly. Physiotherapy is an essential component of healthcare for elderly people. As people age, they are more prone to physical limitations and conditions that can affect their mobility and quality of life. Physiotherapy can help address these issues and improve their overall health and wellbeing.

Babs fully understands that part of her role is to restore movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness or disability, which in turn can also help to reduce one’s risk of further injury or illness in the future.

In order to welcome Babs back, Babs organised a morning of physiotherapy for residents, families, friends and professionals. The Activities Lounge was packed as everyone was eager to participate in one of her sessions, which included; an exercise class, MOTOMED activities, parallel bars for walking, a range of upper and lower body exercises, awareness of space (balance), frames, quad sticks, frames and much more.

Samantha (Resident) said, “The whole morning was amazing, it should be included in our weekly activity planner.”

Claire (Resident) stated, “Normally I decline physiotherapy, but watching others has inspired me.”

Pat (Resident) replied, “I am so happy.”

In the words of Babs the key message is, “Use it or lose it.”

Karaoke is perfect whenever good friends gather. It's not about how well you sing, but having the courage to put yourself out there - AND when you're in the audience, recognising that it takes a lot of courage to do that and being supportive. It's all good entertainment and good fun and not taken too seriously.

Which is why it is so important that Monday afternoons at Tyspane Care Home are dedicated to Terry Bond, the master of Karaoke. This afternoon, the Activities Lounge was packed with residents, families, friends and staff all eager to sing their favourite tracks to bring joy to themselves and others. In addition, this afternoon was even more special as Terry was joined by the young children of residents and staff. They sang their hearts out in front of an amazed audience. It was an absolute pleasure to watch as they sang and danced.

These interactions are so important as they provide residents with a renewed sense of purpose and fulfilment, not to mention watching the young and old use technology to enhance their quality of life. The advantages of using modern technology cannot not be underestimated; it provides mental stimulation, offers more beneficial entertainment and increases independence.

Angela (Resident) commented, “The young children were a delight.”

Sarah-Jane (Resident) said, “It was lovely for my daughter, Grace.”

So, in the words of Confucius,“Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without."

Beaver Scouts are young boys and girls usually aged between six and eight years old. They belong to the first and youngest section in the scouting family. Beavers and Scouts actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society. In partnership with adults, young people take part in fun indoor and outdoor activities. They learn by doing, by sharing in spiritual reflection and by taking responsibility.

These values were certainly on show this evening as Braunton Beavers visited Tyspane Care Home to perform a special spring performance show and sing an array of songs. Residents were delighted and couldn’t contain their happiness and enjoyment. The children were a wonderful example of intergenerational equity. 

Intergenerational equity in economic, psychological, and sociological contexts, is the idea of fairness or justice between generations. The concept can be applied to fairness in dynamics between children, youth, adults, and seniors. It can also be applied to fairness between generations currently living and future generations. Furthermore, research has shown that the more time younger and older people spend together, the more both parties benefit. Children have a warm and infectious energy, which can help to bring so much joy to the elderly. In fact, research shows that connecting youths with seniors can help to boost confidence, increase communication, and improve memory.

It is fair to say Tyspane Care Home was certainly woken up with the wonderful laughter of the children in the gardens, residents sat and watched with joy.

Peter (Resident) said, “They were wonderful, what a spectacular performance.”

Doreen (Resident) replied, “It was magical, I loved every minute.”

Margaret (Resident) stated, “I enjoyed every minute.”

Tony (Resident) said, “They are special, it was lovely to see them achieve their Beaver Badges, well done."

A massive thank you to Braunton Beavers, Parents, Carers and the children for a wonderful show, simple brilliant. Come back soon!

For some, Easter has its own traditions. Despite hot cross buns being available all year round, they never really taste the same as they do at Easter and they certainly never taste as good as when you make them yourself.  Eating fish on Good Friday and Simnel cake (originally made for Mothering Sunday), is often made using eleven balls of marzipan around the edge to represent the twelve apostles, excluding Judas.

So today, Tyspane Care Home Baking Club grabbed their oven gloves and put on aprons to get creative and make the most spectacular Easter cake you had could ever imagine. The residents mixed as they shared stories of Easter celebrations and why baking is so important to them. Tyspane Care Home smelled amazing; the sweet aromas drifted through the corridors making everyone feel hungry.  

David (Resident) said, “Yes, looks lovely.”

Helen (Resident) replied, “I agree, the sponge is very soft.”

Michelle (Visitor) stated, “I think it is amazing, great job. I do hope we win.”

Tyspane Care Home Baking Club was so pleased they have entered Barchester Healthcare annual Easter competition. Fingers crossed!