Activities at Tyspane Care Home

Today, Tyspane Care Home came together as one big family to support our residents to stay healthy and fit. The morning started with Tyspane Care Home Physiotherapists, Babs, George and Katie working alongside Jan Cooke (Physiotherapist Technician at Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust) supporting residents to lower their risk of falls and keep moving by participating in regular exercise including balance exercises.  Good balance is important for helping our residents retain mobility as they age.

Babs commented, “I feel very lucky to have had the opportunities to work in an incredible profession that has allowed me to work with such wonderful people.”

Jan replied,” Today, I feel privilege to be at Tyspane Care Home, it has been inspirational to watch residents use the balance equipment and overcome emotional barriers, thank you Tyspane, I will be back.”

Tony (resident), stated. “I am so happy to be back up on my feet, it feels amazing.”

Following a healthy snack and smoothie residents, family, friends and staff listened to an informative talk and demonstration by Braunton Mobility. Braunton Mobility are a local company who stock and supply a range of high-quality equipment.  Their aim is to keep people moving and stay independent.

Molly,” I surprised myself, I didn’t think I would be able to use a motorised wheelchair, I moved around the home so quickly and smoothly. I didn’t crash!”

After lunch, residents, families and friends were entertained by Tyspane Care Home staff with a series of light hearted dance routines to get everyone moving. Staff worked together to support the shared goal and vision of keeping residents fit and healthy whilst nurturing wellbeing.

Tonight, at Tyspane Care Home, residents gathered in the lounge to celebrate Patricia and her wish to spend an evening being entertained by the famous Andre Rieu. The atmosphere was electric as Andre put on an extra special festive an unforgettable anniversary concert. 

Love In Venice is an evening full of wonderful Italian music, world hits like Funiculi Funicula, Tiritomba and Vieni sul mar and fabulous operative arias.

Patricia said, “Thank you this is amazing, Andre performing the Viennese waltz was incredible.”

Noreen replied, “I loved it all.”

Bobbie agreed but said, “I like the fancy cakes best.”

International Museum Day (IMD) is celebrated annually on or around May 18. Since 1977, the International Council of Museums (ICOM) has organised this day to pay tribute to the international museum community. It’s a unique moment for museums worldwide, where they plan creative events and activities related to the IMD theme, engage with the public, and highlight the crucial role of museums in serving society and development.

So, in support of International Museum Day, Tyspane Care Home visited the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon. The museum aims to preserve the rich history of the people and landscapes of North Devon. The staff and volunteers at the museum were amazing and made us all feel extremely welcome, they chatted to residents and offered support when necessary.

Molly stated, “It has been a wonderful morning, I have fully enjoyed myself.”

Mary replied, “So have I and I really enjoyed the shop.” “The exhibition on Devonian Monsters was most spectacular if not a little scary!”

A massive thank you to everyone who made this trip happen, it was truly wonderful.

At Tyspane Care Home we value the experiences and life stories of every person in our care, and learn so much from discussing their lifetime hobbies and achievements. One of the ways to find out about our residents is to spend time with them and their families completing our Get To Know Me booklets. It was while completing Geoff's Get To Know Me Booklet that he stated he was missing his hometown, especially being able to watch his favourite Birmingham City Football Club (The Blues) play live football on the weekend. As a  'Brummie' Blues fans see themselves as one big community, one large family and as a result attending football matches on a regular basis is akin to meeting family and friends. Another ritual for Geoff when he attended the Blues stadium was to buy a burger and onions at half time, this was almost a religious experience, a soulful accompaniment to watching the football. He stated that when you eat a tasty dish at a stadium that day becomes more than just about the scoreline.

As a result of hearing Geoff's wishes Tyspane Care Home Activities discussed with  Amy Austin  (Chef and Hospitality) whether a special meal could be created to rekindle Geoff's memories of being at Birmingham City Football Stadium, eating his favourite half time food of a burger and onions with lots of tomato sauce washed down with his favourite tipple!

Geoff was salivating at the thought of his burger and onions and could not contain his excitement when it arrived. He felt so happy he was compelled to tell a joke;

"A man spots a sign in a grocery store stating helicopter crisps for sale. He enters the building and asks to buy a packet of helicopter crisps. The shop keeper stated he could not buy a packet as they only had plain (plane) ones left."

Whilst chatting and eating Geoff was elated and stated he couldn't wait to come to the activities lounge to participate in his other passion of bingo.

“At Tyspane Care Home we have a fantastic Hospitality Team, they are always on hand to ensure that our residents can enjoy the best dining experience in a welcoming and pleasurable environment. Providing excellent hospitality within Tyspane Care Home is vital for the well-being of residents, families and friends. Therefore, it is wonderful to welcome Amy Austin as Chef and Hospitality at Tyspane Care Home. Amy is to an established Chef and outstanding individual who demonstrates passion, commitment and the teamwork needed to make a real difference to those living within our home.”

Aime Bown – General Manager

Amy Austin has shown her skills today by creating a special menu for residents, friends, family and staff to celebrate St George’s Day. St George became a legendary figure in English history due to his courage and bravery despite never setting foot in England! The country adopted him as its patron saint, with April 23rd being chosen as the date of celebration to mark his death.

Amy created bespoke recipes taken from traditional English dishes after reading the Spring Activities Team newsletter. Residents couldn’t believe their eyes as she served up a menu of; creamy fresh carrot soup, toad in the hole, consisting of plump meaty sausages in Yorkshire batter, cod mornay served with cauliflower and for desert creamy white rice pudding. Simply mouth-watering and scrumptious. As they say now, fit for a king!

Thank you Amy, for joining Tyspane Care Home Hospitality Team.

Tyspane Care Home fully understands that a career in health and social care is one of the most rewarding, valuable and in-demand professions. As a sector, health and social care is one of the largest in the country and covers a huge range of roles in a wide variety of settings. Workplaces include hospitals, care homes, schools and nurseries with jobs ranging from midwife to speech and language therapist. So, with this understanding, it is wonderful to welcome Sam Thorne to Tyspane Care Home, Sam will be with us for two weeks educational placement. He is currently studying at Petroc College for his level three in Health and Social Care.

In addition to Sam, we have welcomed back Tom and William from Braunton Academy. Tom and William have chosen Tyspane Care Home to complete their volunteering section of the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award.  Their aim being to become empowered young adults, learn new skills whilst overcoming any obstacles, and build confidence and resilience.

Tyspane Care Home believes that mixing young and old individuals can have significant benefits for both age groups. When children regularly interact with older people, they experience improvements in language development, reading, and social skills. Intergenerational interactions help combat loneliness and isolation among the elderly. These connections contribute to better health, care, and overall quality of life for older individuals.

Furthermore, inviting children and young adults into Tyspane Care Home breaks age stereotypes and encourages lifelong learning; children and young adults who get to know “real, live, old people” look beyond ageist stereotypes. They learn that older adults have diverse interests, skills, and hobbies.

We therefore welcome volunteers of all ages at Tyspane Care Home, we are one big family.