Activities at Tyspane Care Home

Careful individual assessment and planning, in partnership with the resident and their family, carers and other supporters, is the starting point for meeting their needs. Being person-centred means meticulous and continuing attention to detail. This being particularly true for our male residents who are more likely to spend more time in their rooms and less time socialising with other residents.  Research suggests that men often gravitate towards gender specific activities such as building projects, card games and other competitive social engagements.  Therefore, it is important that the activity timetable is designed to offer well planned activities to engage everyone who is a resident at Tyspane Care Home including families, friends, professionals, community and staff.

This week, it has been wonderful to see so many of our gentlemen residents attending activities that interest them. It is through a diverse range of activities such as balloon tennis, darts, dancing, baking, gardening and guest appearances from singers and other activity professionals create an environment where everyone feels valued and included. These types of activities not only promote physical health and cognitive function but also foster emotional wellbeing, cultivating a profound sense of belonging within our community.

Tony (Resident) said, “I used to have a garden allotment, so it is so important to me that I am able to continue gardening at Tyspane Care Home.”

Peter (Resident) stated, “I thoroughly enjoy the jazz music, reminds me of home.”

At Tyspane Care Home, we understand that by facilitating participation for all residents, these activities foster camaraderie and social cohesion so that everyone feels like they are part of something special, thereby enhancing the communal fabric of our home.

At Tyspane Care Home we understand day trips and outings are an important part of our life-enrichment programme. We are fortunate to have access to a minibus to provide day-today trips to shops, as well as planned group outings and meaningful places of interest. Popular destinations include Saunton Sands Beach, North Devon Coastal Views, Museums and local Garden Centres. We welcome friends, families and local communities to share in our exciting events and entertainment, all chosen by our residents. Creating special moments, and new cherished memories with loved ones.

So, this wonderful sunny bank holiday weekend, we set off in the mini-bus to the beautiful beach at Saunton Sands. Residents were excited as many had not seen the sea for several years. The beach was packed with holidaymakers, dogs and surfers, which only added to the experience.

David (Resident Ambassador) stated, “It was wonderful, the atmosphere was amazing. It was like a family holiday.”

Irene (Respite Care) replied, “My daughter will never believe I have been to the beach. I have had such a great day. Thank you.”

Making wishes and dreams come provides a sense of accomplishment, purpose, and personal growth. Furthermore, it fosters resilience, perseverance, and a positive mindset, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling life.”

Tyspane Care Home is delighted to launch EnabLE, our new digital care system. EnabLE will allow Tyspane Care Home staff to record all those important life-enriching moments whilst delivering the highest quality of individual care. In addition, EnabLE will help Tyspane Care Home create person-centred plans for each resident.

Tyspane Care Home believes and understands the importance of modernisation and, by harnessing the best technology, it will support better planning, recording, coordinating, and reporting on care quicker and easier.

David Prior (Resident Ambassador) stated, “This is a monumental achievement. Well Done Aime.” 

The Conga dance is usually performed in a big group, with Conga dancers forming a line and following a leader in a circular motion around the dance floor. As they do, they’ll dance and jump to the rhythm of the music. The lively movements and the emphasis on group dancing is the reason why the Conga dance has become so popular at house parties everywhere. When you have a look at it, it’s the perfect party dance!

Dance parties, I hear you say…. Who needs a dance party when you have the dancing queen herself, the fabulous Babs Spear (Head of Physiotherapy) at Tyspane Care Home! The activities lounge was packed this morning for a workout to remember. The atmosphere was buzzing. It is also a well-known fact that Babs disco danced her way into the Guinness Book of Records on a pair of roller skates.

Irene (New Resident) stated, “I haven’t worked this hard in years, I loved it.”

Claire (Resident) replied, “Hard work but entertaining.”

This morning was even more important for some residents, families, friends, professionals and staff at Tyspane Care Home as this week is Dementia Awareness Week. The campaign is run by the Alzheimer’s Society, with the aim of encouraging people and organisations across the UK to act on dementia, and to raise awareness of the importance of timely and accurate diagnosis.

Thank You, Babs, for this morning, we salute you.

VE Day or Victory in Europe Day commemorates the allied victory in Europe during World War II. Celebrated on 8th May, it was on this day in 1945 that Nazi Germany officially surrendered to the Allied forces. VE Day 80 is a testimony to resilience, remembrance, and the shared dedication to a non-violent destiny.

At Tyspane Care Home, to mark this very special celebration, residents, families, friends, staff, professionals and community members gathered to raise the official VE-Day 80 flag in honour of all those who made the ultimate sacrifice.  

David Prior (Resident Ambassador) stated, 
“Families lost many loved ones during the war and today is filled with mixed emotions, as on the 8th May 1945, relief, joy and an overwhelming sense of hope for the future. It has been an honour to watch the flag being raised this morning. Thank you.”

Celebrations continued throughout the day with a live performance from miniconcerts, “The D-Day Dolly Extravaganza,” followed by a traditional, good old-fashioned street party.  It is said that a good old-fashioned street party is full of good food, good company and good fun, and from the look on the faces of the residents, this was true this afternoon.

Peter Brown (Resident) replied, 
“I had a lovely day, and the Pimms was lovely too.”

Thank you to everyone at Tyspane Care Home and the local community for helping everyone commemorate this significant anniversary today.

Making wishes gives us hope, it gives us a reason to look forward and keeps our spirits high. Various cultures have rituals involving wishes, from blowing out birthday candles to making a wish on a shooting star. These rituals create unity and continuity in life. When we make a wish, we are actually often setting a goal. This can spark motivation needed to act on our dreams and turn them into reality. Wishing can also offer a brief escape from daily challenges, providing a mental break and a moment to indulge in our dreams and fantasies. Making wishes can also strengthen social connections. Whether shared at a celebration or a quiet moment with friends and loved ones, it can foster a sense of togetherness and mutual hope.

At Tyspane Care Home we understand and believe in making wishes and dreams come true, and only this week resident Sarah Jane had her wish granted to visit Saunton Sands Beach in Braunton. Sarah was joined on the seafront by her husband Paul, daughter Grace, family and friends.

Paul, Sarah Jane’s husband, observed,
“The day was magical; everyone was so happy and memories were made for everyone present. It really has been a wish and dream come true. Thank you.”

Sarah Jane, from South Molton, is one of the bravest and selfless spirits. She is a lady of unshakeable beliefs. She regularly puts others before herself and is willing to sacrifice her own needs for the sake of others. Her steadfastness in the face of adversity showcases her real courage and bravery.

Sarah Jane, before moving to Tyspane Care Home, was cared for by North Devon Hospice and was the face of their campaign to raise money for cuddle beds. A cuddle bed is a specialist clinical bed which has state-of-the-art features to help keep patients comfortable. Crucially, unlike any other clinical bed, a cuddle bed can extend to double in width, which allows one to share the bed and retain closeness with loved ones.

Sarah Jane stated: “When my daughter saw this bed for the first time, her face lit up because she knew exactly what it meant – a proper hug with Mum,” said Sarah. "With normal beds, you just don’t have the room to be close to someone without feeling squashed. So, when the nurses set the cuddle bed up for us, it was just amazing! Grace jumped up instantly, and we had the biggest cuddle – having the chance to hug my daughter like this meant the absolute world.” Her passion and drive to help others continued after moving to Tyspane Care Home, where she arranged for an enormous cuddle bear to be donated to support and bring a smile to residents faces at Tyspane Care Home, it is certainly a talking point in the residents’ lounge. It is Sarah Jane’s aim for the cuddle bear to be named and then auctioned to the highest bidder to raise funds for a new MOTOmed at Tyspane Care Home. A MOTOmed is a specialist piece of equipment that Tyspane Care Home physiotherapists use to support residents with movement restrictions.

Since moving to Tyspane Care Home, Sarah Jane has been a regular visitor to the physiotherapist suite to support her emotional, social and mental wellbeing; mind, body and soul. Sarah Jane and her family, especially her daughter Grace, have made Tyspane Care Home “Home.” Grace is a wonderful free spirit, just like her mother, Sarah Jane. She lightens up a room with her endless amounts of energy, her smile is like a sudden beam of sunlight, and she never stops asking to help. The Activities Team at Tyspane Care Home have embraced her help, especially at Monday afternoon Karaoke and within the Community Garden.

Aime Bown (General Manager) at Tyspane Care Home stated, 
“Sarah Jane is a positive, compassionate, intelligent and thoughtful lady who has had a positive impact on those around her. Staff love spending time with Sarah Jane and her family. It is a pleasure to listen and learn from Sarah Jane’s life experiences. I am so pleased we were able to support Sarah Jane and her family to experience such a wonderful wish. “

A massive thank you to everyone at Tyspane Care Home who made Sarah Jane’s wish come true. It was truly a spectacular day, one to remember.