Activities at Tyspane Care Home

LitWorld founded World Read Aloud Day® (WRAD) in 2010 to celebrate the power of reading aloud to create community and amplify new stories, and to advocate for literacy as a foundational human right. Since then, WRAD has evolved into a global movement of millions of readers, writers, and listeners from across the world coming together to honour the joy and power of reading and continue expanding the definition and scope of global literacy.

Tyspane Care Home Book Club understands people remember more words if they read them aloud than if they read them silently. This memory-boosting effect of reading aloud is particularly strong in children, but it also works for older people too.

For residents who are cared for in rooms, reading aloud can have a positive impact on their mental health as it prevents loneliness and connects them with the outside world. Allowing residents to immerse themselves in books (reading or listening) creates a sense of escapism that distracts from loneliness whilst reducing stress. Furthermore, brain-changing activities like reading are thought to help delay the onset of Alzheimer’s and dementia, which are common obstacles for older people.

Michelle (Visitor and Book Club Member) said, “I enjoy listening to the activities staff read aloud, it is relaxing.”

Patricia (Resident) replied, “Yes, it is so relaxing I fall asleep.”

David J Prior (Resident Ambassador) stated, “I often have to spend time in my room and listening to someone read to me, makes me feel included.”

So remember, if you or a loved one is getting on in years, reading could be their next big thing!

Flower arranging is well known to be a therapeutic activity. But for seniors, there are also psychological and physical benefits. Starting with a sense of relaxation and mindfulness, thanks to the repetitive nature of flower arranging. It is very similar to meditation, calming the mind and reducing stress. Meanwhile, those with arthritis or limited mobility will benefit from the gentle movements. A great alternative form of exercise, it will promote fine motor skills and improve hand-eye coordination.

Personally, it will also promote a sense of accomplishment! It is important for seniors to feel that they have a purpose, and flower arranging will allow them to express their creativity and take pride in their creations. Thereby boosting their self-esteem and generating a sense of joy and fulfilment.

This morning, Tyspane Care Home arranged flowers for Gillian’s birthday and for the activities lounge to brighten everyone’s mood and wellbeing.

Clare (Resident), “This is wonderful, and these are the best flowers for flower arranging.“ 

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. At Tyspane Care Home, we understand that children who regularly mix with older people have better language, reading and social skills. Furthermore, bringing young and older people together can help tackle some of the big social problems facing the next generation.

Today was a wonderful example of intergenerational companionship as residents of Tyspane Care Home attended Caen Community Primary School (Braunton) lunch club. The lunch club allowed residents and primary-aged school children to spend time together playing games, reading books and socialising. Aging residents are one of the best groups to spend time with young children, not only because they can pass on decades of wisdom, but also because they are at a point in life where they have the availability and patience to do so and can provide the kind of stimulation that young children need to thrive.

Patricia (Resident) stated, “The children and staff at Caen Community Primary School were wonderful, it was a pleasure to visit, and I look forward to returning.”

Noreen (Resident) stated, “I had a wonderful morning, it was so much fun.”

Jacqui Conroy (Activities Co-Ordinator) commented, “I would like to thank Sam Page (Head Teacher) and all the staff and children at Caen Community Primary School for making this morning happen. It was truly magical and immensely beneficial for our residents.”

From the simplest acts of kindness – a smile, gathering essentials for those in need, volunteering time or sharing memories, each gesture, no matter how small, has the power to transform lives. Random Acts of Kindness Day is normally celebrated in February. It is a beautiful day that inspires people to spread love, compassion, and positivity through small, unanticipated acts of kindness.

However, today at Tyspane Care Home our chef, Amy Austin, delivered a simple act of kindness that simply cannot go unnoticed or unrecognised. Michelle (Resident Day Visitor) loves a good quality cup of coffee when she enters Tyspane Care Home in the morning, in a special mug that stays at Tyspane Care Home when she is not visiting. Unfortunately, the mug was accidently broken, which left Michelle disappointed and seeking a new mug. 

Amy, our chef, regularly mingles with residents as part of Tyspane Care Home, person-centred care and recognised the impact of the broken mug on Michelle and took it upon herself to acquire a personalised mug especially for Michelle. Michelle was delighted with the gesture, even tearful.

Aime Bown (General Manager) stated, “Knowing our residents well is the key to delivering great care. We want all our residents to feel at home and our friendly teams are always interested in learning about the lives of those at our home. Thank you, Amy, for this simple random act of kindness.”

A sponsored walk is a great way to raise money without the need for lots of planning and volunteers. It also promotes exercise, takes your fundraising into the public eye and can bring your whole community together.

So, on Saturday 25th January 2025 Babs Spear (Head of Physiotherapy at Tyspane), Georgina Dellar-Williams  (Assistant Physiotherapist at Tyspane), Katie Evans (Senior Carer at Tyspane), Caitlin Priestley (Carer at Tyspane), Jacqui Conroy (Activities Co-ordinator at Tyspane ), Julie Sharpe (Assistant Activities at Tyspane) and Josie Davies (Volunteer) gathered outside Tyspane Care Home wearing red, white and blue to honour Jo Pavey, MBE, British Long Distance and Olympic Gold Medallist who is a regular visitor at Tyspane Care Home promoting the importance of physiotherapy for our elderly residents. Jo Pavey is an advocate for promoting sports and exercise in older people and understands the importance of using a MOTOmed as part of person-centred care. MOTOmed machines are used extensively in elderly care settings, including home use, to replace lost movement whilst improving fitness and strength. A MOTOmed is a great low impact way to maintain and potentially improve arm and leg function.

The sun shone as the ladies walked the Tarka trail from Tyspane Care Home to Barnstaple and back. The Tarka trail was chosen for its unspoilt countryside, beautiful views and easy access.  It was also wonderful to see and interact with members of the public and local community throughout the walk and that they fully supported this meaningful cause. The afternoon ended back at Tyspane Care Home where residents, families, friends and staff gathered in the activities lounge to celebrate this massive achievement.

Babs Spear, (Head of Physiotherapy) stated, “It was a wonderful morning for a walk and a chat. In a world that often seems divided, it is wonderful to see that these events have a remarkable ability to bring people together. We were all inspired, which reminded us of the power we hold when we support each other.”

Jacqui Conroy (Activities Co-Ordinator) said, “I would like to thank everyone who participated or sponsored this event. We have raised the deposit for the MOTOmed which will benefit our residents not only physically but also their mental wellbeing.”

Josie Davis (Tyspane Care Home Volunteer), “It was a lovely morning in aid of a very good cause.”

All you need is a pair of binoculars and a bird identification book.

Bird-watching is one of the most relaxing and rewarding pastimes that practically anyone can do. For our residents in their golden years, it comes with extra benefits because it gently keeps the mind active and alert while encouraging a focus on the beauty of nature.

With great enthusiasm, Brian, Mary, David and Heather ventured outside on this chilly day for a spot of birdwatching.  The aim being to spot robins, cardinals, blue jays, sparrows and finches.

David (Resident Ambassador) stated, “Oh well, we did see three crows and one pigeon, perhaps we shouldn’t have brought the cat with us!”