Activities at Tyspane Care Home

Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee! (Muhammed Ali)

Boxing can be a great stress reliever. In particular, the training process can help you gid rid of stress. Hitting the pad or boxing heavy bag can help one develop strength and explosive power while getting rid of stress. Boxing is also a fun and engaging activity that can keep one motivated and coming back for more. It is a great way to challenge one’s self and achieve personal goals and growth. 

So today, it was wonderful to welcome the first lady in the world to receive a boxing licence the fabulous Babs and her sparring partner Josie. They certainly put residents, families, friends and staff through their paces to show of their skills and what they could achieve with a lot of self-believe. The activities lounge was filled with a combination of anxiety, fear and excitement all at once. Residents found the feeling of “unboxing” a pair of boxing gloves exhilarating, the vibrant colours and sleek exteriors created a sense of excitement, making everyone’s heart beat faster. 

They say a good boxing coach has a number of qualities, including: attention to detail, analytical thinking, experience, certification but most of all encouragement. Yes, this was certainly true of Babs. 

Patricia (Resident) stated, “That was so much fun and a good thrill.”

Angela (Resident) replied, “It surprised me, I didn’t think I could box.”

Tony (Resident), “I used to box, simply a great reminder for me.”

The afternoon was filled with fun and laughter especially watching Babs coach Jacqui (Activities Co-Ordinator) who she described as “Not a natural boxer, more a street fighter!”

For the people living with, or caring for someone with dementia. 

One in three people born in the UK today will be diagnosed with dementia in their life time, with over one million people expected to be living with dementia by 2040. Dementia is the UK's biggest health and social care crisis (Alzheimer's Society, 2024).

So, to support the Alzheimer’s Society, Tyspane Care Home residents, families, friends and staff participated in a whole home photography session wearing something blue and/or blue ribbons to support World Alzheimer's Day. In addition, Tyspane Gardening Club, Bowling Club and Baking Club walked around Tyspane Care Home gardens followed by afternoon tea and an old-fashioned sing along to offer their support for the Society. 

David (Resident Ambassador) stated, “A very worthy cause, good to be included.”

Angela (Resident) replied, “Yes, so worth it.”

Mary (Resident and Club Member) said, “My favourite colour is blue, such a lovely day.”

Thank You to everyone who supported the campaign it allowed everyone to come together to raise awareness of dementia and to address the stigma and discrimination that still exists around the condition.   

Mexican Independence Day is celebrated with dancing, singing and lots of good food. The colours for the day are of the Mexican flag; red, white and green. Therefore, to support Mexican Independence Day residents, families, friends and staff popped on traditional Mexican sombrero hats in mixed colours, colourful sunglasses and rattled maracas at every given opportunity. Tyspane Care Home Baking Club pulled out all the stops and created a traditional Mexican Lemon Olive Oil cake which was served with creamy hot chocolate, simply delicious. 

Today, in the activities lounge with residents, friends, families and staff I was reminded by Julie (Activities Assistant) that the “Noodle Game,” created at Tyspane Care Home was one of the most socially inclusive activities on the activities time table. Tyspane Care Home is proud to offer social inclusion activities, finding ways to encourage all residents, families and friends to take part in activity programmes which provide opportunities and dignity to people who are facing discrimination and inequality. It is also important that we continue to involve our residents at all levels of service planning and delivery. 

Nothing But Treble!

This afternoon at Tyspane Care Home residents, families, friends and staff were astonished by “Nothing But Treble” a spectacular band from Ilfracombe consisting of three ladies and a gentleman. 

The band had a fabulous set list, they had a very eclectic music style which appealed to Tyspane Care Home audience of mixed ages, the use of diverse music genres was a great success. 

Residents, families, friends and staff sang and danced as the live music and singing intensified everyone’s emotional responses due to its free flowing, dynamic nature. 

David (Resident Ambassador) announced, “I would like to thank the band for coming to perform for us on a Sunday, it was simply brilliant. I cried because it was so good.”

Patricia replied, “It was so different, it was fun and upbeat.”

Polly (Nothing But Treble) singer stated, “We will be back, it was fun and emotional. Thank you, Tyspane Care Home.”

Harvest Festival Wheat Sheaf Loaf.

The Baking Club at Tyspane Care Home have been extremely busy this morning baking a wheat sheaf loaf for displaying at the harvest festival on 14th September 2024. The wheat sheaf represents plenty, a good harvest, fertility and even resurrection, as the cycle of life. A wheat loaf is made to look like a bundle of wheat. As you might expect, the shaping and sculpting is time consuming. Best not to attempt solo, hence all the efforts of the Baking Club.

Heather (Resident) asked, “I enjoy making bread but what about the cakes. Remember Jaye if I ask for coffee with what we bake it’s because they taste horrible!”

Mary (Resident) replied, “The wheat sheaf is absolutely stunning, it looks so professional.”

Lorna (Resident) responded, “This means a lot to me, I am looking forward to the harvest festival and seeing Reverend David Baker, St Brannock’s Church.”