Activities at Tyspane Care Home

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!”

Squirrel Appreciation Day takes place on the 21st of January every year, celebrating one of nature’s most acrobatic and playful creatures. This day is an opportunity to learn about and appreciate the role of squirrels in our ecosystems and to enjoy their charming antics and unique behaviours.

So, today it was a wonderful delight today to spend time with Angela and Helen making squirrel balls for the squirrels who live in the gardens at Tyspane Care Home. 

Helen (Resident) stated, “I think the pigeons will enjoy them too!”

This week at Tyspane Care Home we are celebrating National Activity Providers and Professionals week. As Activities Co-Ordinator at Tyspane Care Home, it gives me great pleasure to say a massive thank you to Julie Sharpe and Jaye Yeo for their creativity, compassion and commitment, bringing joy, enrichment and connection to our residents, families, friends and staff at Tyspane Care Home. However, in the words of English author John Donne, "No man is an island," meaning no one is self-sufficient; everyone relies on others. This being so at Tyspane Care Home, where staff work together to create person-centred care for residents. Tyspane Care Home staff are talented, experienced, empathetic, professional and dedicated.

Aime Bown (General Manager) stated, "I am proud of all the staff at Tyspane Care Home, everyone engages in order to achieve goals. They are flexible, willing to change if necessary and adapt to different roles, as well as being supportive and respectful of each other. Furthermore, Tyspane Care Home nurtures open communication, continuous employee success, and recognition."

Tyspane Care Home Health-care's whole home approach is a person-centred care model that aims to help residents live fulfilling lives. The approach involves tailoring activities and care plans to the individual needs and preferences of each resident. It works by;

Getting to Know Residents - All Tyspane Care Home staff spend time learning about each resident's life story, interests, and preferences.

Involve Family - Families are involved in decision-making and care plans are regularly updated.

Provide a Variety of Activities - Tyspane Care Home offers a range of activities to stimulate memory, encourage problem-solving, and promote independence.

Create a Welcoming Environment - Tyspane Care Home is designed to be safe, comfortable and welcoming.

All of which benefit residents to;

- maintain their independence and live their lives to the full 
- to participate in activities that they enjoy
- to feel at home and happy

David J Prior (Resident Ambassador) stated, "Tyspane is one big family."

So, in the words of Michael Jordan, "Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships."

Gardening and outdoor activities are ideal for encouraging residents to be physically active and engaged. Residents really benefit from spending time in the garden as it lowers blood pressure, provides exercise, improves motor skills, relieves stress, and helps with much more.

With this research in our minds, it was wonderful that on this chilly Sunday morning Mary was up ready to visit her special garden plot at Tyspane Care Home to check on the spring bulbs her mother Miriam planted in November 2024. Mary’s plot is a raised garden bed specially modified to allow Mary to access and use gardening tools independently.

Tyspane Care Home gardens have lots of modifications to allow residents, families and friends to enjoy a spot of gardening. Modifications include raised beds, wide paths, wild areas, use of ergonomic tools, low maintenance plants and a wide selection of seating areas.

Mary (resident) stated, “I know it’s cold, but I have enjoyed being outside, especially watching my bulbs spring into life.”

Sharing memories amongst residents can be important because it can helps them feel valued, connected, and in control of their lives. It can also help reduce stress and improve their emotional wellbeing. At Tyspane Care Home, we understand that reminiscing sessions can help residents feel like they have a sense of purpose and meaning in their lives, feel valued and rekindle their sense of self-worth, improve communication skills by creating new pathways in the brain whilst giving older adults a sense of agency and independence.

So this afternoon, whilst residents, families, friends and staff gathered in the activities lounge waiting for the talented “Golden Girl” Elaine to perform, they began to reminisce about their early careers. The conversations were enlightening whilst providing opportunities for laughter and nurturing a feeling of being connected to those around them.

Peter (Resident) proudly said, “I used to be a car mechanic, I like to fix and create things. I made a special ornament out of a car piston with the emblem of the car oil Dove on it. I have kept it safe.”

Vera (Resident) replied, “Very interesting, I owned a preschool in Surrey and worked on a farm when I was young.”

Heather (Resident) laughed and said, “My father owned a farm and we had many animals on the farm, including a Llama who thought it was a cow and a squirrel monkey.”

The afternoon was a wonderful way to remind residents of their accomplishments, their contributions to society and family, and how they have lived long and meaningful lives.