Activities at Tyspane Care Home

Tyspane Care Home understands that children reap social, emotional and development benefits from the individualised attention and feedback they get from older people. Never was this truer than this evening, when Braunton Beavers visited Tyspane Care Home with their families and/or carers to perform, “Words and Songs” specially rehearsed for residents, families, friends and staff. The children were supported by Ratty and Fox (AKA Mike and Wendy) daughter and son-in-law of Tony a resident at Tyspane Care Home.

The children stood proudly in front of residents to express how they felt about summertime with creative and original posters, new and classic songs which made residents smile and laugh. The atmosphere was one of joy and excitement made even more special by watching the children play outside in the Community Garden. Screams of delight were heard as children weaved in and out of the wild areas.

These intergenerational events are so important, bringing the young and old together is simply a win-win situation.

Mike said, “Glad the residents enjoyed it, I know the Beavers and their parents did. We'll sort something for them to do in the autumn.”

Thank You Braunton Beavers, Mike and Wendy for making this happen.

Today, Patrick the inspiration behind the Community Gardening Club at Tyspane Care Home harvested our early season potatoes. The yield was healthy and in abundance.

Patrick said, “When you have planted potatoes, hilled carefully, cultivated and fertilized there is nothing better than harvesting them, pulling potatoes from the ground is wonderful, so satisfying.”

Jaye replied, “I can’t we believe the amount and size of them.”

The Community Gardening Club would like to thank everyone who helped build, tender and loving nurture the vegetable plots.

Tyspane Care Home understand the importance of active listening to residents, families, friends and staff and have put in place a brilliant initiative to help understand what changes residents would like to see within the home, with the aim of seeing these changes embedded into the home.

The idea came about during the home’s monthly residents meeting. The aim is to create a comfortable and inclusive project which encourages residents to express the changes they would like to see in the running of the home. The residents are welcomed to contribute their thoughts and suggestions, and the Tyspane Care Home Team strive to put these in place.

On the display in the home is the “You said, we did” board which showcases the suggestions from residents that have already been put in place. Some brilliant examples on the display highlight that the home has already gone the extra mile to meet residents wishes.

One resident said, “I miss evening events with my friends, especially a takeaway,” in which the home responded by organising a monthly evening takeaway meal, this month being a Chinese meal.

Aime Bown, General Manager at Tyspane Care Home, is pleased to see the initiatives success, and commented;

“Our resident’s opinion of their home is so important to us to capture. This initiative has helped us to further engage with residents and shows them they are understood.

Woolley Animals returned to Tyspane Care Home. By popular demand the lovely alpacas visited the home recently to make more wonderful memories with residents, families, staff and the wonderful preschool children at Little Fishes, Braunton.

Everyone found the experience comforting, magical and memorable, in fact they have never stopped talking about it.

The sun shone, the children squealed with delight, residents did not stop smiling. The whole afternoon was exceptional, one never to be forgotten.

Tony said, “I think one of the Alpacas is eating my hat.”

James commented, “What an amazing experience.”

Thank you, Woolley Animals and Little Fishes, for sharing this special day.

Tyspane Care Home believes that one of the primary reasons events remain important is the wealth of knowledge-sharing opportunities they present. Significant life events are specific experiences that alter the regular flow of people's lives. They are the turning-points that lead to substantial changes in individuals' behaviours and attitudes. The coming together of residents, families, friends and staff to celebrate an occasion brings a sense of belonging and community spirit. Laughter, singing, dancing, smiling and connecting with others are all essential elements for optimal quality of life. Celebrations help one forget the troubles and stresses of life, it allows one to take a break, be happy and enjoy the moment.

Therefore, it was wonderful to celebrate Phyllis today at Tyspane Care Home, Phyllis recalled in one of our Get To Know Me activities that one of her favourite moments in her life was when she went to watch Phantom of the Opera with her family in Central London. Everyone dressed for the occasion to share Phyllis' 80th birthday. She described it as unforgettable.

So, Activities Lounge was transformed into a West End Theatre, complete with spotlights, flora displays and an array of freshly made canapes and glasses of bubbly. Tamsin Ball entertained Phyllis, residents, families, friends and staff with a bewitching and captivating performance of Phantom of the Opera.

Phyllis said, "Yes, I remember my 80th birthday well, we had a lovely time in London. Today's performance was wonderful and brought back happy memories."

Tony replied, "It was so beautiful, It was very emotional, I have goosebumps."

Pride is celebrated in the month of June, as that was the month when the Stonewall riots took place. The Stonewall riots were important protests that took place in 1969 in the US, that changed gay rights for a lot of people in America and around the world.

Pride is a celebration of people coming together in love and friendship, to show how far LGBTQ+ rights have come, and how in some places there's still work to be done. LGBT+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. The + is an inclusive symbol to mean 'and others' to include people of all identities.

With this in mind, Tyspane Care Home gathered today to celebrate and show support for Pride in the Community Garden. The sun shone brightly as residents, families, friends and staff sang and danced to Terry Bond singing live old and new classics. The afternoon was even more special thanks to Tyspane Care Home Baking Club who prepared a batch of freshly made cakes and treats.

David (Resident) and his daughter Louise stated, “We remember last years celebrations, the sun was shining then, time definitely flies when you’re having fun.”

So, remember if you believe in yourself and have dedication and pride and never quit, you’ll be a winner.