Activities at Vecta House Care Home

Today at Vecta House, we had a truly special afternoon filled with laughter, stories, and heartwarming memories! We were delighted to welcome the fantastic Hanna Nixon, who brought in an incredible collection of vintage items for our residents to explore.

Hanna's thoughtfully curated selection sparked a wave of nostalgia, and it was wonderful to witness the joy and engagement from everyone. From old photographs to everyday objects, each item held a unique story just waiting to be told. One of the highlights was seeing Eve's face light up as she handled a classic typewriter. It instantly transported her back to her days as a skilled typist, and she shared fascinating anecdotes about her career.

Another memorable moment came when Ian held a mug commemorating the Queen's Jubilee. Looking at it, he vividly recalled his school days and the excitement surrounding the Jubilee celebrations. He told us how all the boys were given pint glasses, and as soon as the final bell rang, they raced out of school to get lemonade – a truly delightful and innocent memory!

These are just a few of the many precious moments we shared. It was a privilege to witness our residents reconnect with their past and share their rich life experiences. The room was filled with laughter, thoughtful conversation, and a genuine sense of connection. We are incredibly grateful to Hanna Nixon for her dedication and passion in creating such a meaningful experience. Her efforts truly made a difference in bringing joy and stimulating memories for our residents.

What a fantastic St. Patrick's Day we had at Vecta House! We filled the day with laughter, delicious food, and wonderful entertainment, making it a truly memorable celebration for our residents and their families. We kicked off the morning by transforming our home into a green wonderland, adorning every corner with vibrant Irish-themed decorations.  It was a sight to behold!

Our incredible Chef Chris outdid himself with an Irish-themed dining experience that was nothing short of spectacular. From traditional dishes to delightful treats, every bite was a taste of Ireland. To top it off, we launched Nutrition and Hydration Week with an Irish-inspired ice cream sundae that was a huge hit! Everyone loved it!

The afternoon brought even more joy as we gathered in the dining room for a spectacular performance by the Shamrock and Thistles dance group. Their traditional Irish dances, complete with stunning costumes, had everyone clapping and cheering. It was a truly mesmerising show! We were so happy to see so many families joining in the fun, making it a special day for everyone.

After all the excitement, we settled into our cosy lounges for a relaxing pint of Guinness. It was the perfect way to wind down and enjoy the company of friends and family. We're so grateful to everyone who made this St. Patrick's Day so special. Here are a few Irish blessings to share:

"May your troubles be less and your blessings be more, and nothing but happiness come through your door." 

"May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand."

“May you have warm words on a cold evening, a full moon on a dark night, and the road downhill all the way to your door.”

What a fantastic day we've had at Vecta House! Today was all about celebrating Nutrition and Hydration Week with a splash of tropical fun! Our residents got their creative juices flowing (pun intended!) by crafting delicious and refreshing mocktails for Thirsty Thursday. We started by adding a touch of sweetness with sugar-rimmed glasses, setting the stage for a truly delightful experience.

Then came the fun part: mixing! Our residents became expert bartenders, combining a variety of vibrant juices with sparkling lemonade to create a truly tropical flavour sensation. But the creativity didn't stop there! We adorned our mocktails with fresh, juicy strawberries, colourful tropical straws, and playful cocktail sticks. The result? A feast for the eyes and a treat for the taste buds! With the sun shining brightly, we decided to take our creations outside and enjoy the beautiful weather in our garden. Surrounded by lush greenery and our very own palm trees, we truly felt like we were on holiday!  

Our residents let their imaginations run wild, choosing their dream destinations. Rita fancied a trip to sunny Spain, Eve envisioned the pyramids of Egypt, and Lilian dreamed of the vibrant beaches of Florida! It was a truly wonderful afternoon filled with laughter, delicious drinks, and the joy of shared experiences.

At Vecta House Care Home, we believe that every moment matters, and we're passionate about enriching the lives of our residents, especially those living with dementia. We understand the importance of creating a calming and stimulating environment, and that's why we've embraced multi-sensory approaches within our residents' own rooms.

Imagine a gentle, warm light filtering through the room, reminiscent of a peaceful sunrise. This is just one aspect of our Namaste Care approach. We understand that as dementia progresses, the world can become confusing and overwhelming. Namaste, meaning "to honour the spirit within," focusses on creating moments of connection and peace through sensory stimulation.

We tailor each resident's experience to their individual needs and preferences. For some, it might be the soothing scent of lavender wafting gently through the air, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. 
For others, it could be the comforting feel of soft textures, like a plush blanket or a favourite knitted toy, bringing a sense of familiarity and security.

Taste plays a vital role too. We offer a variety of familiar and comforting tastes, carefully prepared to stimulate the appetite and evoke positive memories. Perhaps a taste of freshly baked bread, or a spoonful of their favourite jam can transport them back to cherished moments. Music is another powerful tool. We incorporate personalised playlists featuring familiar songs that resonate with each resident, sparking joy and encouraging reminiscence. The gentle rhythm and familiar melodies can be incredibly soothing and help to reduce agitation.

Touch is perhaps the most fundamental sense of all. Gentle hand massages with fragrant oils, or the simple act of holding a hand, can provide comfort, reassurance, and a sense of connection. These small gestures can speak volumes when words become difficult. We know that dementia affects everyone differently. That's why our dedicated team takes the time to get to know each resident, understanding their unique life story, preferences, and needs. This allows us to personalise their sensory experiences, creating moments of joy, comfort, and connection that truly enrich their lives in the later stages of their dementia journey. At Vecta House, we're not just providing care; we're creating a home filled with warmth, compassion, and meaningful moments. We believe in celebrating individuality and ensuring that every residents feel valued, respected, and loved.  

Happy Chinese New Year from everyone at Vecta House! We've had a fantastic day celebrating the Year of the Snake!

Our residents kicked off the festivities by transforming our dining rooms into a vibrant Chinese New Year wonderland, complete with lanterns, balloons, dragons, and festive table decorations. A huge thank you to everyone who helped make it so special!

Our talented Head Chef Chris created a truly delicious Chinese feast. We started with a choice of Chinese noodle soup or egg rolls with soya sauce, followed by mouth-watering Egg Foo Young or sweet and sour chicken for the main course. And for dessert? A delectable Ma Lai Go Chinese steamed cake!  
The atmosphere in the dining room was buzzing with excitement as we enjoyed the delicious food and traditional Chinese music. Everyone loved revealing their fortunes on the scratch cards – lots of laughs were shared!

In the afternoon, we delved into the fascinating traditions of Chinese New Year. We learnt about the significance of the colour red (the luckiest colour!) and even discovered our own birth year animals in the Chinese zodiac.  What's yours? Check out some photos from our celebrations! 

Burns Night was a roaring success at Vecta House! Our amazing residents got involved in the preparations, helping to set the tables and decorate the home with tartan touches.

Chef, Chris, cooked up a storm with a traditional Scottish feast of Haggis, Neeps, and Tatties, followed by delicious Dundee Cake and Cranachan for dessert.

The celebrations continued with the lively sounds of the bagpipes! John Brodie entertained us with a fantastic selection of traditional Scottish tunes. The residents danced along merrily, and everyone enjoyed having their photo taken with John in his full Scottish attire.

It was a wonderful day filled with laughter, music, and delicious food. Happy Burns Night from all of us at Vecta House!