Activities at Westergate House Care Home

Friday was a day of fun and antics at Westergate House care home, Fontwell, when impish elves suddenly appeared from nowhere!  Staff and residents at the home took part in the enjoyable national event to inspire everyone to get into the festive spirit while raising awareness for the Alzheimer's Society and those whose lives are affected by dementia.

Kay, the Activities Lead, decorated the home and arranged fun and games for the day.  With high jinks, jokes and treats, the residents found the staff's behaviour engaging and entertaining.  There were elves everywhere - on the front desk, in the office and the kitchen.  Out in the community, a Westergate House elf was spotted delivering mince pies to local surgeries and pharmacies.

General Manager, Paul Middleton-Russell, commented, "We have had so much fun here today at Westergate House.  It's a super way to start the Christmas celebrations, and to say thank you to our local community for their support throughout the year."

Westergate House was delighted to welcome three students from Chichester College last week for a two week work placement as part of their curriculum at Chichester College. The three students are studying Level 3 Health & Social Care and chose Westergate House, Fontwell, to gain practical experience in the field of care. Each of the students is working in one of the three communities at the home and has been enjoying taking part in daily activities. Seen here in the pictures, there have been pamper sessions, art and crafts and trips down memory lane. The students have had the opportunity to support residents engage with favourite pastimes, listen to stories, and learn the needs of older people and residents living with dementia.

It was a beautiful crisp evening with an air of excitement when residents, relatives and staff at Westergate House in Fontwell gathered together to enjoy a spectacular fireworks display.  The aroma of hot chocolate, marshmallows, hotdogs and onions prepared by Chef Chris tempted us all as Roger and Marc lit the amazing fireworks that filled the sky with a spectrum of colour. Children tucked into Chris’ homemade toffee apples and sweet treats as they watched the display in wonder.  

Kay Vevers, Head of Activities, and Laura Giudici, Learning and Development, from Westergate House, were thrilled to be invited to Chichester College last week to meet the Level 3 students studying Health & Social Care.  The morning began with a discussion about career opportunities with Barchester Healthcare and different avenues that are open to students who pursue health and social care studies. Kay then introduced the role of ‘Activities Co-ordinator’ and engaged the students with a range of activities that are available to residents to promote their physical and mental well-being.  Exercises on activity-planning were carried out and there was time to reflect on how activities would be altered if an individual has a health impairment. The students were fabulous to work with and several are planning to visit Westergate House for their work experience placement later this month.

All staff and residents are delighted to have received their third booster COVID-19 vaccinations.  Staff from Croft Surgery spent the day at Westergate House and ensured everyone received the additional protection.

Thursday was an exciting day at Westergate House. It was a chance for our four-legged friends to dress up in scary attire and compete against one another for a prize. 

Staff and visitors dressed for the occasion and entered their hounds into a Halloween competition for best-dressed dog, and our residents judged the winners. 

With clement weather, we were able to sit outside and enjoy the autumn sunshine. Chef, Konnie, treated everyone to a feast of delicious cakes, which we enjoyed with a hot drink.