Activities at White Lodge Care Home

As allotment week draws to a close, we are delighted to share some of our latest planting successes including vegetables, fruit, herbs and flowers. So many of the residents really enjoy gardening and what has been achieved this year is so impressive. Our weekly gardening club continues and there is lots more to come.

There was great excitement at White Lodge not only did Charlie the therapy Donkey from Kelly's Donkey visit, but it was all filmed and featured on ITV West Country News.  Charlie was such a hit, so gentle and it was a real experience for everyone.  He happily walked around the home visiting residents in the lounge as well as in their rooms.  Charlie is welcome at White Lodge any time.

This week is National Allotments Week and White Lodge are continuing their garden project with starting work on winter vegetable planting. White Lodge are so grateful to the community for their donations of plants to bring this vision to reality creating different garden areas for the residents to cultivate and enjoy The latest donation is a number of wooden planters, these really were a team and family effort. Tina our Senior Activities Coordinator's dad donated wood from decking, Tracy our Head of House Housekeeping's brother Bret hand-made the planters and residents along with our Maintenance Team painted them and then planted them with Tina.

On Archie's latest visit to White Lodge he spent time with residents in their rooms. This one to one time was very special and he also visited residents in our Memory Lane Community. After all the walking around the home he was in need of a rest! The residents all appreciate every visit, Archie is so gentle and kind.

It is congratulations all round for our chef Joel. Firstly on his wedding, like so many weddings it had to be postponed from last year so we are delighted they can now celebrate. The residents made Joel a lovely card and he was presented with a personalised hamper from Hampers Cove from all the team. We wish the happy couple many years of health and happiness. Secondly Joel has been awarded employee of the month for June for Barchester White Lodge. Joel goes out of his way to create interesting and nutritious menus, the food is mouthwatering to look at and we know how much the residents enjoy every meal. Joel will always make residents something they fancy and it is this personal touch that epitomizes Barchester's values and commitment to person centred care.

We were delighted to welcome Jessie Fay back to White Lodge. Today's performance was inside due to the showers, but it was a delight to hear Jessie's wonderful voice resounding all around the home. The perfect choice of songs got residents swaying and tapping their feet along with them singing along and smiling throughout.