Activities at Woodhorn Park Care Home

Oh we do like to be besides the seaside! As you can see the great British weather let us down but Residents of Woodhorn Park just moved their celebrations inside. Residents enjoyed dipping their toes in the paddling pool and feeling the sand under their feet. A good day was had by all.

Residents at Woodhorn Park revelled in all things sweet on World Chocolate Day with a range of chocolatey activities on Tuesday 7th July.   Staff helped create a fun filled day of chocolate themed activities including an afternoon tea indulging in all things chocolate! It was sure to satisfy any chocolate lover.

Residents joined in the fun and enjoyed dipping a selection of fruity treats from strawberries, bananas and marshmallows into the taste-busting chocolate fountain, whilst others enjoyed the tray or trolley service so no one missed a treat.   Conversation flowed as Residents explored the different wrappings from popular sweet brand, Cadbury’s from over the years and the many different offerings with Turkish delight a firm favourite receiving the most votes.

Julie Bond, Senior General Manager said: “Our head chef loves making sweet things and the chocolate fountain rich in chocolate went down a treat. It was great to give chocolate tasting a go with the fresh fruit, it was a lovely afternoon for us all”

For some residents at Woodhorn Park care home in Ashington, the long awaited reunion with family and friends became a reality recently, as garden visits have now been allowed to commence at the home.

There has been much careful planning and preparation for this moment behind the scenes at Barchester Healthcare, who run Woodhorn Park care home. Social distancing was still in place, and homes that are able to take part must have a large accessible garden.

It was welcome news to so many residents, family, and friends, who were kept apart for so long following strict government guidance. Residents and their loved ones got together in the home garden and the garden was fully of joy and chatter.

Woodhorn Park held a day of celebrations to thank care staff at the home, who make a real difference to the lives of those in their care.  Residents also gave thanks by creating their very own banner to share their thanks to the care team.  

Julie Bond, Senior General Manager said: “I am very proud of the carers at Woodhorn Park. In light of the current situation our carers have continued to work tirelessly to provide high quality, personalised care to the people living in our homes, and often go above and beyond the call of duty, which has a huge impact on people’s lives. They offer friendship and comfort to residents and their relatives, during what can be a very emotional time. We appreciate the work they do all year round, and especially in these unprecedented times”.

Residents at Woodhorn enjoyed a fun-filled day of activities in celebration of Father’s Day.    This year, due to the current situation, family and friends joined in the celebrations virtually via video call and social distanced visits in the homes garden. Residents weren’t phased by this however, as they have become quite tech savvy at Skype calls, FaceTime, and online events. These platforms are an invaluable way to keep people connected with loved ones and friends, as well as with the local communities, during these unprecedented times.

Staff and residents enjoyed a day of catching up with families, an array of activities and a delicious freshly prepared roast dinner prepared by the homes chef.

Staff and residents at Woodhorn Park showed support of Mental Health Awareness week 2020, spreading some positivity and joy, as the  theme this year was ‘Kindness’ and treated Residents to a day of pampering. Mental Health Awareness Week encourages us to start conversations around mental health, sharing our experiences and stories, promoting an overall healthier understanding of mental health issues, especially at this uncertain time.

Julie Bond, Senior General Manager at the home, said: “Ensuring residents feel engaged and connected within our local community, and with family and friends is extremely important to their mental health, especially in these unprecedented times. Residents are really enjoying our pampering sessions, life enrichment programme and receiving kind gifts from our community.  We are continually adapting, and finding new ways to make sure every effort is focused on creating an enjoyable environment for all of our residents, adhering to social distancing advice.”