We are focusing on winter well-being this New Year. January is always a time for the winter blues, more pronounced this year as we are in a new lockdown. We have been making sure residents feel well and supported. We have also welcomed a new Deputy Manager to our team.
Winter well-being
As I write this, more snow is falling and we already have a frosty white blanket across our gardens. It does look so beautiful and our team made a fantastic snowman on the front lawn – complete with PPE! Our residents have rather aptly named him Boris!
Although it is rather cold and icy for our residents to venture into the garden, they are enjoying the views from our windows. As I write this, more snow is falling and we already have a frosty white blanket across our gardens. It does look so beautiful and our team made a fantastic snowman on the front lawn – complete with PPE! Our residents were giggling at him being built and have rather aptly named him Boris!
We have been looking out for the little garden birds, making sure feeders are full and bird baths unfrozen: We will be making heart shaped bird feeders, by threading Cheerios onto wire and hanging then with ribbons. This craft is great for dexterity and boosts winter well-being, as there is a sense of achievement in making something. Perfect too for Valentine’s day. And then the joy of watching all the birds enjoy a feast!
It’s definitely a time to hunker down and what better than homemade gingerbread baking. A tot or two of whisky as well for Burns Night to warm the cockles!
Holistic therapy to promote winter well-being
We have introduced holistic therapies tailored to each of our residents. Caring for the whole person – emotionally and physically – with gentle calming music, sensory aromatherapy, hand massages and Indian head massages. A perfect time to unwind and have a one to one catch up.
Our ladies love a manicure as well, and shall be choosing from the bright berry nail polish colours for our Valentine’s Day pampering sessions.
Plus beneficial new exercise classes
We are continuing with our Music and Movement seated exercise sessions. These incorporate gentle stretching and deep breathing techniques from yoga and tai chi as one movement flows into the next, with muscles kept relaxed. We follow a routine starting from our head, then shoulders and work through the body. At the end we have a wind down and cool off.
This type of exercise is sometimes called “meditation in motion” but has so many health benefits some call it “medication in motion”. It is very calming and suits our residents perfectly.
Welcome to our new Deputy Manager
We are delighted to have welcomed Tony Densley as our new Deputy Manager. He joined just before Christmas – A great time to join to get to know the team and residents. He brings a wealth of experience.
“I trained as a nurse in the Royal Army Medical Corps and spent 19 years serving in various deployments around the world. I have been working in the Care of the Elderly sector since my discharge 28 years ago. With my experience and the excellent team that already exists here, I believe that can we will continue the good name and high standards of care provided by Abberton Manor, ensuring that residents and relatives are at the centre of all that we do.”
Tony Densley