We have been delighted to welcome Sarah to our home this summer as our new lifestyle lead. She has been getting to know our residents and helping them beat the heat this summer! Plus introducing new activities and getting residents out and about.
A new approach to one to one time
One resident said he was missing McDonald’s and especially loved their breakfasts. So Sarah made a stop off on her way to work and arrived with a special morning McMuffin delivery. Such a thoughtful treat for our resident. They enjoyed breakfast together and she made his day!
What better way to cool down than with pampering foot spas. Sarah has been offering beauty sessions including manicures and hand massages and facials. Our ladies have especially loved this time to relax and have one to one time.
One of our residents Dennis is keeping residents very entertained with his wonderful piano playing. He loves that we have a piano here and plays daily. With our high ceilings, the music carries beautifully throughout our home. It is lovely to take a moment with him to listen and appreciate the music. You can hear a clip here https://www.facebook.com/abbertonmanor/videos/449273323904130
New group activities to build friendships
Sarah suggested a group floristry with a twist. Tea first and then floristry in teacups! For some residents, it’s often when they are engaged in an activity that they are the chattiest. For others, it’s a time of focussed concentration on the task in hand, content to be listening to the buzz of the room.
Morning quizzes and word puzzles are a big hit for some mental stimulation. They often bring out the conversation and competition in residents! We shall be getting involved in National Poetry Day in early October. A number of our residents love reading poetry and one has an extensive collection of his own poems.
Sarah recently organised a visit from some gorgeous pygmy goats and their kids and a visit from Dolly the Dachshund. And we have welcomed new entertainers, including an incredibly talented Spanish accordion player. There was a real sense of Spain, which conjured lots of summer holiday memories. We are welcoming a new saxophone player to entertain residents later in September.
We rounded off the summer with a Hawaiian themed party. There were mocktails a-plenty, hula flower garlands, decorations and summer music. Such a fantastic family event!
Summer day trips
There have been summer day trips for some residents. One of our gentleman residents spent most of his life working for Honda and racing motorcycles. So what better way to spend a Sunday than at a classic motorcycle show.
We rounded off the hot summer with a trip to Mersea Island for ice creams and smiles all round.
New term, new inter-generational fun
We have been thinking of the children from Langenhoe Primary and Muddy Boots Forest School back into their term-time routines. We are excited to be welcoming back the Muddy Boots kiddies to our grounds for some fun, stomping through the leaves and den building! Then bowling inside to share their finds and stories over a drink and biscuits. Their high energy and laughter captivates our residents.
Lots of baking with residents is planned to coincide with the return of the Great British Bake Off to our screens. We are also hosting a Macmillan Coffee Morning at the end of the month, supporting this cause, which is so close to our hearts. It will be on Friday 30th September at 11am so do come along! A great chance to visit our home.
A tribute to Her Majesty The Queen
We are all so saddened by the sad passing of Her Majesty the Queen. We have shared some poignant moments of reflection and thanks for Her unwavering service and dedication. Our residents have been honouring the Queen and remembering Her life, that spanned their lives too. She certainly did live life to the full, even through her later years, and Her spirit is something we wholeheartedly try to emulate.
Residents have chosen a Queen Elizabeth rose which we will plant in our garden in remembrance.