We have welcomed to our team Kelly Guest, our new Deputy Manager and two staff nurses, Sara-Jane Hill and Tessa Spiers. Our new lifestyle and wellbeing lead Hayley Yoxall also joined us in time for some Halloween fun! She has been spending time getting to know residents, their wonderful personalities and what they like to do for fun. She has a jam packed Christmas schedule planned. Please do pop in and say hello, or email her [email protected]
New works at Astley
We have completed an extensive update of our home, including the roof, which has been no mean feat, given Astley is a listed building. Many changes have been made to address our CQC improvement plan and we await the return of the CQC inspector.
New experiences
Residents have enjoyed trying out our Virtual Reality 360 headsets, with one gentleman visiting Mexico. This is part of our one-to-one programme, where residents get to select an experience and be immersed in a virtual reality world.
One of our residents shared his love of poetry with Hayley and some of the poems he has written. The emotion and pure talent in his work is too special not to share. Picture the scene; a writer sat by the river at Bewdley watching the water go by, and this comes to him! Just wonderful.
Hobbies to Halloween
Our Queens of Hearts filled our home with the delicious wafts of jam tarts. Baking has so many therapeutic benefits and our residents are supported in continuing this hobby they love, in their own residents’ kitchen. We have plans to make mince pies and gingerbread – the festive spices conjure so many Christmas memories.
Halloween fun included spooky fancy dress and pumpkin carving. We used twigs and leaves from the garden to create a display in the lounge.
Our residents absolutely love seeing the Debutots kiddies. It’s amazing how the presence of children can raise so much positive emotion in adults.
They play with the large parachute together, pop bubbles, sing songs and share story time. The little puppeteers make all our residents laugh and that uplifted feeling stays with us long after home time for the children. We cannot wait for their next visit. Bring on the festive fun!
Remembrance is always a poignant time for residents.
Derek led residents in a floristry class, making red and white arrangements for our home with some stunning poppies, roses and carnations.
We have also been painting poppies and sang some wartime classics with our favourite entertainer Ray Mytton.
News for Christmas
We have a busy schedule of events including three different vocalists joining us, plus entertainment from Ray Mytton. We are also welcoming two school choirs for carolling. Residents will be decorating our home and incorporating all their festive crafting. We are also having a staff, residents and their families Christmas party with a raffle, sing along, mince pies and mulled wine. And our staff are putting on a Nativity Play for residents – sure to be lots of fun and laughter!