We have had such a wonderful Easter here with all the excitement hatching eggs through the LivingEggs programme. When the eggs arrived, we closely monitored them each day in the incubator. It was a magical moment to watch them start to hatch one by one. They carefully pecked their way out of their shells and fluffed up into gorgeous grey ducklings! Residents have loved this hands-on, precious experience. Our resident Francis, named the first two ducklings Dickie and Ducky! We have watched them learn how to swim and gain their confidence. Residents have been able to hold them and they have been such a talking point with visitors over Easter.
We have also been enjoying traditional Easter craft. Bonnet making with visiting grandchildren was a special day. Residents reminisced about Easter parades in bonnets, blowing out and painting eggs and Simnel cake. We had a party on Easter Monday with Kenny James entertaining us with his singing. Our lounge became a bit of a dancefloor with residents and our team dancing together!
Continuing our animal theme, we had a visit from Fred the Shetland pony. He was resplendent in his bright pink coat. he was taken room to room to visit every resident and was a huge hit. We had a sweepstake for the Grand National and also played a fun team horseracing game with a giant dice.
Plans for May
Our thoughts are now turning to the up-coming King’s Coronation. We are planning to decorate our home with bunting and flags and are having an afternoon tea party.
May is also Dementia Awareness Week from 15th to 21st May. This is a campaign by The Alzheimer’s Society and a cause very close to our hearts. The focus in 2023 is to increase diagnosis of dementia as there has been a sustained drop in rates of diagnosis for the first time ever. This could be a knock on from the delays due to COVID and accessibility to GP appointments. However, research from the Alzheimer’s Society shows there is misconception about memory loss just being a part of getting old and often denial, which are barriers for people experiencing symptoms getting a diagnosis. It is daunting but the Alzheimer’s Society are hoping Dementia Awareness Week will encourage people to act on dementia.