It’s been an action packed start to the year here at The Lawns and our residents have been back to school. Plus, immersing themselves in their favourite and new found hobbies. Learning new games and visiting new destinations – near and far. Once again proving, you are never too old to try new things!
Back to school at Kempsey Primary
It was wonderful to have the opportunity to visit the children at their school. We had a absolutely fabulous morning playing bingo and enjoying the cake and coffee together. It was so special for our residents to see into their world. They were shown some of the children’s school work and the children staged a fantastic musical performance. Such well behaved and kind children – thank you to everyone involved.
We also had a visit from the tots at Magic Moments Day Nursery in Kempsey. It was lovely for residents to get to know the children, learning each others names and ages. They played and shared balloons, spoons, bean bags, stories and songs.
Interactions with children always has such a positive impact on residents. The laughter and fun they bring is so uplifting. The warm glow they bring lasts long after we have said goodbyes – until the next time!
Learning new things at home
We try to ensure there is something for everyone here. Often residents try out new things and discover new passions and interests. Here are a few examples:
We have started The Lawns Poetry Book and introduced poetry and prose afternoons. For Valentines Day (after all the antics with The Love Bug! AKA Joy dressed up bestowing gifts on residents!) we created a friendship poem together.
Our Art Group set up their easels and acrylic paints in our new conservatory. The light in there is fabulous and the resulting paintings were fantastic. Our residents certainly put their hearts into their art.
We also have a Floristry Group who made some beautiful pink and yellow table centres for our dining room. The Garden Group got out and about buying seeds for this year’s garden projects. Some residents have rediscovered their love of knitting at out Knit and Natter sessions. Other residents have been using the interactive iPad table learning to play games like cards and chess. It’s times like these when friendships are forged and developed between residents. Those shared interests and support and encouragement of each others work, helps individuals grow in confidence. It gives those feelings of self belief and personal achievement. More often than not conversations go off on a tangent when a memory is stirred. We always end up having a good giggle about one thing or another. Always quality time well spent.
Exploring the world, near and far
We marked The Chinese New Year with an armchair travel adventure to China: Complete with lantern making craft, learning how to use chopsticks, smelling, touching and tasting new foods. We gave out red envelopes, coins and sweets and learnt about the origins and traditions of fortune cookies and the New Year. Our next armchair travel is to Wales on 1st March to celebrate St David’s Day.
We also took some residents to Worcester Cathedral and commandary. It was a chance to learn a little more about our heritage. Thank you to the cathedral team for sharing your knowledge.
And we had a visit from Lodge Valais with their Blacknosed Valais Sheep. They were quite possibly the cutest sheep in the world! Residents loved touching their warm wool and hearing about their origins and how they are looked after.
