We have kicked off Autumn with new experiences. Our resident Jennifer had never touched a snake before, until she met Twinkle the corn snake, one of the many animals brought in by DJL Exotics Spiders Snakes and Reptiles. Residents are always so engaged in these animal encounter sessions, and very brave - even holding the dubia roach!
The wonderful Wiggle It Belly Dancers came into dance for us and some residents got to their feet to give it a go. Definitely a fun way to keep fit! And we have enjoyed entertainment from The Pick and Mix band and Alex Southgate and raised £65.00 at our Macmillan Coffee Morning.
In quieter one to one sessions, resident Anita has been teaching embroidery to our lifestyle and wellbeing lead Tracey. As Tracey said “It is as if she is passing along a piece of her heart - we have a lot to learn from our residents and this magical moment will stay with me for a lifetime.”
Residents have also been crafting with Ruth painting leaf collages, and we have make Autumn bunting and wreaths and sun catchers.
Chef training event
As part of our continual staff training, the head chefs across our Heritage group came together for a fantastic day of training with Andy Cullum, better known as “The IDDSI Guy”. The IDDSI (International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative) framework is a standardized global system that uses an 8 level continuum to classify food textures and drink thicknesses for people with swallowing difficulties. It is important for our chefs to ensure that the food they prepare meets the specific IDDDSI level for each resident, whilst keeping its flavour and appeal.
The session focused on gentler methods of cooking such as poaching, braising, stewing and steaming, all of which keep food tender and moist and enhance its flavour. The team discussed adapting recipes and shared ideas. Andy set up a discussion group so going forwards he can offer help and support. We are encouraging the team to share photos of any modified meals they serve to residents. A well-presented plate can make a real difference to how much someone enjoys their meal and how much they eat. Sharing photos is also a great way to celebrate skills, inspire each other and swap ideas across our homes.
A big thank you to Andy for such an engaging and practical day, and to all our head chefs for their enthusiasm and commitment to giving every resident a mealtime they can look forward to.
Coming up for November
We are having a Remembrance Service with Rev Terry, and rock painting on World Kindness Day. We are also having a 1907s Tye Dye Party, a visit from the Colchester U21s Football team – with karaoke, and musical entertainment from Alex Southgate and a Neil Diamond tribute act.