We have a Heritage group objective of access to the outside and nature, increasing our “minutes of fresh air challenge” month by month. Some residents want to be outside as much as possible and can easily negotiate the garden, with its wide paths and wheelchair accessible lawn. We make gardening accessible too, with raised trough beds and planters.
Gardening club and enjoying our garden
Gardening brings so much pleasure and a sense of achievement. We took some of our Gardening Club to the garden centre so they could select plants for their summer project. They then weeded the beds and planted the new plants. It's all looking great. They have also filled the hanging baskets which are on display outside our home. And our maintenance team spring cleaned our summer house, so it can be used and enjoyed.
Our sensory garden is a good destination point to potter to with a guiding hand; to have a rest on the bench and take in the smell of the lavender and herbs, hear all the insects and birds and admire the view.
For residents who cannot access outside so easily, we are bringing nature to them. We throw open the windows to bring the fresh air in and use foliage from the garden for flower arranging. Most recently, we made pine cone bird feeders and we keep the perspex bird feeders, which stick to the outside of windows, topped up with seed.
We are loving eating al fresco, with our kitchen team BBQ-ing and we had a ploughman's lunch for Father's Day with family and friends. Residents have also been baking together in their kitchen. Their raspberry cheesecake was delicious!
In other news....
We enjoyed National Cheese Day, sampling a huge variety of cheeses with meats and crackers.
We also marked National Carers week, with little gifts for all our fabulous carers and a message of appreciation for their care and dedication.
Kim has been back to entertain us with his singing - all so interactive and uplifting. We marked International Music Day with lots of instruments and a big sing-along.
Our hairdresser Coleen has also been back to Astley Hall. There's nothing better then a fresh haircut. And our ladies had an indulgent pamper afternoon. Hand massages and manicures to look glamorous for Ascot ladies day!
Coming up ....
We are having a balloon tennis tournament over this Wimbledon fortnight and a cream tea with strawberries and Pimm’s.
On 14th July Critterish Allsorts are bringing their creepy crawlies and some cuddly animals (we hope!) for us to learn about.
Our Seaside Fun Day is 17th July with a beach, entertainment, an ice cream trike, fish and chips and lots of seaside games.
M&S are sending us a “what we wore” memory box to borrow for a few weeks so we can have some exciting reminiscing sessions.
29th July we have Kim the singer entertaining us.
We are celebrating Beer Day on 1st August with a pub afternoon and we are having a big BBQ on the 15th
For World Photography Day on the 19th we are doing a photoshoot.
We hope to have Creative Mojo Worcester coming to do an art workshop - just waiting on a date that is good for them.
And then Kim is back for music therapy on the 26th
