A big thank you to Amber Walters for coming in to photograph our residents and team on World Photography Day. She built such a great rapport with each resident and this is really reflected in the photos.
There were rather different faces being pulled when residents had a close encounter with a corn snake and a very jumpy green tree frog! We welcomed Animal Mania and their mobile zoo to Astley and residents were very brave handling the snake and so interested to learn more about the animals from their very informed team. Residents could hold all of the animals - the tortoise was very relaxed, as were the chinchilla and rabbit. Did you know, chinchillas have the densest fur of any land mammal, which explains why they are so super soft.
Musical entertainment
We enjoyed a fabulous musical afternoon of entertainment from Darren Harbs – back by popular demand after serenading our ladies at our Royal Ascot Day earlier in the summer.
Kim has visited for his regular monthly music therapy.
And pianist George Croiala also visited. He had everyone singing along to the songs he played. Everyone said how talented he was and that his music brought back lots of fond memories.
Bake Off!
Our baking club made milkshakes for Chocolate Milkshake Day – we knew the cocktail shaker would come in handy again!
Residents do love The Great British Bake Off and having their own themed baking weeks. They made chocolate and vanilla cheesecake and then chocolate chip cookies for our coffee morning. We also celebrated National Curry Week with a curry themed snack trolley. It was a hit with everyone, some had a bit of everything and some just enjoyed the naan, samosas and poppadums.
Our chefs have also been training with Andy Cullum, better known as “The IDDSI Guy”. https://www.theiddsiguy.com/
The IDDSI (International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative) framework is a standardized global system that uses an 8-level continuum (0 to 7) 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 could offer help and support and the team could share their recipe successes.
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.
Coming up ......
30th October: Singer Mike at our Halloween Party
3rd November: Singer Kim
5th November: Bonfire night, virtual firework display and edible sparkler making
11th November: Singer Megan for Remembrance Day
18th November: Creative minds workshop
25th November: Musical moments with Catherine
28th November: Astley’s Christmas Fair 2pm-4pm. With Christmas approaching, we want to make sure that we can make as many wishes come true as possible. We are already looking for donations for our Christmas raffle and are starting to organise our Christmas Fair. If you can help in any way, please do let our lifestyle and wellbeing lead Katie know on 01299 827020. All funds raised from the Fair will go towards our Residents’ Fund, so we can continue to organise new experiences, entertainment and activities for our residents.
