“Life begins and life ends … it’s the times in between we have to make the most of…..” This is such an apt saying. Our residents have been living their lives to the full this Autumn in so many different ways.
Children of all generations make the most wonderful company
Our residents have been loving Friday visits from the mums and children of Bits and Bobs Playgroup. Do check out the gorgeous videos and photos on our Facebook page – everyone tells a story. It really does light up some of our residents’ days, to be able to have singing, story time and especially cuddles, with the babies and toddlers.
Singing those childhood songs led us to sharing memories of childhood games. We played Tiddly Winks, Jack sticks, cup and ball and knitted peg dolls. A couple of our lady residents could still do Cat’s Cradle. Stories were shared of playing Jasper’s in the street, damming up streams and climbing trees – a lot of wry smiles and laughter remembering childhood secrets and tricks played on grown-ups!
We also had a visit from the wonderful students from The King’s School Worcester. Another opportunity to share memories of school days, chat about the students’ aspirations for their futures and a bit of light-hearted competition playing skittle games.
Each resident choses how they want to live their life
For some people retirement is not an option – even whilst home is a care home. It is not in their psyche to not have that routine and they like the stimuli of meeting people and working. This is the case for two of our residents, Arnold and Jean, who now like to work on our reception desk. They share duties behind the desk, welcoming visitors to our home, taking deliveries, and reminding people to sign in and out. They love a chat and know all the comings and goings at The Lawns. Stop by and say hello!
Some of our recent themed events
Residents dressed up in ponchos and sombreros for Mexican Independence Day. We had a bit of a quiz to keep us on our toes and tacos, salsa and some Mexican beers to toast in the weekend.
Then, ever the hilarious, Talk Like a Pirate Day – back by popular demand. Lots of our team and residents dressed up and had to walk the plank – there was even a double plank for wheelchairs! Everyone was giggling about their funny pirate names and the naughty parrot, that was very resemblant of Rod Hull’s Emu!
Coming up, we have spooky plans afoot for Halloween, with some trick (but mainly) treating in our local community.
For November, we are marking Remembrance Sunday as always, with a forget-me-not craft afternoon painting red poppies and creating a display. We are looking forward to a history talk from Kempsey Historians on 16thNovember and also have a horse racing event planned for residents’ families and friends.
We are still working towards our fundraising target to sponsor and name a guide dog. There’s a big push to achieve this by the end of the year, so please support us if you can. There are donation buckets at all our events and residents have been making a Blue Peter style totaliser.