Have you spotted our bus stop? This was designed, delivered and installed for free by Clarion Events, thanks to a wonderful family member. For residents suffering from dementia and other memory-related conditions, an unfamiliar environment can be quite unsettling, leading to residents seeking out people and places they recognise. Studies have shown that by creating a focal point which is universally recognised, such as a bus stop, residents will automatically be drawn towards it and take a seat. It’s proving a real hit, a place to stop and take a moment and for carers to chat with residents and give any reassurance and comfort they need.
Also new this Spring is our interactive table with The Happiness Programme. It is proving a hit with residents. It can be used absolutely anywhere to enhance sensory engagement and can be an interactive surface or a projector onto walls or ceilings. Residents can see photos, play music and games. The options are vast with The Happiness Programme, which blends interactive sensory light technology with a programme of games and activities to help cognitive function.
Walks for Wellbeing
The new bus stop is the starting point for our Walks for Wellbeing which have been taking us all around Kempsey. It’s wonderful for residents to see the daffodils and blossom of Spring in the village. Thank you to the many people who stop to chat, and to all the patient motorists up and down Old Road South. We popped in to look round our beautiful village church – the sunlight through the stained-glass windows was stunning. And, we are often tempted to stop at the shop for some treats. We expect if the sunshine stays our next stop will be the pub beer garden! If you would like to join us, Wednesday walks for Wellbeing leave The Lawns around 11am.
Back home.....
Gardening Club has resumed and residents have been planting seedlings. Residents have also been bringing in the spring with some beautiful flower arranging. There has been crafting with Kirsty, keep fit sessions, science experiments for World Science Week and reminiscence sessions, learning about handicraft through the ages and childhood toys.
Thank you to all friends and family who supported our Digni-tea for Dignity in Action Day. Lots of fun, especially with comedian and vocalist Ian Hardman entertaining us, and lots of staff and residents dancing.
Amelia K Dance Academy visited and delivered exceptional dance performances. Residents were move to tears, saying how emotional they were and what wonderful memories they evoked.
For sensory stimulation, we made bread and butter for Real Bread Week, plus tried lots of different breads and enjoyed a cheese tasting afternoon. Nutrition and Hydration Week was in March so we raised awareness with different activities through the week; from fruit tasting to smoothies and mocktails.
Coming up.....
In May, we are commemorating the 80 year anniversary of VE Day on 8th May with an afternoon tea.
The years 2 and 3 children of Kempsey Primary School are joining us now every Wednesday from 2-3pm. We also have plans for Easter and with the weather improving we are getting out and about with the help of Worcester Wheels.