“Variety is the very spice of life, that gives it all its flavour” William Cowper
A phrase written in the 18th century yet still so true and significant to today and for all people. At the Manor House we strive to offer a variety of activities every day for our residents to get involved in, if they wish.
Variety is crucial to ensure we meet the interests and varied needs of our residents, from parties offering social interaction and a chance to get up and sing or dance to mindful danceSing sessions.
DanceSing is an online health and well-being platform our activities team and carers use throughout the nursing home to help to improve the overall wellbeing of our residents by focusing on their movement through music and dance. Increasing physical movements are linked to improvements in someone’s sleep, appetite, and overall well-being.
Our digital touch screen table allows for an immersive learning experience for our residents. The table can be used individually or as a collaborate activity. A popular activity with our residents is the great quiz afternoon!
Baking is often a favourite as are crafts. We regularly use our craft sessions to create decorations for special occasions ranging from Chinese New Year to Christmas, Remembrance Day or a Royal occasion such as the King’s coronation or a Royal wedding. Seeing the fruits of their efforts adds a real sense of purpose to such an activity.
Bingo and quizzes are excellent mental and physical stimulation, and for some residents ignites a playful competitiveness which raises a cheerful atmosphere.
Every activity is carefully considered, for example our ‘pamper sessions’ which help someone to feel good and look in a way that ensures they recognise themselves.
Our outings are always a huge success, and we look forward to many more in 2024.
For some people the group activities are not appropriate, and here we tailor our activities to one-to-one time, a jigsaw, reminiscing over a photo album or engaging in a conversation – all of the things we would want to take part in at home, to make us feel happy, to make us smile.
Jayne Wood, Director of Nursing says, “At the Manor, we pride ourselves in our activities and the team create a calendar of group activities each month. Friends and family are welcome to join us at these events, we put posters around the home, send out a monthly newsletter and post the activities on social media to ensure relatives know what is happening.”
