Keeping the residents at Birchwood House mentally and physically active is the job of Activities Co-ordinator Zoe.
Zoe has been at Birchwood for four years as night care staff but recently changed roles to take up the activity post, working alongside co-ordinator Amanda.
And Zoe is bubbling with ideas to keep the residents entertained and interacting with each other.
“We have made some pottery creations and will be painting the items this week, and we are planning an Ascot Ladies’ Day event later this month where we can make hats and watch the racing,” said Zoe.
On the physical side the residents enjoy balloon tennis played and chair exercises. There are also plans for flower arranging, basket weaving and candle making.
Staff and residents have really missed trips out of the home as these have not been allowed due to Covid-19, but when things open up there are plans to visit the seaside, have a pub lunch and go and watch the cricket on the village green.
“I have been chatting to the residents to find out where they would like to go when trips are allowed, and some of the ladies want to go clothes shopping or just to go out into the countryside,” added Zoe.
“We are also planning a spa day when the residents will get manicures, and they always enjoy games like hangman and bingo,” added Zoe.
For residents not able to join in the communal activities Zoe and Amanda do one-to-one sessions with them in their rooms, making things such as sun-catchers or just chatting.
“Many of the residents like to chat about when they were young and about their families, or about holiday memories, and I enjoy listening to them,” added Zoe.
If you would like to know more please complete our online enquiry form, call us on 01892 863559 or email us at birchwood@birchwoodhouse.org.uk.
Other articles you may like
- How can we support adults with neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is increasingly talked about in care, especially when it comes to meeting emotional needs. And whilst it’s so good to see this happening, sometimes older adults are left out of the conversation. Focus tends to be on children, particularly for school support and early diagnosis. - Pistachio and Honey Crème Brûlée
The Pistachio and Honey Crème Brûlé offers a sumptuous take on a timeless dessert, balancing comfort with sophistication. Hidden beneath its signature, shimmering caramel crust is a silky custard, enriched with the warm, floral sweetness of golden honey. - Prawn and chorizo pasta
This prawn and chorizo pasta offers a perfect mix of sweet and smoky flavour. The prawn brings a lighter, more delicate touch, whilst the chorizo gives the dish a richness. Plus, the fat from the chorizo is great for creating the sauce base! This one is from BBC Food and it’s super easy to prep and make, mixing lots of flavours in a way that feels warm and comfortable. Perfect for spring! - Care reviews: how your voice makes a difference
High-quality care is so much more than meeting basic needs. We want our residents to feel safe, valued, and fully supported in their day to day lives. That’s why feedback is so important. Having a voice is empowering, and we aim to ensure that all residents and their families feel comfortable advocating for their needs. We know that each resident has a unique care journey, and we’re always looking to hear about their individual experiences. This means hearing the good, the bad, and the ugly! We’re always looking for ways to improve, and our commitment to honest reviews keeps us at the top of our game. But why are reviews so important? And as a resident or family member, how can your voice make a difference? - How reminiscence supports wellbeing in later life
As we age, our memories become threads that connect us to who we are, where we’ve been, and the people we love. Even as routines, health, or mobility change, memories can provide comfort, stability, and joy. The act of reminiscing (even simply talking about past experiences) is something most of us do naturally, without thinking of it as a ‘therapy’. At our Kent care home, we see every day how powerful those shared stories can be. - Apple tarte tatin
Apple tarte tatin is a true delight! This dessert mixes caramelised sweetness with tangy apple undertones. The flaky texture of the pastry is another winner, giving the tarte a buttery, flakey base. We took inspiration from Oliver Rowe, and served ours with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whilst the tarte was still warm. And it’s not just apples! Other fruit like pears and prunes also works great for this pudding. Here’s how to make it yourself: - Gluten free chocolate cakes
Gluten free chocolate cakes There’s nothing better than chocolate for a sweet treat, and these gluten free chocolate cakesContinue reading “Gluten free chocolate cakes” - How can we manage stress to promote wellbeing?
We all know what it’s like to feel stressed, and we all have certain triggers. Whether it’s a deadline at work, a missed flight, or a new social situation, stress is a natural part of life. But as we get older, these stress triggers can change. Our health, and the health of our loved ones, becomes a more prominent source of stress, especially as this is something out of our control. On top of that, there’s the possible move into a care home, which can be a hard transition to navigate. At Birchwood House, we want to recognise the impact stress can have on our wellbeing, whilst using gentle, effective ways to reduce anxiety. So, what are some of the ways we manage stress to promote wellbeing? - National Hot Tea Month: why do we like tea so much?
January is National Hot Tea Month, and there is nothing better than a good cup of tea. It’s one of life’s small pleasures, and it’s a daily routine for many, including for us at Birchwood House! Tea is also rooted in long-standing tradition and cultural significance. Legend says that tea was discovered by Emperor Shen Nung all the way back in 2732 BC, when leaves from a wild tree accidentally blew into his pot of boiling water. Tea came to Europe in the early 1600s, and we’ve been drinking it ever since. To celebrate National Hot Tea Month, here are some of our favourite reasons why we drink it!
