Indoor planting

Being involved in gardening can really contribute to a person’s wellbeing. Gardening is on-going and ever-changing., anyone who has a garden will recognise that there is always something to do! Even if you have no garden, and have only limited space (perhaps for a few pots on windowsills) this is an activity that can give great pleasure. It can distract, engage, add to routines and be a focus for physical activity.

Gardening can provide a fantastic opportunity for stimulation of all the senses. There are the sensations of touch – soil, flowers, bark (but mind the thorns!), and perhaps the feel of a gentle wind, of sun or rain. There is visual stimulation – an amazing range of colour and shapes, sunlight, as well as the wildlife a garden can offer. There are the smells of flowers and vegetables, of herbs or of a freshly mown lawn. And there are the sounds – birdsong, insects, and rustle of wind in trees; and of course, there is taste – eating fruit, vegetables, and even edible flowers such as nasturtiums or marigolds.

There are many physical benefits – including dexterity skills and broader exercise through potting, planting, digging, sweeping, weeding and pruning – which can lead to reduced agitation and improved sleep.

There are cognitive benefits too – in terms of getting the person to help plan the activities, and perhaps to choose seeds and consider how flowers and vegetables are organised in the garden.

Spring Social Party

As we age, it becomes increasingly important to maintain an active and engaged social life. Regular socialization provides older adults with a myriad of benefits, from improving mental and physical health to fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. “Spring social” is a gathering that is prepared for each and everyone for the residents to socialize with different people, new to their eyes and people that they may know from before.

Social interactions can help combat depression, anxiety, and feelings of isolation. Moreover, social engagement can keep the mind sharp and reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Socialization can also have a positive influence on physical health. Engaging in social activities often involves some level of physical activity, which can help improve physical fitness. Emotionally, socializing allows seniors the chance to form and maintain meaningful relationships. These connections also provide a crucial support system for navigating the challenges of aging.

Memory Café

In our ongoing commitment to fostering a supportive and enriching environment for our residents, we recently hosted a Memory Café, an initiative designed to provide a warm and welcoming space for individuals and their loved ones. Join us as we reflect on the meaningful moments, connections, and support shared during this special gathering.

The Memory Café opened its doors to a warm and inviting atmosphere. The carefully curated space aimed to create a sense of comfort and familiarity, soft lighting, comfortable seating, and soothing background music set the tone for a relaxed and engaging experience. Attendees, including individuals living with dementia. their loved ones, and their caregivers, found solace in the shared experience. Conversations flowed freely, and the café became a hub for connection and companionship. The understanding and support exchanged among participants created a sense of community that transcended the challenges posed by dementia.

The Memory café served as a safe space for open conversations about the challenges and triumphs of living with dementia. The empathetic environment allowed participants to express their feelings, share their stories, and find solace in the understanding of others who faced similar journeys.

Clothes folding

Folding clothes may seem like a mundane task, but within its simplicity, there’s a pile of pleasures waiting to be discovered. At its core, folding offers a sense of order and harmony, transforming chaos into order. This process of arranging fabric into precise shapes can be surprisingly therapeutic, providing a calming rhythm for a while.

One of the most gratifying aspects of folding clothes is the tactile experience it offers. Softness of cotton, smoothness of silk, warmth of freshly dried laundry… all contribute to a sensory delight. Running one’s hands over neatly folded garments evokes a sense of comfort and familiarity. It connects you to your things.

Folding clothes can be a form of mindfulness practice. As you focus on the task at hand, your mind becomes absorbed in the present, free from worries and distractions. The repetitive motions can induce a state of relaxation, allowing us to let go of stress and tension.