We travelled ‘Down Under’ this week and learnt lots of new facts about Australia as well as incorporating it into our craft and art activities. We shared special moments with families and friends as well as welcoming the local nursery school to spend time with us. Residents had a lovely trip to The Lake House Tea Room in Aldershot where delicious cake was enjoyed. We also had a new entertainer, Matthew who played his ukelele for us on Friday. It’s been such a busy week, with lots of fun and laughter for everyone.
Monday 15 January and we started our Monday morning with some gentle armchair exercise, lots of stretching our arms and legs before playing balloon and other ball games.
We then moved on to playing word games and as it was Australia week we chose ‘Duck Billed Platypus’ to see how many words we could make. We were very pleased with our efforts as we got 150 before lunch.
In the afternoon residents gathered for an afternoon tea with quiz about Australia.
Tuesday 16 January and residents took part in a giant crossword. This is a great way to work together and try to solve the clues. Other residents played table games or visited our hair salon. We are so lucky to have our own hairdresser, Teresa, who knows just how we like to have our hair done.
In the afternoon it was Farnham Mill’s time to host the Dementia Choir. As well as an opportunity to sing in a group, residents also get to know one another from the other homes, and it is a great social experience.
After that, one of our wonderful chefs, Steve, held a cookery class with residents and they got the opportunity to get involved and help prepare supper. Lots of chopping, slicing, and mixing and then a chance to sample – delicious!
Wednesday 17 January and our wonderful music therapist was in and running one to one and group sessions with residents. It’s a great opportunity to feel the music and use percussion instruments.
Other residents were getting creative and made coral reef pictures to represent Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. We were very pleased with the results.
In the afternoon students from Lord Wandsworth College joined us for afternoon tea. We also played table games with them which was great fun.
Thursday 18 January and our little friends at Tootsies Nursery School came to visit us. After their long walk in the cold, they had a small glass of warm milk before making paper plate Koalas and turtles with them. Its so nice working together with them and we look forward to their weekly visits.
In the afternoon, despite freezing temperatures, a group of residents had a trip out to a local tearoom in Aldershot. The Lake House always has a lovely selection of cakes and there is a great view of the lake, although not many ducks were on it today.
Friday 19 January and it was time to be artistic again and create Aboriginal style dot painting. It was very relaxing and an opportunity to chat and socialise with each other.
In the afternoon we welcomed a new entertainer to Farnham Mill, Matthew and his ukelele. We were able to sing along with the songs and we really enjoyed his playing.
Saturday 20 January and a game of Australian hangman was played in the main lounge. Lots of fun as we tried to guess what the word could be.
We also enjoyed being able to stroke this lovely dog who is being trained as an assistance dog. He certainly gets full marks from us.
In the afternoon we played a game of bingo, and it was, of course, Australian themed.
Sunday 21 January and the morning started with our regular book trolley visiting residents in the lounges or their rooms. Books and magazines were on offer as well as a chance to chat and share own our stories.
Games of dominoes and ball games were also played, and these activities certainly gave us an appetite for a traditional roast beef dinner.
In the afternoon we had a trolley touring the home offering a selection of cheeses as well as a chance to try some Australian wine.
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