What better week than ‘Sweets and Treats’! Lots of sweet based activities from making paper plate sweets to chocolate bingo and then making some fudge with our wonderful chef, Steve. We also enjoyed a performance from the fantastic Jimmy Kent and played a game of giant Snakes and Ladders with students from Lord Wandsworth College. Residents also went on a trip to see a lovely display of Snowdrops while others enjoyed time in our own lovely garden at Farnham Mill.
Monday 19 February, we started the week with some chair-based exercises and balloon games. This is an activity that always gets us moving and we have a great laugh trying to hit the balloon back.
We also played a couple of word games in the lounge which involved lots of residents and staff.
In the afternoon we gathered for an afternoon tea with a quiz about sweets. We learnt about when jelly babies were first introduced and had great discussions about our favourite chocolates. As well as enjoying sweets scattered around the tables, the chef had made some delicious cake as well.
Tuesday 20 February and residents had a go at making paper plate sweets. We think they looked very realistic and were great decorations around the home.
In the afternoon Jimmy Kent performed for us. He always has the ladies ‘swooning’ and we really enjoyed his performance
Wednesday 21 February, music therapy took place in our activities room. This is an opportunity for residents to express themselves by different methods such as clapping, stamping, or using percussion instruments along with the music.
The afternoon saw us playing giant dominoes on the first floor and giant snakes and ladders on the ground floor. We were joined by students from Lord Wandsworth College who partnered up with residents and made their way either up ladders or down snakes. It was very exciting, and we all had a laugh.
Thursday 22 February, even though it was a very wet day, our residents went out to see the snowdrops at Ellisfield, near Basingstoke. When we arrived it was like a carpet of snow. We also loved the drive out into the countryside. So much to see from early blossom on the trees, to large puddles on the roads.
Residents were able to take part in the weekly flower arranging in the afternoon. There were lots of spring flowers this week with daffodils, hyacinths and even tulips. It keeps us very busy and we are able to place vases of flowers in most rooms.
Friday 23 February, we had our monthly church service with Father John from the Badshot Lea and Hale Parish church. The choir sang a few hymns first and then we all joined in with the service.
In the afternoon we had a fantastic ‘sweet and treats’ trolley touring round Farnham Mill which gave everyone a chance to try some chocolates, fruit sweets or other treats. It was certainly very popular and with the decorations that the residents had made earlier in the week, it was also very colourful.
Saturday 24 February, residents played a giant crossword game in the main lounge area. Playing a group game helps stimulate conversation and encourages others to join in.
In the afternoon ‘Chocolate Bingo’ was played. The bingo sheet included all our favourite bars of chocolate from Bounty, Galaxy and KitKat and, of course, we all enjoyed eating chocolate treats as well.
Sunday 25 February, in the morning a group of residents sat together in our activities room to watch a church service. Church on a Sunday morning has often been a part of resident’s lives so it’s good to be able to continue with this tradition – however it’s a lot warmer and more comfortable than a church.
Other residents enjoyed playing games of mini snooker and billiards. It was a lot easier than stretching over a full size table.
After lunch residents joined in making delicious, sweet fudge. With the help of our chef, Steve, we helped mix in all the ingredients and then let it set ready to enjoy later.
Next week the theme is Welsh Week as we celebrate St Davids Day at Farnham Mill – don’t forget to follow us on Facebook – Woodlands & Hill Brow Ltd – to see our daily posts. Please like and comment as we love sharing our activities.