Famous Novel Theme Week is a fantastic opportunity to delve into the lives of celebrated authors and the stories behind their masterpieces.
Here’s a week-long plan filled with engaging activities centred around biographies of famous novelists such as Jane Austin, famous popular novels which were included in our bingo and many more.
24th June, Monday morning, our residents had the opportunity to enjoy some activities including bean bag toss and balloon badminton, keeping them engaged in regular physical activities which provides them with numerous benefits for physical and mental health.
Celebrating the first day of our Classic Novel Week, the Farnham Mill residents went on a trip to Jane Austen’s House in Chawton. We had a lovely stroll around the village and then stopped in a very quaint tea shop, where teacups hung from the ceiling and there were hand knitted roses on the table. We were able to enjoy a lovely cup of tea and of course some cakes. What a lovely way to start the week!
25th Tuesday morning, our residents enjoyed some seated pompom exercise. This provides a gentle introduction to physical activity for those new to exercise as well as ideal for individuals with limited mobility and a lower risk of falls and injury.
Seated exercises can be done anywhere, whether it’s at home, office or any place with a chair, making them highly convenient. They don’t require specialised equipment, allowing for flexibility in various settings. The exercises can be easily integrated into daily routines, making it easier to stay consistent.
The residents at Farnham Mill crafted their very own summer inspired lavender soaps, blending creativity and creating a relaxing environment of beautiful aroma therapy smells this afternoon.
We opted for lavender soap making, using lavender essential oils, as it is a popular choice, an appealing fragrance and numerous potential benefits such as promoting better sleep, reducing stress and anxiety. Using lavender soap during bath or a shower can create a soothing spa- like experience.
26th Wednesday, the residents had a harmonious morning in music therapy. Music therapy is a clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualised goals within a therapeutic relationship. It is delivered by credentialed professionals who have completed an approved music therapy programme.
On this lovely summer’s afternoon at Farnham Mill, the residents found themselves in the garden, basking in the warmth of the sun while cooling down in the paddling pool.
The tranquil splashing noises from the paddling pool, with a refreshing drink in hand followed by an ice-cream, savouring the peaceful moments, surrounded by the beauty of nature in full bloom.
27th Thursday, in the morning, we kept with the ‘Classic Novel Theme’ with a word game. This is always a firm favourite with our residents as well as visitors who love to get involved. This morning the phrase was ‘Pride and Prejudice’ and they managed to find 130 words!
Flower arranging in the afternoon, allowing our individual residents to express their creativity and personal style through the selection and combination of different flowers and materials. This process can be relaxing as well as meditative allowing them to reduce stress and improve mood.
28th Friday morning, at Farnham Mill we partook in a Famous Novel themed bingo, reminiscing on our favourite page turners. This offers various benefits beyond simple entertainment as it involves number recognition, mental agility and concentration, which help keep the brain active and engaged.
11:00 am after our bingo had finished, we had the local church choir join us for a church service followed by soft peaceful live piano music, simple prayer as well as singing hymns that our residents knew.
In the afternoon, our activities team hosted a delightful and elegant afternoon tea with friends and family. Lots of delicious snacks and treats from our chef while nattering away sipping hot drinks with sweet treats.
A successful Farnham Mill BBQ party with family, a quintessential gathering that brings together loved ones for a day of delicious food, laughter, and bonding. Set up in our garden, these events were marked by the smoky aroma of grilling meats, the clinking of cold drinks, and the joyful sounds of children playing and adults catching up.
A warm, sunny afternoon with a gentle breeze, perfect for an outdoor gathering followed by live music with lots of clapping, singing and dancing.
30th June, enjoying our Sunday elevenses in our beautiful gardens, at Farnham Mill, with the wonderful scent of the flowers and the company of our friends and family.
Charlie and the chocolate factory trolley this afternoon at Farnham Mill where our residents enjoyed some treats and may have got their very own golden ticket too!!!
Fellow residents from Farnham Mill helped us make some orange flavoured cake, in orange cup cake cases with orange icing for bronchiectasis awareness for 1st of July, where our residents enjoyed them for at an afternoon tea party.