Bravissimo – what a great Italian themed week we have all enjoyed at Farnham Mill. The sun shone, pizzas and ice cream were eaten, Italian cheese and wines tasted, and a wonderful singer had all the ladies swooning as he serenaded us in Italian. We also took the opportunity to paint our own Mona Lisa and create some mosaics.
Monday 15 May, Laura, our music therapist, was able to hold a group session with our residents as well as one-to-ones in their rooms.
We enjoyed lovely walks in the garden and looked at the new plants that will be planted out.
The lovely Wendy Edwards came to sing for us in the afternoon. All her songs were spring themed, and they brought back many memories as we sang along together. It was her father-in-law’s birthday, so she led the singing as we sang happy birthday to him and then all shared some cake.
Tuesday 16 May, in true Italian style, residents on all floors helped make pizzas which were cooked and served for supper. We had a choice of toppings and of course tomato sauce and lots of cheese to add at the end. They were certainly delicious when served in the evening.
The Woodlands and Hill Brow dementia choir met at Farnham Mill this week for their rehearsals. Lots of our residents joined in and the sound was amazing. A well-deserved cup of tea and cake were enjoyed afterwards.
Wednesday 17 May, residents gathered in the lounge area for a game of Italian word hangman. We were very surprised to learn how many Italian words we use today such as Patio, Opera, Soprano as well as their delicious food names like Lasagne, Spaghetti and Tiramisu.
Other residents enjoyed craft activities, using the colours in the Italian flag, made wonderful decorations to be displayed.
In the afternoon Jimmy Kent performed for us. It was his first time at Farnham Mill, and we loved his stylish performance. The ladies especially enjoyed being serenaded in Italian. In the words of Dean Martin – That’s Amore !
Thursday 18 May, we started the day with walks outside. It’s lovely to be able to enjoy the fresh air and watch our ducks in the morning.
Our artists were busy recreating the Mona Lisa. It was very interesting to see their interpretations of Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece.
In the afternoon we had a delivery of beautiful flowers and so our residents sat together and arranged them in vases which decorate their rooms or the main lounges around the home.
One of our residents had a lovely browse around the local supermarket. She was surprised at how many things they sell in addition to food. She also enjoyed a cup of coffee in Starbucks.
Friday 19 May, time for relaxing hand massages as well as time spent in the gardens.
A delicious afternoon tea was served while residents listened to two very famous Italian singers – Andrea Boccelli and Luciano Pavarotti
Saturday 20 May, residents created their own mosaics, just like the Roman houses had on their floors. Ours were a little simpler to produce though!
In the afternoon residents on all floors enjoyed a cheese and wine tasting trolley. There was a wonderful selection and we certainly felt we were sat in an Italian café.
We celebrated a lovely gentleman’s birthday and were able to present him with a delicious birthday cake.
Sunday 21 May, it was a relaxing morning with garden walks and jigsaw puzzles.
In the afternoon we had another tasting trolley touring Farnham Mill. This one had delicious Italian Gelato and with the sun shining it was timed just right. Everyone sampled cornets, wafers, flakes and sprinkles.
It was a lovely lady’s birthday and cake was shared with all her friends around the home.
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