Living in the face of covid

The beginning of 2021 saw restrictions being tightened once again before easing in March, which lead to our doors reopening to loved ones for the first time in a year.

The beginning of 2021

January saw the first dose of the covid-19 vaccination being given to our residents and staff, this was the first step in our path to a new normality.

During January and February when restrictions were still in place the activities team kept the residents busy with flower arranging, festive celebrations including Burns night and Chinese New year, exercises and games. Not forgetting the beautiful snow in February!

In Room Visits

In March, covid safe visits in residents rooms were introduced, which meant with testing and the right PPE no plastic screen was necessary; we were so pleased to be able to welcome friends and families into our home once again. March was also filled with fun activities including science week and making covid pinatas—‘smashing covid’.

Socialising

We were finally able to welcome back our fabulous entertainers in April. Our residents were extremely pleased! We also had a visit from the ‘Easter bunny’ and celebrated St Georges Day. During April, lunch in the dining room also resumed giving residents another opportunity to socialise once again.

Hair Dresser

In April we were able to welcome our hairdresser Chris, back to St Michaels. Residents were delighted to be able to have their hair done professionally once again.

Warmer Weather

Towards the end of May the warmer weather began so we could enjoy our lovely garden and start our garden visits for friends and families again. In June the activities team were also able to start taking the residents out for the first time in over a year.

In April Joyce turned 100 years old, she was visited by family, she received a card from the Queen and we all enjoyed celebrating this special day with a party  and live entertainment!

Summer

Summer was in full swing by August and residents were enjoying making use of the garden. We held our summer party outside where we listened to ‘Chapeaux Duo’  joined by ‘Hugo the pup’. The activities team were dressed as French characters, there was a photo booth, we played ‘pin the tail on the snail’ and enjoyed plenty of wine and French nibbles!

We were so pleased to be able to reunite husband Norman with his wife Maureen; as Maureen moved into St Michaels.

Autumn

As Autumn approached residents were kept busy with lots of seasonal celebrations and activities. They enjoyed harvest festival, a Halloween party, ‘Diwali’ the festival of light and remembrance day.

The End Of 2021

Christmas time! The decorations went up and the activities team wasted no time getting everyone  into the festive spirit. There were plenty of activities including crafts and a pantomime, along with lots of    entertainment including a children’s choir, Christmas parties and a huge raffle where £213 was raised for Alzheimer’s UK! We celebrated the end of the year with a New Years Eve party with entertainment from Glenda and Vanessa.

Armchair Travel

Despite travel restrictions we’ve still managed to explore the world through the magic of armchair travel. This uses technology to allow residents to experience the virtual world in the comfort of their own home. Armchair travel involves a flight to ac hosen country followed by a tour of landmark attractions. We then enjoy samples of cuisine, a Quiz and entertainment based on the designated destination. In 2021 we visited many places including; India, Egypt, Scotland, Africa, France, Philippines and Italy.

Throughout 2021 the Activities Team have kept residents busy with a variety of activities and weekly entertainment. Every resident receives a weekly planner delivered personally by Natasha or Vanessa every Monday. They take this opportunity to chat with residents and talk about the activities planned for the week and whether there is anything that they would like to see on the planner for the following week. All activities are planned around the likes and interests of residents. We also ensure that we offer 1-1 activities with those residents who are unable to get out of bed or do not wish to join in with group activities.

We have live entertainment once a week provided by a variety of entertainers. Residents also have a meeting every 8 weeks to discuss life in our home, this gives residents a chance to voice their own opinions; helping us to provide more person centred care.

Plans for 2022

Covid restrictions allowing, the activities team are already working hard to plan for the upcoming year, including;

  • Trialling some new entertainers
  • An Easter party with a school choir
  • Trips out
  • Celebrating the Queens jubilee
  • A big summer party