We have recently recruited two new members to our team at Blenheim Care Centre, Garry, a five year old tortoise and Doogle who has been with us for a few months now. 

Doogle is a bit more forward than Garry and is a bit greedier, but they both bring us a lot of pleasure and we wouldn't be without them.

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One of fantastic residents Alan has been leading seated, gentle movement and stretch groups for our lovely residents at The Wharf.  Lilly, one of our carers has been integral in getting everyone together, in place comfortably and ready to start. It was truly amazing to see how fully everyone participated, and there were lots of smiles and cheers throughout. 

It was decided that at our next Craft Club, we would make memory boxes! We purchased some boxes online and then the residents began to decorate the outside of them. We added on some photos of the residents to the front of the boxes. 

Within each box residents added paintings, drawings, photos and significant memories from their own lives. Everyone loved it. 

One of our residents was keen to have a go at playing category snap. There are four categories and you need to match them to win. There are several other games you can use these cards for, for example name the pictures. This helps promote memories from the past and gives everyone a talking point about there lives and of course they really enjoy it. 

One of our lady's enjoys using felt tips to colour pictures so we sat and did some colouring, she carefully studies her picture before starting and then creates beautiful artwork. This really gives her a lift and she is very proud of her achievement as are we. 

Here at Willowdene Care Home we were delighted we had been nominated for Care Home of the Year,  Aleksandra Rymut in the kitchen was nominated by you all for Master Chef, Ruth Pearson for Housekeeping Highflyer and Nicola Robson for Hospitality Hero.  We had a lovely buffet which the nominees and residents enjoyed whilst watching the awards on the screen.

Nestled in a sleepy, yet oh so beautiful village in the Cheshire countryside, is Birch Heath Lodge, Christleton. We don’t let a pandemic stop us having fun so, every few weeks, we have an afternoon party. This is time for the residents and staff to relax and enjoy each other’s company and sing our hearts out.  There is always lots of laughter, clapping and swinging our pants. 

Residents and staff were celebrating after Joanne Ball, Care Assistant at Alexandra Court Care Home was named Carer of the Year 2020 at the recent Maria Mallaband Care Group and Countrywide Care Homes Annual Care Awards. 

During the pandemic, at Alexandra Court, we have had a 100th birthday celebration where Margaret received her birthday card from the Queen. The staff held a small socially distanced gathering to celebrate.

Gladys celebrated her 100th birthday with us at Manorhey. The staff decorated her room with balloons, all in matching colours and we had a cake made and for her which was shared out with all residents, at the afternoon tea we held on the floor Gladys lives.