Denmead care home's Easter high jinks
When you think of a care home do you conjure up images of frivolity, giggles, raucous laughter and huge rivalry? Well, Denmead Grange can change every expectation you might have or fear.
Had you been there this weekend you would have seen Easter bonnet parades – with hips, swagger, poses and clapping. You may have witnessed an egg and spoon race like no other – residents were practically galloping around (those who could) and those who were pushed in their chairs were just as competitive, there were spoons tied to walking frames, bonnets tied under chins and ties at the finish line. There was laughter galore and in some instances until the mascara ran.
Chocolate was hidden, savoured, discovered and plentiful. It was in cake, eggs, bars and biscuits, there was no guilt, there was simply old fashioned fun. Enjoyment, laughter and shared pleasure, staff who didn’t want to go home and families in amazement at just how much fun everyone was having. Life at Denmead Grange was in the words of one resident; ‘Absolutely brilliant, to think I wasn’t sure about coming here, well I’m not leaving, I’m having a ball’.
Easter was very much a team effort, from the chefs creating sensational meals and treats to care staff helping dish out Easter Eggs and the Activities Team coordinating the special activities. The day to day ness of life was incorporated into days that were made special with smiles, creative times, special moments and huge amounts of laughter. Bottled it would be a powerful elixir.
General Manager Abbie Johnston said ‘Our home is special, truly a wonderful place to live. I am reminded of this every day when I see how happy, engaged and relaxed our residents are in life. Good company, good food, a calm, happy, homely environment is our Denmead Grange recipe. With huge thanks to my team.’’
Denmead Grange – for really good food and exceptional care, please contact us on 02392 263470
Denmead Grange care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Denmead Grange provides residential and dementia care for 60 residents from respite care to long term stays.