Staying in is the new ‘going out’ at Stockmoor Lodge
It’s been a difficult year for residents in care homes, having had lots of restrictions on their usual events and activities. However, for many of our homes, like Stockmoor Lodge, it’s spurred on our creativity to seek alternative ways to ensure residents are happy, engaged and connected with their loved ones.
Located in the town of Bridgwater, Stockmoor Lodge is a modern, purpose-built nursing home with specialist dementia care provision. The home offers a varied programme of activities to take part in, a team of highly-trained, qualified nurses and experienced health care assistants.
Below we’ve outlined some of the incredible ways Stockmoor Lodge has kept spirits bright:
Bringing Bridgwater Carnival to the home instead
Anyone local to Bridgwater will know what an event the annual Bridgwater Carnival is for the social calendar. However, under government guidelines, the celebration, which dates back to the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, had to be cancelled. The annual festival features a parade of illuminated carts and raises money for local charities.
Stockmoor Lodge couldn’t let 2020 go by without keeping up tradition however, so this year the staff brought their own version of the Bridgewater Carnival to residents instead.
Staff did an incredible job of creating their own miniature versions of the floats, and residents got to vote for their favourite one.
Staff kept spirits bright, accompanying their usual PPE attire with fancy dress. Residents even got a taste for the carnival with candy floss, popcorn and hotdogs to tickle their taste buds.
The TV screens around the home showcased footage of carnivals gone by, making the whole event almost seem like the real thing, but in the comfort and warmth of their own home.
Golden Olympic Games
Competitive spirits were high when Stockmoor Lodge hosted it’s very own Golden Olympic Games – a morning filled with activities keeping everyone active.
Aware of the physical and mental benefits of keeping residents active and engaged, this was a fun way to get everyone involved. With games suited to all capabilities, everyone was able to take part.
The sporting events included:
- Ball into the net: a take on ground level netball, whereby participants had ten attempts to get the ball into the hoop. Those with the highest scores won gold, silver or bronze.
- Toss the bean bag: residents were asked to aim an allocated number of beanbags at pre-positioned targets.
- Peg it: residents were given five minutes to affix as many pegs onto a taught rope, and encouraged to improve on their fastest time.
- Inter floor bowls: Residents had to knock down the pins, and the winners from each floor in the home went head to head in the finals.
Christmas creativity
Getting into the festive spirit is another way in which Stockmoor Lodge has been brightening residents’ day. Soaking up the Christmas build-up, residents have been busy putting their creative talents to good use by making Christmas cards to send to their loved ones, reminding them that they are never far from their thoughts. All while, enjoying listening to some Christmas classic hits.
Despite facing many challenges this year in keeping one of our most vulnerable groups safe during the coronavirus pandemic, it’s fair to say that the residents at Stockmoor Lodge have remained happy and stimulated in their own homely environment.
More information on Stockmoor Lodge is available here. Alternatively you can call 01278 434 535 or email us and we will be happy to assist you with any enquiry.