There is definitely never a dull moment at Orchard House Care Home, and their support of the September 24th National Arts in Care Homes Day will add even more sparkle to this already shinning care home service.
National Arts in Care Homes Day recognises the importance of ‘the arts’ in social care and the physical and psychological benefits that incorporating Music, Drama, Comedy, Poetry, Creative Writing, Dancing, Arts and Crafts into residents’ lifestyles can have.
This year’s theme is ‘Creative Communities’ and Orchard House is definitely a creative community.
“I am very good at knit and knatter. I love arts and crafts. I colour everyday as it is good for me.” ~ – Pamela (Resident)
The team, led by experienced Registered Manager Maxine Bain, understand the importance of providing a creative community for the residents who live at the service in Wisbech, and they encourage and support the residents to engage with the home’s varied and extensive lifestyle services which are resident led, engaging and vibrant. A prime example was their movie themed fashion show in honour of London Fashion Week earlier this year.
Activities Co-ordinator Julie spoke of the service’s love of the arts,” Music and movement is a big hit as the residents love a good sing song and love the dancing side, most of all every one of these activities keeps their minds and brains stimulated.” Music is an incredibly important part of the programme and its importance is well documented across various social care studies.
“I’ve witnessed some lovely interactions with the residents taking part in the music and movement, this really helps their mental and physical wellbeing”. ~ Kayleigh (Administrator)
For positive wellbeing and promoting physical strength, every morning the home hosts Music and Movement to help kickstart the resident’s day – they have discovered a number of budding Taylor Swifts and Beyoncés amongst the team who love nothing more than a staff versus resident karaoke session. Another popular event is the ‘Knit and Knatter’ which gives residents a chance to sit down and interact with other residents whilst talking about their lives.
With ‘Creative Communities’ as this year’s theme, Orchard House decided to come together to celebrate the arts by putting on an Autumn themed Arts Exhibition which they have been working on throughout September. They have created numerous art works including a large autumn tree displayed in Reception, autumn garlands to hang around the home and some lovely canvases.
So far, the residents have thoroughly enjoyed the themed sessions, Evelyn commented, “I’ve enjoyed the arts and crafts, it’s good exercise for my hands.” Another eager participant who enjoyed the theme was keen gardener Tony, “I enjoy pottering about in the garden and I’ve also enjoyed doing the themed arts and crafts as I like colouring and painting.
“Providing extensive access to ‘the creative arts’ is really important to us here at Orchard House as we recognise their holistic benefits and impacts. The residents enjoy interacting with each other, they love a cup of tea and cake chatting about families and their lives before they lived at the home. The sense of community we have here amongst not only the residents, their loved ones and our team is such a crucial and important part of what makes Orchard House a home.” – Sarah (Deputy Manager)
There is definitely never a dull moment at Orchard House Care Home, and their support of the September 24th National Arts in Care Homes Day will add even more sparkle to this already shinning care home service.
