For Residents at residential memory and nursing memory care home,
Averill House, in Newton Heath, it has been a wonderful few weeks filled with celebrations, remembering and Halloween celebrations!
Residents had a spooktacular time with a visit from a dancing pumpkin and entertainment which was provided by staff, including spooky games, singing and dancing.
The home’s Head Chef also put on an amazing spread of ghostly foods.
Residents had worked hard beforehand making witches crafts for the party as well
Mina Shaw, who lives at Averill House, commented, “The pumpkin was hilarious, dancing about so much effort was made for us!”
The day was followed by a Halloween photo shoot whereby Residents took part in a photo session and prints have been sent home to families of the Residents who took part.
Jodie Yates, Wellbeing Coordinator, remarked, “And they look so good! The photos have turned out amazingly well and the Residents enjoyed the photo shoot. They were laughing and watching each other dress up and have their pictures taken.”
Jodie Hubbary, one of the care Colleagues, added, “This is a great idea, so simple but effective.”
Mavis McDougal, who is a Resident, said, “This is so funny, we are all witches and wizards! The pictures are great.”
On 5th November Averill House had their very first firework display for Residents, who were given the choice to watch from windows or outside in the grounds of the home.
Residents who didn’t want to attend, had an indoor firework display on the smart television and were served mint hot chocolates and marshmallow cookies and cupcakes.
Jodie commented, “We started the night with bang with rockets and display fireworks. Residents had a wonderful evening and posed for photos in front of their homemade firework display on the way back into the home.”
Kathleen Black, Resident, said, “They weren’t too loud, it was great to see the bright fireworks and the smell of bonfire night brings back so many memories!”
Fellow Resident Paul Brown added, “It’s amazing, well done, this is amazing.”
This will now be an annual event for the home with a firework display each year as it was such a huge success.
For Armistice Day, the home held their one minutes silence and Colleagues read a poem ‘In Flanders Fields’ for Residents. They also talked about that era and Residents tried on some head scarves. A lot the ladies remembered wearing these for work or on cleaning days; showing Colleagues how to tie them.”
Jodie added, “On the run up to armistice day and Remembrance Day, we did poppy crafts and displays. One to commemorate all the fallen soldiers and one to commemorate all the animals lost in battle. The Residents worked extremely hard on these and they are massive! One is over 6 foot!”
Everyone involved then finished the day off with an entertainer; the lovely Sam Jones singing songs from Vera Lynn such as ‘We’ll Meet Again’ and ‘Roll Out the Barrel’ with a good knees-up and dancing had by all!
Resident Philomena Davis, said, “I loved this party, it was such fun!”
Jodie ended with, “Residents loved the music the dancing and trying on the head scarves. The singer had a brilliant voice, and everyone thought it was amazing!