Throughout September at
Ashgrove in Dudley, which provides nursing and residential dementia care, a number of activities have been taking place.
To add a little more fun to September and to fight off the Autumn blues, Ashgrove celebrated the national “Talk like a Pirate Day” in the home. Jayne, the Wellbeing Coordinator was dressed up as a Pirate and known as Captain Jayne Sparrow, the scourge of local “cut” (the canal). Most Residents had a go at giving a good “Argghhh” and also wore a pirate hat. Colleagues jumped at the opportunity to play Pirates of the Caribbean.
Pat and Royston, two Residents in the home won 1st and 2nd prize in the design your own eye patch competition. Repeated “Aye Aye Captain” could be heard from the Residents when Jayne was around, and commented on how much they enjoyed the day and making the eye patches.
Fiona, the Home Manager said, “What a lovely way to start the week” and couldn’t stop laughing at the fake tattoo sleeves.
Later in the month, the wellbeing team hosted a swinging 60’s day performed by “Funtime Theatre” who are regular entertainers in the home. Residents adore them and were clapping along, singing and chair dancing.
Will, one of the entertainers, wore a Forget Me Not blue suit in dedication to Alzheimer’s Day and appeared to win over all the Residents with his natural charm. Rachel, another entertainer, also championed a light blue dress which was very popular among the Residents. With hits from Elvis, Herman Hermits, Cilla, Dusty and many more from the era, everybody enjoyed their performance.
Speaking afterwards, Residents expressed how much they enjoyed the music and taking a trip back in time, with one saying “It was like being transported back to my youth! What lovely music we had”.
Fiona commented as well “It was really lovely seeing the Residents enjoy themselves”.