Celebration was in the air at Cramlington House as residents donned their aprons for a delightful St. George’s Day bake-off. The scent of vanilla and the sound of mixers filled the home as residents baked some delicious cupcakes to mark St George’s Day in England. Studies suggest that baking can significantly improve mood and mental health, and for the elderly, it’s also a chance to recall treasured memories and feel a sense of achievement. Kim Stubbs, our Wellbeing Champion at Cramlington House, said “There’s nothing quite like baking to bring everyone together. As the cake baking got u ..read more

  Cramlington House residents recently enjoyed a marvellous day out at a local garden centre, highlighting the importance of community interaction and connection with nature for general wellbeing. Residents really enjoyed their visit to the garden centre as they looked around at the wide variety of plants and flowers on display. It was a great sensory experience for them that brightened their day and provided a lovely calming and relaxing effect on the residents’ mood. Kim Stubbs, our Wellbeing Champion at Cramlington House, said: “Days like these are a breath of fresh air for our resi ..read more

  The residents of West Farm Care Centre enjoyed a cultural outing to the Biscuit Factory, Newcastle’s modern art gallery, where they immersed themselves in the glorious world of art. The trip proved to be an enriching experience, tapping into the therapeutic powers of creativity and visual stimulation. Exploring the gallery, residents engaged with vibrant canvases and intricate sculptures, sparking discussions and providing a stimulating environment that encouraged cognitive engagement and emotional expression. The arts, combined with the social aspect of the outing, has been ..read more

  West Farm residents had a brilliant time recently celebrating St George’s Day with their relatives! Family and friends were invited in to enjoy tea, cake and scones with their loved ones who live at our home. It was a great afternoon with lots of chatter, laughter and good times enjoyed by all. The dining area was decorated in celebration of St George, adorned with the red and white English flag. The occasion reminded us of the importance of family and friendship bonds. Studies have consistently shown that social interaction can greatly improve the mental wellbeing of everyone, es ..read more

We recently had a lovely visit from a pony which brought a lot of happiness and smiles to our residents at West Farm! Nothing beats a bit of animal therapy and it was wonderful to see the pony weave through the home, receiving lots of pats and cuddles The benefits of animal therapy are well-documented, from lowering blood pressure to reducing feelings of loneliness and anxiety, the presence of animals genuinely can have an extremely positive effect on wellbeing. For the elderly, especially, these interactions can rekindle memories, encourage communication and provide a calming influence ..read more

  Each of our homes recently recognised 2024’s Dignity in Action Day through a wide range of appropriate activities for residents to take part in. Dignity in Action Day is a very important awareness day in the calendar year that provides those in health and social care to officially recognise people’s rights to dignity and respect whilst receiving care. Care homes and communities across the country participate in Dignity in Action Day through various activities. We held a Digni-Tea for residents and carers to come together to enjoy some time out and conversation. Our manager at West F ..read more

Holywell House Care Centre residents were treated to a wonderful presentation on the life of the legendary actress and humanitarian, Audrey Hepburn recently by a very lovely guest, Linda Davidson. Linda visited our home and discussed in detail Audrey’s illustrious career and her profound philanthropic work. Julie McMurrough, our Holywell House Manager, said: “It was a delightful experience for everyone. The talk was informative and engaging, offering a glimpse into Audrey’s remarkable journey through life. Our residents truly enjoyed it and were quite animated during the discussion ..read more

At Cramlington House, we have our very own Gentleman’s club where our male residents can pop in to relax, catch up with other male companions and socialise. They especially enjoy going when it’s a race day – we have lots of horse racing fans! However, our Gentleman’s Club is more than just a space for relaxation and socialisation. It’s a hub where our male residents can engage in meaningful conversations, share stories, and enjoy the thrill of race days. The club plays a crucial role in promoting mental and emotional wellbeing, offering a sense of community and belonging that is vital for o ..read more

  We had a brilliant time taking part in National Hat Day which our residents really enjoyed. A simple yet delightful affair, our residents donned their favourite hats and enjoyed lots of smiles and laughter in the process. Some sported fancy fedoras, others wore woolly beanies, and a few even showed off hats they had knitted themselves. Residents exchanged stories about where they got their hats or who they reminded them of. It was heartwarming to see everyone so engaged. It’s amazing how a simple hat can spark so many memories and smiles. Kim Stubbs, our Wellbeing Champion at Cr ..read more

  Ah, we absolutely love Christmas! Throughout December we ensure many of the activities that residents take part in our festive themes and we organise more social gatherings to encourage togetherness, companionship, and relaxation at this special time of year. One of the highlights is our Christmas gift exchange. Residents took turns unwrapping presents, their faces lighting up with each surprise. Laughter and chatter filled the room, as paper and ribbons were gently removed to reveal thoughtfully selected gifts. Staff members joined in, assisting with unwrapping when needed, and s ..read more