Welcoming spring in style at Austenwood
Austenwood Care Home. We welcomed spring in style at Austenwood with a spring-themed party for our residents, relatives and staff members.
It was a delightful afternoon filled with delicious food, great entertainment, and most importantly, the joy of spending time together.
Spring feast for all
Our talented chefs truly outdid themselves with a delicious buffet of homemade spring delights. From fresh and vibrant salads and tasty finger foods to delectable sweet treats, there was something for everyone. Residents, relatives, and staff all raised a glass of bubbly in a toast to the new season as they dug into the scrumptious spread.
An afternoon enjoyed by all
The beautiful spring-themed décor added a touch of whimsy and cheer to the atmosphere. Thank you to our amazing lifestyle team for meticulously crafting it all.
The afternoon truly came alive with the performance of a talented singer. His captivating voice filled the room, and soon, everyone was on their feet, dancing the afternoon away! Everyone was grooving to the music and enjoying themselves. It was a heartwarming sight to see residents, families, and staff members coming together.
Our home manager, Louise Hickman said: “It was lovely to see our residents, relatives and staff members all joining in and making memories. Thank you to my wonderful team for making this happen. We’re looking forward to many more celebrations like this in the months to come.”
If you would like to know more about life at Austenwood, or would like to speak to someone from our friendly team, please call 01753 890134 or drop by our lovely home in Gerrards Cross for a chat.
Sharing the warmth of Mother’s Day whether near or far
Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate the incredible women who’ve shaped our lives. It’s a day brimming with love, appreciation, and often, family gatherings. We understand, however, that not everyone can be together on this special occasion. Distance, work obligations, or other circumstances may prevent families from reuniting in person.
But fear not. The spirit of Mother’s Day can still be shared and cherished, no matter the distance. Whether you’re planning a visit with your loved ones or connecting virtually, this blog post is here to spark some creative ideas for a memorable Mother’s Day.
Creating memories together
There’s nothing quite like the joy of spending quality time with family, and Mother’s Day offers the perfect opportunity. Here are some engaging activities to make the day special:
- Get creative: Unleash your inner artist! At Austenwood, we’re well-equipped with arts and crafts supplies, ready for families to create lasting memories together.
- Game On!: Dust off those board games or fire up the console! A friendly competition or a chance to work together can be both stimulating and bonding.
- Family talent show: Gather the family for a fun-filled evening of shared laughter and amazement. From party tricks to showcasing hidden talents, it’s a heartwarming way to connect and strengthen family bonds.
Bridging the distance
Technology allows us to connect with loved ones no matter where they are. If you’re unable to visit your mum or grandma in person, here are some ways to make them feel cherished and celebrated:
- Video calls: Platforms like Zoom or Skype offer a wonderful way to see and talk to loved ones in real-time. Enjoy a sing-along, share stories, or simply catch up. At Austenwood, our staff are always happy to assist residents in connecting with family.
- Digital memories: Create an online album or scrapbook filled with heartwarming photos and memories. This is especially meaningful for younger grandchildren who may not have many firsthand experiences with their grandparents.
- Go low tech: A handwritten card never goes out of style. Taking the time and effort to express your love and appreciation in a personal way can be a treasured keepsake.
- Virtual fun: Find an online activity you can do together, such as watching a movie simultaneously, playing an online game, or taking a virtual tour of a museum or zoo. Shared experiences, even virtual ones, can create lasting memories and strengthen your bond.
Remember, the heart of Mother’s Day lies in celebrating the love and connection between generations. Whether it’s a video call, a homemade treat, or a heartfelt message, your efforts will surely bring warmth and joy to your loved ones’ hearts.
So, this Mother’s Day, embrace creativity, make the most of technology, and most importantly, cherish the bonds of family.
From all of us at Austenwood, we wish you a joyous Mother’s Day filled with love, laughter, and beautiful memories!
If you would like more information about what a Mother’s Day at Austenwood entails, or more information generally, why not have a chat with a member of our friendly team? Call 01753 890134 to find out more.
Beating the Winter Blues
Winter can be a wonderful time for many. The change in seasons can prompt moments of self-care – such as slowing down and cosying up – but the winter weather can bring a unique set of challenges, especially for older people.
Here at Austenwood Care Home, we are committed to providing a nurturing and uplifting environment for our residents, especially during the winter months.
The Impact of Winter on Elderly Well-being
Many elderly people report experiencing heightened joint pain and stiffness during winter which can make movement more challenging. The cold weather can exacerbate arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions, potentially limiting mobility and affecting overall well-being.
We understand the importance of keeping residents moving for their overall health but also to combat this potential winter soreness. Due to this, we partner with local specialists to encourage residents with fun, engaging activities tailored to their physical abilities.
In addition to physical strains, the winter weather can profoundly affect our moods and mental health, particularly in older people who are often already susceptible to feelings of isolation and low mood.
Encouraging and reminding residents that social interaction can improve their mood and help them feel connected and valued is a great way to help dampen the effects that less sunlight and cold temperatures can have.
This doesn’t need to be limited to people inside the home either, regular visits from and planned activities with loved ones can further improve good moods, helping residents feel cherished. If in-person visits are not possible, supporting them to take video calls so they can spend quality time with their family and friends can be a great way to keep them feeling connected.
Planning stimulating activities such as crafts, games and storytelling sessions can also help to not only promote socialisation but also increase mental stimulation, helping residents feel fulfilled and energised. The home is always full of live music, sing-songs and the smell of baking!
Food and Nutrition
Ensuring that residents maintain a nutritious and well-balanced diet becomes a crucial aspect of their well-being during the winter months.
Due to Winter’s increased likelihood of illnesses such as colds and flu, a diet rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants can support a robust immune system and improve energy levels.
A combination of less sunlight and mobility issues stopping them from getting outside can leave elderly people with a lack of vitamin D so foods such as fatty fish, fortified dairy products and eggs can help address this seasonal nutrient need. Vitamin D is crucial for calcium absorption which in turn supports bone health, something that we should all be aware of as we age.
Good nutrition can also help with maintaining a healthy weight. Excessive body weight can be detrimental to older people as their bodies live with years of wear and tear. A balanced diet can help manage weight by providing essential nutrients without excessive calories and can be even more important during the winter months when reduced physical activity can affect calorie expenditure.
Meal times can also provide a great opportunity to get everyone around the table and contribute to the feeling of togetherness, plus who doesn’t feel better after a meal of warm winter favourites amongst friends?
At Austenwood, we pride ourselves on taking the individual needs of our residents and building an environment in which they can thrive, no matter the weather.
If you would like to know more about life at Austenwood, or would like to speak to someone from our friendly team, please call 01753 890134 or drop by for a chat.
Aubrey, the therapy donkey, brings joy to Austenwood care home
The residents of Austenwood Care Home were delighted to have a special visitor recently – Aubrey, the therapy donkey! Audrey is a gentle and loving animal with a special talent for bringing joy and comfort to people, wherever she goes.
Animal therapy is a form of therapy where trained animals provide emotional, social and physical benefits to humans. Animal therapy has a positive impact on people living with dementia and also those dealing with anxiety and depression. The presence of animals can help reduce stress, improve mood, and increase social interaction.
Aubrey was dressed in all red, bringing a festive cheer to the home. She had a calming and soothing presence and all the residents were excited to have her in our space. They were eager to interact with her and loved petting her and feeding her biscuits
Aubrey’s visit to Austenwood was a great reminder of the benefits of animal therapy and how much joy and comfort animals can bring to residents. Here are some of the wonderful benefits of animal therapy:
Reduces stress and anxiety:
Spending time with animals can help to lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, and increase production of oxytocin, the happy hormone.
Improves mood and well-being:
Animal therapy can help to boost mood, reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, and increase overall happiness.
Promotes physical activity:
Engaging in activities with animals, such as walking or playing, can help to improve physical fitness and mobility.
Enhances social interaction:
Animals can help to break down barriers and foster social interaction, especially for those who may be shy or withdrawn.
Previously, at Austenwood, we had a visit from alpacas Hugo and Finley, who also brought so much joy and laughter to our residents and staff!
For more information about our activities and events, please feel free to call us at +44 1753 890134 and a member of our friendly staff will be happy to speak with you.
Learning how to reduce the risk of dementia this World Alzheimer’s Month
Every year, September is marked as World Alzheimer’s Month. This month gives us the opportunity to raise awareness about dementia and its effects on people’s lives.
This year, the theme for World Alzheimer’s Month is ‘never too young, never too old’. The focus is to help people recognise risk factors and adopt proactive ways in which they can reduce the risk, delay, and even possibly prevent the onset of dementia.
At Austenwood, we provide the highest quality of care for people living with dementia. We are a team of dementia professionals and wish to spread awareness about dementia and help people in our local community take early steps to reduce its risks.
We recommend a few, simple changes in your everyday life that can help reduce the risk of dementia. Let’s see what they are.
Become physically active:
Exercise has great benefits not just for your body but also for your mind. Engaging in regular physical activity increases blood flow to the brain and also enhances cognitive function.
At Austenwood, we prioritise exercise through indoor and outdoor activities such as walking, dancing sessions, yoga, and more. These simple exercises have a positive impact on memory, attention, and overall brain health.
Engage your brain:
Keeping your brain active through mental activities can help build its cognitive reserve, which can delay the onset of dementia. You can find activities that you enjoy that also challenge your mind. These can also help relieve stress and improve mood.
We help our residents stay mentally active through puzzles, crosswords, memory games, and books. Our activities coordinators also plan activities such as arts and crafts, bingo, and quizzes, that stimulate cognitive abilities.
Add healthier meals to your diet:
Nutrition plays an important role in maintaining cognitive function. Having a balanced diet with whole foods and the required nutrients will ensure that you stay healthy and may also reduce risk of various health conditions, including dementia.
At Austenwood, we make sure that our residents have access to freshly prepared homemade meals made from fresh produce that keeps them healthy and happy.
Get regular health checkups:
It is important to ensure that your overall health is in good condition by consulting a doctor from time to time. As a person gets older, they are more prone to developing health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and other heart conditions. These conditions are known to increase the risk of dementia. It is a good idea to get regular health check ups done to avoid any major health conditions creeping up on you unexpectedly.
Maintain good social relationships:
One of the main factors in cognitive decline is social isolation. Building and maintaining social relationships is very important in preserving brain health.
At our care home, we encourage residents to maintain social connections by participating in group activities and engaging in conversations in our communal areas. Such social interactions help stimulate the brain, improve emotional well-being and also create a sense of belonging – all of which are factors that help reduce the risk of dementia.
These lifestyle changes are a simple yet effective way to help reduce your risk and potential onset of dementia. At Austenwood, it is our priority to empower our residents to lead independent and fulfilling lives through personalised high quality care.
For more information about dementia, visit The Alzheimer’s Society’s website: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/risk-factors-and-prevention/how-reduce-your-risk-alzheimers-and-other-dementias.
If you would like to speak to a professional about dementia or dementia care, feel free to contact our friendly team at 01753 890134 or drop by for a chat.
Brand new interactive screens added to our home
At Austenwood Care Home, we have taken a giant leap forward in enhancing the lives of its residents with the introduction of a state-of-the-art interactive technology – the LifeSize Touch activity table.
The activity table was a gift from Premium Care Group directors, Robert and Renos, which has become quite a hit amongst residents.
What is an interactive activity table?
The LifeSize Touch activity table offers an extensive range of interactive activities, including puzzles, sensory games, music, and much more, catering to the diverse needs and interests of the residents.
Our care home staff have already started including the activity table in the residents’ daily activities. They have set up WhatsApp on it, which has made it easier for residents to chat with family members and friends. One resident has already become an expert at using the activity table and video calling her loved ones.
Our home manager Corina Andreescu said:
”We’re thrilled to introduce the LifeSize Touch activity table to our residents. It’s not just a piece of technology but a gateway to new experiences, connections, and a world of engagement.”
So far, we have done some amazing things with it
Residents have already embarked on virtual journeys around the globe using the interactive table. One of our lovely residents was transported back to her childhood home in Jamaica and relived memories from her childhood.
The interactive table helped residents revisit fond holiday destinations and their family homes, and even explore unfulfilled travel destinations, allowing residents to relive and share their life stories in an unprecedented way.
The activity table has been designed with the needs of older adults and individuals with varying abilities in mind, the large touchscreen provides a user-friendly interface that is great for care home residents.
The introduction of the LifeSize Touch activity table will be a great addition to the activities and routine of the residents at Austenwood.
For more information about Austenwood Care Home, call our friendly team at 01753 890 134 or drop by any time for a visit!
