BIRDING care home residents took a trip to the Saltholme Nature Reserve to observe the wetlands’ native species.
Queens Meadow Care Home, in Hartlepool, took residents to the RSPB backed reserve near the North East coast.
Waders and wildfowl species gather in their thousands during the winter months, occasionally being spooked into flight by predators such as the peregrine falcon.
Large flocks of starlings also frequently perform murmurations as they drop into the reeds – providing a spectacular show for visitors.
Pauline Buttery, a resident at Queens Meadow Care Home, on Stockton Road, said: “It was a nice, relaxing place to visit. It was very enjoyable seeing all the birds.”
Debbie Wilkes, activities coordinator, said: “The residents enjoyed the time they spent at the reserve, watching the birds.
“They were also treated to a delicious, freshly prepared lunch in the nature reserve’s lovely café. Next time, we’ll visit during summer and have a picnic.”
TYNESIDE care home residents enjoyed a traditional British dinner to celebrate National Pie Week.
The celebration of one of the nation’s favourite dishes was enjoyed by everyone at Waverley Lodge Care Home, in Lemington.
They were treated to a three course, homemade dinner of vegetable soup, minced beef pie with mash and mushy peas and a dessert of trifle.
Ponteland High School students helped serve as part of their community service for the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Bingo and raffle followed for a quintessential British evening.
Nickey Malcolm, chef at Waverley Lodge Care Home, on Bewick Crescent, said: “I think it’s great to celebrate foods that are typically British and homemade pie is definitely that.”
Ann Bolam, the daughter of care home resident Irene Clarke, said: “It was lovely to have a meal with my mam. It was better than eating at a restaurant. I’m looking forward to the next event.”
Michelle Park, activities coordinator at the home, said: “It was a great atmosphere. Everyone enjoyed the afternoon.
“Family members visit the home all the time but it was lovely for them to join their relatives for a meal and a game of bingo.”
Residents living in Hill Care’s Barnsley care home cast aside the past to try something new on National Old Stuff Day.
Deangate Care Home residents joined others around the country in breaking out of old routines.
The residents decided to don their pyjamas for the day, enjoy breakfast in bed and a teddy bear picnic in the lounge while watching a classic movie.
The home’s staff all wore pyjamas and onesies and brought in dozens of toy bears for the picnic.
Julia Chambers, home manager at Deangate Care Home, said: “National Old Stuff Day is the opposite of what you might expect.
“It’s about doing something new or different, breaking out of old routines, adopting a new approach or attitude to a task or activity.
“The residents and staff decided a teddy bear picnic was a great way to celebrate the national day and everyone had a great time.”
Anyone taking part in National Old Stuff Day was encouraged to post on social media using the hashtag #NationalOldStuffDay.
A MULTI-sensory garden is to be created at Hill Care’s Bolton care home Lever Edge Care Home, in Great Lever following a successful funding bid.
The Bolton care home was awarded £6,100 by Bolton Council as part of the Bolton Transformation Fund.
The money will be used to create a colourful, edible garden with installations to stimulate both sight, sound and smell.
The garden is located at the front of the care home and will be open to the community – with schools and other groups invited visit.
Fruit trees, herbs, peas and tomatoes are just some of the produce the care home is hoping to grow with local help.
Anyone who participates in helping to maintain the garden will have the opportunity to harvest the crops for their use.
The care home’s residents are already looking forward to tasting the first of their fruit and vegetables, said home manager Karen McMahon.
She said: “We were absolutely delighted to win the funding bid for our multi-sensory garden and can’t wait to get started with the installation work.
“The residents are thrilled they will be able to grow their own produce and look forward to harvesting later in the year for the kitchen to create some wonderful dishes.
“The garden will also be a great place to spend some time during the warmer months, as there will be lots to see, hear and smell.
“Multi-sensory activities have a proven therapeutic effect for the elderly, especially those with dementia, as it can help to alleviate confusion, depression and anxiety.”
Building work on the garden will begin in April, with local community group Great Lever Connected carrying out the work, including installing chimes, ornaments and other audiovisual features.
After the plants have had time to bed in and grow, an official opening ceremony will take place later in the year.
ISLA the dog has been keeping Bakewell care home residents company as part of a Pets As Therapy session.
Those living at Burton Closes Hall Care Home enjoyed meeting the pet pooch, who belongs to Janet Mason, from Hartington, Derbyshire.
She is a volunteer with the national charity, which organises visits to nursing and care homes, hospitals, hospices, special needs schools and other venues.
Isla and Janet will start paying weekly visits to the residents at Burton Closes Hall, on Haddon Road, for animal therapy sessions.
The sessions have proven benefits for residents, especially those living with dementia, according to Burton Closes Hall Care Home manager Hazel Jones.
She said: “We have run animal therapy sessions with the residents before and they have been shown to improve social engagement and communication.
“They also help lessen any feelings of depression, loneliness, boredom and anxiety.
“Everyone loved meeting Isla and we can’t thank her owner, Janet, enough for coming to see us. We’re all looking forward to the next visit.”