Celebrating our New King & Queen & other May Activities
Like many others, residents and staff at Longbridge Deverill Nursing Home in Warminster gladly participated in a range of celebrations during the lead-up and on the weekend of the King's Coronation.
In preparation for the coronation, residents joined in making decorations in our regular arts and crafts sessions, which were proudly displayed at our coronation party, showing families and friends their creative efforts. This activity assisted residents in feeling included in the preparations and in the final result of the mini-exhibition. There was conceptualisation, as well as creativity, and fine motor skills used by each resident who participated.
In other arts and crafts sessions, residents have also been making May Day baskets and then going for a walk in the garden to pick flowers for their baskets. This was a great group activity which encouraged creativity and thinking about abstract concepts of colour and design. There was a sense of joy in the anticipation of Summer and being outdoors more in the coming months.
As well as for our arts and crafts endeavours, the outdoors has been brilliant in aiding our sensory experiences. When outside, the residents have been chatting about the sounds of birds, the fresh air and the colours of the sky and nature around us. Residents have expressed their gratitude for being surrounded by the scenic countryside, which we are so lucky to have nearby.
Amongst our coronation preparation and May activities, residents have been staying fit and active, something we value here at Longbridge Deverill Nursing Home, and encourage our residents to do. We provide lots of opportunities for physical activity with many sessions being accompanied by some cheerful singalong music.
We often get out our parachute game with some balls and the bright colours always add smiles to our resident's faces. This activity encourages inclusion, relaxation, and physical activity, as well as mental sharpness as residents hold the parachute and work as a team to try and get the balls in the hole in the middle. The familiar sounds of singalong music help people to feel relaxed and some sing along as they play.
During the lead-up to the coronation event, we played many coronation games. As well as lifting our spirits, these games supported our residents in feeling part of a group, improving their social skills, and promoting physical activity as well as coordination.
Residents were also included in making the selfie station, blowing up balloons and placement of bunting. With the added benefit of being outdoors and enjoying the countryside views, residents felt included in the preparations and we all reminisced about royalty, which has historically been an important part of many of our residents’ lives.
Our highlight was then our Coronation party which we held on the 6th May. We were joined by a well-known local musician duo, David Moss and partner, to entertain residents, families and friends. There was lovely food, refreshments, celebratory cake and prosecco, as we all joined in toasting the new King and Queen.
Residents were all included, whether they were physically present at the party or quietly watching the ceremony in their room or the lounge.
Residents expressed that they felt proud and happy to be part of history. Everyone had a brilliant time at the Coronation party in the rooftop terrace room and we look forward to holding more celebrations for all of those in our community in the future.
