Friendships at Longbridge Deverill

There are lovely friendships forming here at Longbridge Deverill Nursing Home in Warminster, as we welcome new residents into the home. Residents have been chatting together and there is a really cheerful, friendly atmosphere pervading the home.

These friendships are made stronger through the activities and events that we hold, as they bring the residents closer together, allowing them to socialise and make memories. It also supports them with both their physical and mental health and contributes to the happy and healthy lifestyle we promote at our care home.

Ladies at the Lavender Farm

Recently, some of the ladies took a trip to a local lavender farm, and this activity proved to be very successful in forming new friendships between residents, as well as providing the therapeutic benefits of walking outdoors and getting some fresh air.

It was also a fantastic sensory experience, as residents walked amongst the lavender plants and was able to touch them and smell the fresh aroma wafting in the air around them. Afterwards, the ladies enjoyed a welcome refreshment before heading home, which was conveniently not a long distance from our nursing home.

This activity evoked conversations and group interaction, as well as caring and consideration of others as they looked out for one another during the activity.

Beach Party Decorations are Underway

Residents have been enjoying the process of making decorations for our upcoming “Beach Party”. We all chatted about the colours used and it prompted reminiscent conversations of visits to the seaside and family holidays in the summertime.

Residents enjoy seeing the progress and working towards an end result, especially when it's something they have all participated in as a group. Residents are also currently seeing the day-to-day progress of the new outdoor decking, and excitedly anticipate the arrival of the days when we can all use this lovely garden space again. 

For the beach party, residents have been involved in choosing songs they would like performed by our visiting singer. Through the choosing process, residents were able to enjoy some time together, singing, dancing, and sharing their favourite songs.

A Fantastic Performance by Sian & Rob

We recently welcomed the wonderful and lovely duo, Sian and Rob who performed some really interactive and fun songs.

Residents sang along and danced to the cheerful music in the lovely venue of our rooftop terrace. It was a wonderful event and we look forward to the next. Families are always welcome to participate and enjoy the activities and entertainment here at Longbridge Deverill Nursing Home too.

A Garden Tea Party

Some lovely recent weather meant a spontaneous group activity of a tea party in the garden, with the sounds of Frank Sinatra, the fresh sunny air, and plenty of tea, coffee, cake and biscuits.

It was such a cheerful and encouraging group interaction as the residents spent time having conversations about the gardens of the home, the weather and nature. Not only was this a great social activity, but it also provided sensory and therapeutic benefits.

Community Events

Residents are encouraged to participate in community events here at Longbridge Deverill Nursing Home. Residents have spent time doing arts and up-cycling as entries for a competition held at a local flower show this coming weekend.

When it comes to our regular arts & crafts sessions, residents have been busying themselves with mixed media artworks as well as decoupage onto glass jars to make into vases. This activity involves creative thinking and also helps improve the low muscle tone of the hands and fingers.

Residents always express amazement at the finished product, and experience a great sense of achievement in also participating in the competition. This is an annual event held at the nearby pub grounds.

We have planned for the residents to get involved and attend the flower show this weekend. It will be a fantastic opportunity for them to see their creations displayed, enjoy a social outing and mingle with members of the community.

Another monthly activity that we host to encourage a sense of community is our visit to the coffee morning held at The George Inn. Here, residents get involved in friendly chats and sip on coffee or tea and, weather permitting, feed the ducks in the garden lake.

A regular Vicar service is also held at Longbridge Deverill Nursing Home on the second Wednesday of each month. Residents who accept the offer to participate, gather together. Here the vicar says prayers, we all sing hymns and residents receive a blessing and Holy Communion if they so choose.

Personal Shopping

Who doesn’t like getting new clothes? We recently planned a “personal shopping” activity for our residents which proved enjoyable and successful as residents accepted the offer to go shopping and choose some items of clothing new for their wardrobe.

Residents felt part of the community; walking in the town, and gaining a sense of emotional and physical wellbeing as they chose garments and paid for them independently.

Pub Afternoon

We recently held a “pub afternoon” in the Sky Bar, with singalong pub music, ball games and skittles, whilst residents sipped on refreshments of their choice. This activity supported the friendships in our home, as they all got together as a group and enjoyed some relaxed competition.

Offering an Inclusive Lifestyle

All residents are encouraged and invited to join in activities, but for some who are unable or unwilling to participate, we visit them in their rooms and do one-to-one activities like poetry reading, short story reading, colouring, reminiscence with their photos and albums, catch-up chats with refreshments, or anything else they wish to do.

Between and alongside the activities, there is always time for rest and relaxation. Residents enjoy chatting or reading magazines and newspapers. This is a time for catching up with the latest news about current affairs or celebrities and their glamorous lifestyles, or the latest on the famous royal family. Some residents enjoy relaxing in bed whilst listening to their personal choice of music on a quality sound system.

At Longbridge Deverill Nursing Home, we do all that we can to foster friendships and maintain independence. We go to great lengths to ensure residents are able to take part in activities and lead the lifestyle the want to, whether that's in the comfort of our home, or in the local community, whether on their own or with their friends. Our residents can rely on us to support them with their overall wellbeing.