☀️ Life at the Home

September has been another lovely month at Old Hastings House, with residents enjoying a good balance of social time, familiar routines and opportunities to spend time together. As summer gradually gave way to the early signs of autumn, there was still plenty of laughter, conversation and activity throughout the home.

Residents enjoyed celebrating several birthdays during the month, creating opportunities to come together and share special moments with friends and staff. We have also continued to make the most of our shared spaces, with residents enjoying conversations over a cup of tea, taking part in activities, listening to music and simply enjoying each other’s company.

It has been wonderful to see the friendly and welcoming atmosphere within the home continue throughout September. Every day brings opportunities for residents to connect, enjoy themselves and create new memories together.

🎨 Activities & Wellbeing

September offered another varied and enjoyable programme of activities, giving residents plenty of opportunities to take part, socialise and enjoy familiar pastimes.

Some of the activities and special moments our residents enjoyed this month included:

• 💇 Fresh Hair Cuts – residents enjoyed some pampering and feeling fresh with a visit from our hairdresser.

• 🎲 Bingo – a favourite social activity bringing plenty of fun, excitement and friendly competition.

• 🌀 Tornado Twirl Stars Hastings – residents enjoyed getting involved with this fun and energetic dance activity.

• 🪑 Gentle Seated Exercises with Ruby – a gentle exercise session encouraging movement and keeping residents active.

• 🎤 Sing Along – residents enjoyed singing along to some favourite songs and sharing the joy of music together.

• 👖 Granny Pants Worn by Michael – a fun and memorable moment that brought plenty of laughter and smiles to the home.

• 👋 Saying Goodbye to Our Work Experience Student – we said a fond goodbye and wished them all the best for the future.

Alongside these activities, residents also enjoyed ball games, quizzes, word games, carpet bowls, arts and crafts, mosaics, card making, knitting and sewing, baking and flower arranging.

There were also opportunities for reminiscence, poetry, current affairs and travel films, as well as gardening, manicures and one-to-one time with staff.

Music continued to be a favourite, with karaoke and a wonderful afternoon of live guitar and singing from Tim.

Residents also enjoyed trips out on the minibus and special social treats, including the Tuck Shop trolley, Fizzy Friday trolley and a fruit platter.

September also included several birthday celebrations, giving everyone the opportunity to come together and share some special moments. It was lovely to see residents choosing activities according to their interests and abilities, with a good balance of group activities, individual time and opportunities simply to relax and enjoy each other’s company.

❤️ Health & Care Updates

Residents continued to receive regular support with their personal care and wellbeing throughout September.

Our chiropodist visited on 10th and 18th September, providing residents with professional foot care. The hairdresser also visited on 2nd and 16th September, giving residents the opportunity to enjoy a fresh haircut and some time for personal pampering.

We continue to focus on providing comfortable, person-centred care and supporting residents to feel well cared for and confident in their daily lives.

🔧 Maintenance within the Home

The fire system upgrade has now been completed in the Suites side of the home. Work on the Main House is planned to take place in October.

We have also started gathering ideas and exploring designs for our new “Heart of the Home” in Magdalen Lounge.

We are looking forward to creating a welcoming and enjoyable space for residents to spend time, take part in activities and socialise together.

👥 Staffing & Community

We were pleased to welcome three new Care Assistants to the Old Hastings House team during September.

We are delighted to have them join us and look forward to them becoming part of our friendly and caring community.

🌻 Looking Ahead

October is set to be another enjoyable month at Old Hastings House, with a variety of activities planned for residents to look forward to.

We will continue with our popular sing-alongs, bingo, quizzes, gentle exercises, arts and crafts, gardening, reminiscence and social activities.

We are also looking forward to more music and entertainment, including karaoke and live guitar and singing with Tim, as well as opportunities for residents to enjoy minibus outings, creative sessions and time together.

Alongside our regular activities, we will continue working on our plans for the new “Heart of the Home” in Magdalen Lounge, gathering ideas and developing the space into somewhere special for residents to enjoy.

💙 Staying in Touch

We always welcome communication with our residents’ families and friends. Your feedback, suggestions and ideas are greatly valued and help us continue to improve the home and ensure that our residents remain at the heart of everything we do.

Thank you to all our residents, families, friends and staff for your continued support, kindness and involvement in the life of Old Hastings House.