Harvest Festival with Blacklands
Mountside Care Home recently gathered for a touching Harvest Festival service led by Reverend Rosemary of Blacklands Church, creating a beautiful occasion for reflection, gratitude, and community.
The care home was filled with seasonal decorations, including autumn leaves, and a vibrant display of fruit and cakes. Reverend Rosemary led the service with warmth, sharing messages of gratitude, hope, and reflection that resonated with attendees.
The event celebrated the richness of the autumn season and offered everyone present an opportunity to pause, connect, and give thanks for the abundance surrounding them whilst enjoying traditional hymns and prayers.
“It was a wonderful time to come together as a community and celebrate the harvest season,” shared Annie, Activities Coordinator at Mountside Care Home. “Reverend Rosemary’s heartfelt words brought joy and comfort to everyone. We’re grateful to her and the members of Blacklands Church for making the day so meaningful.”
This special day was a beautiful reminder of the importance of gratitude, connection, and celebrating the seasons together. Thank you to Reverend Rosemary and Blacklands Church for making it an unforgettable gathering at Mountside Care Home!
Luxury Coffee and Cake Morning
Gabriel Court Care Home, Kettering, Northamptonshire – Residents at Gabriel Court Care Home recently enjoyed a delightful change of pace with a luxury coffee and cake morning that brought warmth, indulgence, and smiles to everyone involved.
Swapping their usual tea and biscuits for specialty coffee and a tempting selection of decadent cakes, everyone revelled in the simple pleasure of a delicious treat and relaxed conversation.
The event was set up to create a warm, café-like atmosphere within Gabriel Court, with cosy seating, soft music, and a wonderful display of cakes and pastries. From rich chocolate slices to fluffy cream cakes and classic fruit treats, there was something for every sweet tooth, making it an especially festive and heartwarming morning.
“We enjoyed the break from the everyday, treating ourselves to a little indulgence. It’s moments like these that make life feel special and bring everyone together,” said David Merry, Manager at Gabriel Court Care Home. “We believe in creating memorable experiences, and this luxury coffee and cake morning was just what everyone needed to lift their spirits.”
Everyone appreciated the opportunity to sit back, savour the treats, and chat with friends. The relaxed gathering also provided a wonderful opportunity for staff to join in, strengthening the sense of community and care that Gabriel Court is known for.
Heartfelt Messages Fill the Day
Fairways Care Home celebrated Card Making Day with an outpouring of creativity and joy, transforming paper, pens, and glitter into beautiful, handmade cards for loved ones.
The day-long event gave everyone a chance to reconnect with the art of card-making, reminding all of the simple yet meaningful joy that handmade gestures can bring.
From vibrant drawings to thoughtful messages, hearts and souls went into each card, sharing smiles and laughter as they crafted pieces that would brighten someone’s day.
Staff members assisted throughout the creative process, helping residents choose colours, materials, and designs that expressed their personalities and sentiments.
“We love bringing out everyone’s creative side here at Fairways, and Card Making Day was the perfect chance for our residents to get artistic while thinking of those they hold dear,” said Annie, Activities Coordinator at Fairways Care Home.
The activity was not only fun but also provided a therapeutic outlet, with everyone taking pride in creating something personal and heartfelt. The finished cards will be sent to loved ones, spreading joy beyond Fairways’ walls and reminding family members just how much they’re thought of.
Morris Dancers Mark 100th
The Old Rectory Care Home were treated to a special performance by the Romney Marsh Morris Dancers in celebration of a milestone celebration, Betty's 100th birthday!
The unforgettable performance by the morris dancers brought an extra spark of joy to the festivities, filling the care home with lively music and rhythmic footwork that had everyone clapping and swaying along.
Cheryl Waters, Manager at The Old Rectory Care Home “We wanted to make Betty’s 100th as special as possible, and what better way to do that than by filling the home with laughter, music, and dance. It’s not every day we get to celebrate such a grand milestone.
Betty, surrounded by loved ones and the extended family of The Old Rectory, was visibly moved by the occasion. The day also included a toast to her 100 years, with cheers ringing out and a shared sense of gratitude for the joy she continues to bring to everyone around her.
Cheers to Betty, and here’s to many more joyful days at The Old Rectory Care Home!
Fun Filled Fitness Classes
The Old Rectory Care Home gets moving with fun-filled fitness classes
Residents of The Old Rectory Care Home are staying fit and having fun, thanks to their regular exercise classes designed to encourage gentle movement and boost well-being. These fitness sessions, held in the comfort of the care home, are all about staying active while enjoying time with friends, proving that exercise can be both accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
With a focus on gentle, flowing movements, the classes allow everyone to participate from the comfort of their armchairs. These low-impact exercises are specially designed to promote flexibility, strength, and circulation without putting undue strain on the body—making them perfect for the elderly residents of The Old Rectory.
Exercise is important at any age, and The Old Rectory Care Home is committed to making sure it’s the opportunity to stay active and healthy is there. These gentle fitness classes not only help maintain physical fitness but also support mental well-being, improving mood and reducing feelings of isolation.
The benefits of gentle exercise, especially for older adults, are well-documented. Chair-based movements can help improve posture, enhance joint mobility, and increase muscle strength, all while minimising the risk of injury. Regular exercise also contributes to better cardiovascular health and can help reduce the symptoms of conditions like arthritis.
Art Welcomes Autumn
Fairways Care Home Welcomes Autumn with Mindful Leaf Colouring Session
Fairways Care Home has embraced the arrival of autumn by hosting a unique and mindful colouring session, allowing everyone to connect with the changing season in a peaceful and creative way.
As the season begins to unfold, with crisp mornings and the first hints of amber and gold in the trees, Fairways gathered the season’s colours in leaf patterns. The session aimed to celebrate the essence of autumn – a time for transformation, reflection, and the excitement of witnessing nature's breathtaking display of colours.
The idea behind the colouring session was rooted in mindfulness – a practice that encourages people to be present in the moment, appreciating the world around them. Mindfulness can offer many benefits, including reducing stress, improving mental clarity, and fostering a sense of calm.
Autumn is often seen as a time of reflection, change, and renewal, and this mindful leaf colouring session offered the perfect opportunity for residents to connect with those themes in a meaningful way. For many, it was not just a celebration of the season but a moment to reflect on the passage of time, and the beauty of change.
Day for Wisdom and Reflection
Gabriel Court Care Home Celebrates International Older Persons Day with Wisdom and Reflection
This International Older Persons Day, Gabriel Court Care Home honoured the rich experiences, wisdom, and contributions of its residents by sharing the valuable life lessons they’ve gathered over the years.
The event was a heartwarming celebration, where stories from the elderly were at the forefront, reminding all generations of the importance of learning from those who have come before us.
Residents at Gabriel Court took the opportunity to share their reflections, offering insights that can only come from a lifetime of experience. Their words served as reminders that, in our fast-paced world, the lessons of the past are essential to shaping a better future.
One resident shared:
"Life is full of ups and downs, but the key is to never lose your sense of humour. A good laugh can turn any bad day around." This sage advice, filled with both light-heartedness and depth, served as a reminder that sometimes, perspective and positivity can make all the difference.
Another resident offered a more reflective piece of advice: "Take care of the people you love. In the end, it’s the relationships we’ve built that truly matter." This message resonated deeply with those in attendance, emphasising the power of connection, family, and friendship.
The day not only celebrated older people but also highlighted the importance of honouring and learning from them, ensuring their wisdom carries forward to future generations. Events like International Older Persons Day challenge these barriers, ensuring that the voices of older generations are heard and celebrated.
Words of Wisdom Put Focus on life
Celebrating the Wisdom of Mountside Care Home Residents on International Older Persons Day
On International Older Persons Day, Mountside Care Home took a moment to celebrate the invaluable wisdom of its residents, highlighting the importance of listening to and learning from older generations. In a world that often moves too fast, the words of Jimmy, Anne, and Peggy remind us of timeless values that can strengthen our communities and bring us closer together.
Jimmy’s message is a call for kindness and empathy: “Manners maketh the man! Always remember to be polite and respectful. If you see someone struggling, help them out; one day it could be you.” In a time when we are often caught up in our own busy lives, Jimmy’s words remind us to stay grounded in simple acts of courtesy and to offer support to those in need.
Anne encourages us to slow down and appreciate the world around us: “Just slow down! Don’t rush into anything. Always think things through and appreciate the beauty around you.”
In an era of constant motion, Anne’s advice to pause and reflect is a powerful reminder that taking time to enjoy life’s moments can lead to better decision-making and greater happiness.
Peggy’s message is one of love and acceptance: “We all need to be more accepting of others. Make love, not war.” As the world grapples with conflict and division, Peggy’s call for unity reminds us that understanding and embracing our differences can lead to peace and harmony.
This International Older Persons Day, Mountside Care Home encourages everyone to reflect on these valuable lessons. Let’s carry the messages of kindness, patience, and acceptance into our daily lives, fostering communities where all generations can thrive and make a positive impact.
Mountside's LGBTQ+ inclusion in Sussex World
Sussex World has published news about Mountside Care Home being recognised for LGBTQ+ inclusion.
The Hastings care home has been awarded a prestigious certificate of recognition for its outstanding commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion. The care home has become one of the few in the country to participate in the CIRCLE Project, a national initiative aimed at promoting inclusivity and equality in healthcare settings, specifically for LGBTQ+elders.
As part of the project, Mountside Care Home underwent a thorough review process, including a communications audit, policy evaluation, staff attitude assessment, and staff training. Following this review, the care home implemented a series of recommendations designed to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for its LGBTQ+ residents.
You can read the full story in Sussex World here.
Recognised for LGBTQ+ Inclusion
Mountside Care Home has been awarded a prestigious certificate of recognition for its outstanding commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion. The care home has become one of the few in the country to participate in the CIRCLE Project, a national initiative aimed at promoting inclusivity and equality in healthcare settings, specifically for LGBTQ+elders.
As part of the project, Mountside Care Home underwent a thorough review process, including a communications audit, policy evaluation, staff attitude assessment, and staff training. Following this review, the care home implemented a series of recommendations designed to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for its LGBTQ+ residents.
Lisa, the care home's manager, expressed her pride in the achievement: "None of us should underestimate the importance of the work we are doing in this area and how very few care homes are looking at this issue for their residents. It is our responsibility and our privilege to ensure that everyone feels welcome and respected in our community."
Dr. Jolie R. Keemink, Research Fellow at the Centre for Health Services Studies, University of Kent, praised Mountside’s pioneering efforts: "A very big thank you for joining the project, and for being one of the first care homes showing such strong commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion. You have truly set an example for the rest of the country."
The recognition marks a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to improve inclusivity in care homes, highlighting Mountside’s role as a trailblazer in setting a new standard for the sector.