Recreation
Recreation opportunities and Activities you can expect at CareChoice Ballynoe:
Overview
The philosophy behind the Recreation programme is that a residents’ social life should not cease simply because they have moved to long term care, the programme is fun and collaborative and looks at the leisure needs of each person as an individual. We are happy to cater for any interests our residents may have and to this end the Director of Recreation, Clodagh Whelan has designed an activity programme for groups and individuals.
The Activity Leaders in CareChoice Ballynoe are Anna Kinihan and Noelle Twohig. Anna has worked at Ballynoe for nearly ten years and as well as experience brings immense kindness and a genuine concern for the recreation needs of our residents to the role. Anna can be found playing pitch and putt in the Activity Room or strolling in the garden having a chat as well as facilitating the larger activities in our bright Day Room.
Noelle joined the team in January 2010 and has brought a real sense of fun to the programme. She facilitates the Ballynoe Bar each Saturday and treats our residents to regular hand massage and manicures as part of Spa Ballynoe.
Music Sessions
Our musical afternoons with musician Finbarr Ahern are very popular. Finbarr plays an excellent selection of songs and encourages those who are able to dance. During Finbarr’s sessions we also use percussion instruments allowing everyone to get creative.
Film Afternoons
CareChoice Ballynoe is lucky enough to have a large widescreen television on which to show films. We enjoy old musicals and westerns as well as modern movies.
Fit for Life
Fit for Life provides an integration of exercise and therapies that can benefit anyone who wishes or needs to improve their quality of life. The leaders cater for individuals of all levels of capabilities where ‘independence' can relate to a wide range of goal setting. These weekly sessions offer safe chair based fitness classes to the CareChoice residents and are very popular.
Outings
It is important to the Recreation team that CareChoice residents become part of the community. Therefore outings are organised regularly. We have been to Blackpool Shopping Centre a number of times as well as The Opera House and the Fox and Hounds Pub in Ballyvolane. We are also regulars at the Gramaphone Society in Hollyhill Library
Board Games
Many of our residents enjoy jenga, scrabble, chess and other games.
Card Groups
The residents of CareChoice Ballynoe are keen card players and especially enjoy 45.
Bridge Group
We have a weekly bridge group in the small sitting room in Ballynoe, games are taken seriously and it is a very enjoyable activity for those residents who played bridge before coming to live at CareChoice Ballynoe.
Sonas Sessions
The weekly Sonas aPc programme is very popular. It caters specifically for residents whose communication is impaired and provides sensory social and cognative stimulation.
Library Trolley
The Library Trolley is run by our Senior Receptionist fortnightly. As well as books from Mayfield Library we have a selection of magazines.
Mass etc.
The spiritual life of residents in Ballynoe is well looked after. We have Catholic mass each First Friday and also every third Thursday. Anna our Activity Leader runs regular prayer sessions and the residents also say the Rosary daily. We also cater for residents of other faiths.
Quizzes
We have both musical and general knowledge quizzes in the day room in Ballynoe.
Bingo
The residents of Ballynoe are keen bingo players and as a result there many bingo sessions each week. The game is played in the Day Room and there is an air of anticipation as the game goes on and players are waiting on one or two numbers to call full house!
Reminiscence Sessions
Sometimes these sessions are planned but often they are spontaneous, we chat about the past and may use props such as old photographs, music, tools or books.
CareChoice Olympics
This July saw the third CareChoice Olympics in Ballynoe in association with Fit for Life. It is an opportunity to try new sports or indeed return to old favourites such as rings and bowling. The seated volleyball was particularly popular this year.
Ballynoe Idol
Ballynoe Idol is a singing competition for our staff, judged by residents. It provides a great afternoon of entertainment for our residents and their family and friends.
Ladies Coffee
The monthly ladies coffee morning is very popular at CareChoice Ballynoe. It is a wonderful opportunity for our ladies to get together for a chat and enjoy home baking on fine china.
Gardening
The Ballynoe residents are keen gardeners, this year we have grown cabbage, lettuce and onions. The residents also maintain many window boxes and indoor plants.
Opera Club
The monthly Ballynoe Opera Club is proving a real hit. Residents get together in the Activities Room to enjoy some old favourites and relax.
Baking
Residents are very much enjoying the regular baking sessions. We make bread, cakes, tarts and scones but the iced queen cakes have proved to be a real favourite.
The Ballynoe Bar
The Ballynoe Bar opens every Saturday. It is our inhouse pub where residents can enjoy a drink and a chat and recreate that pub atmosphere!
