Recreation
Recreation opportunities and Activities you can expect at CareChoice Dungarvan:
Overview
The philosophy behind the activity programme is that a residents’ social life should not cease simply because they have moved to long term care, the activity 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 we have designed an activity programme for both groups and individuals.
The Activity Leaders at CareChoice Dungarvan are Leona Stapleton and Brigid Daly. Together with the Director of Recreation for CareChoice Limited Clodagh Whelan, and the wider team at Dungarvan they provide both stimulating activity and one to one sessions.
Leona has a particular interest in physical activity having completed the Activity in Care training at Waterford Institute of Technology. She runs a successful bowling league and takes advantage of the beautiful grounds in Dungarvan organising regular gardening sessions and walks. Brigid is passionate about integrating CareChoice Dungarvan into the local community.She keeps our residents up to date with local news and organises regular trips out of the house.
Coffee Mornings, Discussion Groups, Newspaper readings
We discuss many topics, recently we have talked about, modern courting rituals, religion, politics and we are still talking to each other!!
Outings to local events, shopping centres etc.
It is important to the Recreation team that CareChoice residents become part of the community. Therefore outings are organised regularly. We have been to the local shopping centre, the Flower Show and the local cinema to see Mama Mia.
We regularly go for afternoon tea in Lismore, Ardmore and Clonea.
Musical afternoons/evenings
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.
We also welcome other local musicians to play a variety of music including traditional Irish tunes.
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.There is also an opportunity for residents to recieve one to one exercise sessions.
“Spa Dungarvan”
Spa Dungarvan is a weekly opportunity for our residents to relax in a tranquil environment and receive hand massage, manicures and other treatments. It takes place in the Conservatory complete with aromatherapy candles and soothing music.
Arts and crafts
The residents have many creative opportunities such as card making, painting and working with clay.
Bingo
The weekly game of bingo is always lively with hotly contested prizes.
Board Games
Many of our residents enjoy jenga, scrabble, chess and other games.
Library Trolley
The Library Trolley visits on a weekly basis. As well as a large selection of books we have magazines.
CareChoice Olympics
This June saw the third annual CareChoice Olympics in Dungarvan in association with Fit for Life. It is an opportunity for residents to try new sports or indeed return to old favourites such as rings and bowling.
Dungarvan Idol
Dungarvan Idol is a talent competition for staff, judged by residents.
In 2008 Care Assistant Jayne O'Regan was crowned Dungarvan Idol with her rendition of 'Send in the Clowns'. The 2009 competition saw Jayne defend her title but she had to be content with sharing the number one spot with Admin Manager Kay Grant.Last year Care Assistant Philip was victorious and plans on defending his title so the 2011 competition will be tough indeed!
Mass
There is a weekly Catholic mass each Sunday and the residents also pray as a group saying the Rosary and other prayers. We also cater for residents of other faiths.
Gardening
The Ballynoe residents are keen gardeners, they maintain our raised beds,many window boxes and indoor plants.
Baking
Residents are very much enjoying the regular baking sessions. We make scones, cakes and bread but it is the homemade apple tarts that are proving a real favourite!
|