Recreation
Recreation opportunities and Activities you can expect at CareChoice Macroom:
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 we offer activities for both groups and individuals.
The Activity Leaders in CareChoice Macroom are Denise O'Connor and Mary Curtin. Together with the Director of Recreation for CareChoice Limited Clodagh Whelan, and the wider team at Macroom she delivers group activities and one to one sessions. Denise is particularly interested in assisting residents to maintaing their skills and hobbies and to that end has both a knitting and baking group.She is an excellent communicator and also works on the Life Story Project at CareChoice Macroom.
Mary is passionate about our residents having an opportunity to get out of the house and maintain their links with the local community. With this in mind she organises weekly trips out and about.
Ceol agus Craic
Our musical afternoons are very popular. There is an excellent selection of songs and encouragement for those who are able, to dance. During the sessions we sometimes use percussion instruments allowing everyone to get creative.
Film Afternoons
CareChoice Macroom has a large widescreen television on which to show films. We enjoy old musicals and westerns as well as modern movies. Our residents particularly enjoy our selection of films about old times such as those featuring thrashing, Cork Butter Market and local history.
Outings
It is important to the CareChoice team that CareChoice residents become part of the community. Therefore outings are organised regularly. We have been to see Daniel O’Donnell, to the Castle Hotel for afternoon tea, a football match in Pairc Ui Chaoimh and to Killarney.
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 and offer one to one sessions. These weekly sessions offer safe chair based fitness classes to the CareChoice residents and are very popular.
Older People in Dance
These sessions are run by Macroom local Eileen O’Dea. The focus is on creative movement and enjoying the music. Older People in Dance is a joint intiative between the HSE and the Institute of Choroeography and Dance.
Prayer Groups
We are very lucky to have volunteers who facilitate two prayer groups weekly in CareChoice Macroom. Our residents spiritual needs are also looked after by Eileen, and the residents themselves say the Rosary daily.
Mass
Weekly mass takes place each week, we are lucky enough to have a relationship with two priests who together with our staff and volunteers ensure our residents needs are well cared for.
CareChoice Olympics
This June saw the third CareChoice Olympics in Macroom 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. One of the most popular events this year was the penalty shoot out!
Macroom's Got Talent
This talent competition for our staff is judged by residents. It provides a great afternoon of entertainment for our residents and their family and friends.Our Caretaker Ivan Kerestez was crowned Macroom Idol 2008 after he wowed the crowd with his traditional Hungarian dancing.In 2009 we had Macroom's Got Talent which was won by four staff members recreating the infamous Village People number YMCA!
Spa Macroom
This is an opportunity for soothing hand massage which has proved popular with the Macroom residents, it is both stimulating and relaxing and a nice opportunity to be pampered. We also offer manicures.
Gardening
The Macroom residents are keen gardeners, this year we have grown cabbage, lettuce and many herbs (much to the delight of the kitchen team). The residents also maintain many window boxes and indoor plants.
Classical Music Club
The Macroom Classical Music 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 and tarts however it is the homemade scones that have proved a real hit!
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