Recreation
Recreation opportunities and Activities you can expect at CareChoice Montenotte:
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. Clodagh is passionate about social as well as therapeutic activities and insists that the recreation programme is resident led.
The Activity Leaders at CareChoice Montenotte are Laura Hedderman,Leontia McKeon and Mary Curtin.
Laura is an innovative member of the CareChoice team and has a particular interest in art. Laura uses her skill in this area to allow our residents explore their many creative talents. Laura also has a particular interest in activities to enhance the lives of our residents with dementia.
Mary is passionate about ensuring our residents are part of the local community and this is her focus for 2012. She also runs our very popular weekly Gramaphone Circle.
Leontia is the newest member of the team but brings a wealth of experience of working with older people. She runs our weekly Pub evening and has a real interest in keeping our residents up to date with the world around them. To this end Leontia faciliates discussion groups and newspaper readings.
Men's Pub
Every Monday the men in CareChoice Montenotte meet in one of the Day Rooms to enjoy a pint and a chat about sport or recent events with no women present! They also go to our local, 'The Fox and Hounds' every now and then.
Ladies Cocktails
Once a month we have a ladies cocktails afternoon. The ladies of CareChoice Montenotte meet for a drink and a chat and a chance to discuss certain subjects without men present!
Music Sessions
Our musical afternoons with local musicians are very popular. They play an excellent selection of songs and encourages those who are able to dance. During these sessions we also use percussion instruments allowing everyone to get creative.
Movie Afternoons
CareChoice Montenotte is lucky enough to have a large screen and projector on which to show films. We enjoy old musicals and westerns as well as modern movies such as ‘Somethings Gotta Give’ in which the romantic leads were both in their 60’s!
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. With Fit for Life we also offer one to one personal training sessions and general advice about maintaining mobility.
Outings
It is important to the 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 Crawford Gallery and 'The Fox and Hounds' Pub in Ballyvolane and matches in Pairc Ui Chaoimh.
Board Games
Many of our residents enjoy jenga, scrabble, chess and other games.
Card Groups
We play many games including 45, 110, snap and sevens. There is always healthy competition and reminiscence about card games in the past.
Coffee mornings
Our more lucid ladies meet every Firday morning to discuss many topics, recently we have talked about, modern courting rituals, religion, politics and we are still talking to each other!! As an extra treat we enjoy tea and coffee on fine china and some home baking.
Library Trolley
The Library Trolley visits each floor on a weekly basis. As well as books from Mayfield Library we have a selection of magazines.
Mass etc
The spiritual life of residents in Montenotte is well looked after. We have mass each Sunday and a Healing Service once per month. We also have a prayer group for the Month of November and special preparation for advent and lent. Our purpose built Oratory has beautiful painted stations of the cross and is always available to any resident who wishes to have quiet time. We also cater for residents of other faiths.
Hand Massage
A number of members of our Caring staff haven taken a course in Hand Massage. This soothing and therapeutic treatment is greatly enjoyed by our residents.
Quizzes
Regular quizzes take place in CareChoice Montenotte, we have both musical and general knowledge quizzes.
Reminiscence Sessions/ Discussion Groups
Sometimes these sessions are planned and at other times they are spontaneous, we chat about the past and often use props such as old photographs, music, tools or books.
CareChoice Olympics
This June sees the third annual CareChoice Olympics in Montenotte 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.
Montenotte Idol
Montenotte Idol is a singing competition for our staff, judged by residents and provides a great entertainment for our residents and their family and friends. The first Montenotte Idol saw entries from all the floors including Alternative Abba and the Irish Spice girls! Montenotte Idol 2008 was won by the Carlisle team performing YMCA and the 2009 competition won by our Staff Nurse Elizabeta singing the Shoop Shoop song.
Spa Montenotte
Spa Montenotte is a weekly opportunity for our residents to relax in a tranquil environment and receive hand massage and manicures. It takes place in the Sensory room complete with aromatherapy candles and soothing music.
Gardening
The Montenotte residents are keen gardeners, this year we have grown tomatoes as well as large selection of plants.
Baking
The Montenotte residents are very much enjoying the regular baking sessions. We make scones, cakes, tarts and the bread making has proved a particular favourite.
Housework Hooley
This is an activity created by the team at Montenotte to target residents with dementia who enjoy housework. The familiar routine has a therapeutic affect and offers meaningful activity to our confused residents.
