Nursing Home Celebrates Diwali, The Festival of Lights

Hatherleigh Nursing Home in Okehampton, Devon, celebrated Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, with a day dedicated to culture, cuisine, and community.

The home, which supports individuals on a cognitive journey, marked the occasion with traditional food, music, dancing, and colourful decorations. Team members from the Hindu community shared their culture with family members (residents) and colleagues, creating an inclusive and engaging experience for everyone.

Members of the kitchen team, Gurjeet and Jisho, prepared a delicious menu of traditional Indian dishes, including sweet and sour cauliflower, beef curry with vegetable rice, chickpea curry, and vermicelli pudding — all of which were enjoyed by everyone.

The team transformed the dining room and lounge with colourful decorations and lights, creating a welcoming and immersive space where family members, team members, and visitors could come together. Everyone enjoyed watching a traditional Hindu dance performance by a team member, while others came in on their day off and brought their children along, adding an intergenerational element to the celebration.

The Devon Nursing Home said “We’re proud to have such a diverse team and to share in the spirit of Diwali - a time of light, renewal and community. Wishing happiness and peace to all who mark the occasion.”

If you would like to learn more about Hatherleigh Nursing Home, please visit https://www.hatherleighnursinghome.com/lifes-journey-continued/

A Birthday to Remember: John’s Lifelong Dream Comes True at Ilfracombe Harbour

Recently, one of the residents (fondly known as family members) at Edenmore Nursing Home, John Baker, celebrated his birthday with an outing to Ilfracombe Harbour. Joined by a close friend and fellow family member, Pamela Baines, John spent the day soaking up the sights of the Quay, admiring the iconic Verity statue, and – most excitingly – fulfilling a lifelong dream: seeing a full-sized lifeboat up close.

A boat enthusiast, John was thrilled to visit the impressive vessel at the RNLI Ilfracombe Lifeboat Station. The lifeboat crew gave him an informative tour, explaining the many ropes and knots required in their work, and even letting him try on one of their safety helmets.

To mark the occasion, the crew presented John and Pamela with a commemorative plaque - a thoughtful gesture that touched John deeply. Afterwards, the pair spent a relaxed afternoon watching the boats come and go from the harbour, enjoying ice creams in the seaside air.

Back at Edenmore, John couldn’t wait to share his adventure with team members and fellow family members, encouraging everyone to visit the harbour themselves and telling them, ‘I’ll never forget that day’. Gayle Cooper, home manager, shared, ‘he hasn’t stopped talking about the day since.’ The lifeboat crew has now been invited to Edenmore Nursing Home to give a talk on lifesaving at sea.

Edenmore Nursing Home is a Devon Nursing Home located close to Ilfracombe town centre in North Devon, with costal views. The home supports individuals who require Nursing and Dementia Care. 

To find out more about the home, please visit https://www.edenmorenursinghome.com/

Sundial Care Home Hosts Coffee Morning in Support of Hospice Care

Sundial Care Home located near Sidmouth, Devon recently held a coffee morning in support of Hospice Care. The coffee morning created a warm, relaxed atmosphere in the home, filled with conversation over cake and community!

Hospice Care previously supported the care home by attending their Summer Fair with a popular tombola stall, and this coffee morning offered a wonderful opportunity to return and show support for each other, strengthening connections within the care community.

Sundial’s kitchen team baked a rich coffee and walnut cake, and a classic Victoria sponge with whipped cream and fresh raspberries picked straight from the care home’s gardens, where the gardening club has been busy growing a variety of fruit and vegetables.

Team members and volunteers at the home supported family members (residents) to join in conversations in the homes dining area, where a table was laid with a variety of cakes and snacks to choose from along with tea and coffee.

Sundial Care Home continues to strengthen their relationships within their local, and care community. The care home organises an array of events annually, welcoming relatives, members of the community and other local organisations. The homes model of care highlights the importance of human connection, continuing independence and sustaining a strong community presence that creates a true home-from-home environment. The coffee morning with Hospice Care was an example of this ethos, bringing people together to enjoy good company, homemade goods, and meaningful conversation, all while supporting an important local cause.

If you would like to learn more about Sundial Care Home, please visit https://www.sundialcare.com/lifes-journey-continued/