Exmoor Zoo Brings the Wild to Edenmore Nursing Home

Edenmore Nursing Home recently invited Exmoor Zoo into visit their residents (fondly referred to as family members), bringing an incredible array of animals in as part of their educational roadshow.

Portia, the zoo’s educational officer, introduced family members to a Royal Python, Meerkat, Stick Insect, Giant Snail, and Praying Mantis! Now, some may have been scared off by this visit, but not the Edenmore family, and for those who chose took part it was such an incredible social engagement opportunity. The visit encouraged conversation, curiosity, and reminiscence among family members, many of whom have a lifelong love of animals.

A Familiar Connection with Animals

For Alan, animals have always been an important part of life. Having previously owned foxes, the chance to hold and interact with some of the zoo’s creatures brought back fond memories. His daughter, Sue, shared how much these experiences mean to him, reflecting the value of continuing familiar interests and passions in later life.

Bringing Nature Indoors

The presence of animals in the home provides more than just entertainment, it offers comfort, sensory engagement, and opportunities for connection. For those living with a Dementia, engaging with animals can be particularly calming, helping to spark memories and meaningful moments.

Edenmore Nursing Home is committed to ensuring family members have access to inclusive and community focused activities that make everyday life feel familiar and purposeful. Partnering with community organisations like Exmoor Zoo allows family members to engage with the world around them in ways that feel natural, personal, and enjoyable.

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For more about Exmoor Zoo and their educational outreach, visit: Exmoor Zoo Facebook 

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For more about life at Edenmore Nursing Home, visit: www.edenmorenursinghome.com

The Great Sundial Bake Off

Sundial Care Home, which sits in the heart of Tipton St John, Devon, recently held their very own bake off. Team members at the home, tied on their aprons and whipped up a selection of delicious bakes for residents to taste and judge, who the home fondly refer to as “family members”.

Those who chose to participate had their voting slips and pens at the ready as they sampled a piece of each cake. Mikyla Tribble, the homes Administrator, prepared a perfectly glazed banana cake, Sue Smith, Care Assistant, crafted a rich chocolate sponge, decorated with roses and fondant icing, Tina Sutton, a part of the Kitchen Team baked a classic coffee and walnut cake, and finally, Liz Thompson, the home’s Manager, put together a rich chocolate cake decorated with chocolate buttons, which the family members chose to crown as first place winner.

Baking is a skill that many family members have enjoyed throughout their lives, and the bake off provided a fun and familiar experience for them to test the teams baking skills, whilst igniting fond memories through the power of taste and aroma.

The Care Home near Sidmouth, Devon, continues to offer meaningful activities that reflect daily life, provide opportunities that reflect daily life, ensuring those living there remain engaged and connected in ways that feel natural and fulfilling.

To find out more about Sundial Care Home, visit https://www.sundialcare.com/activities-in-care/

St David's Day with Hatherleigh Nursing Home

Hatherleigh Nursing Home near Okehampton, Devon, was filled with the colours, flavours, and sounds of Wales as family members (residents) and team members came together to celebrate St David’s Day. Administrator Tamsin, with the help of family member Alice, carefully arranged daffodil centrepieces for the tables, while hand-crafted napkins, folded into delicate floral shapes, added an extra touch of charm. The dining room was transformed with a vibrant display of red, green, and white, proudly reflecting the colours of the Welsh flag.

No celebration would be complete without traditional Welsh food, and Chef Faye prepared a delicious menu featuring a hearty lamb cawl, a classic Welsh stew, and a comforting bread and butter pudding for dessert. As family members gathered to enjoy their meal, the Welsh Male Voice Choir played on the homes Alexa in the background, adding to the nostalgic and celebratory atmosphere.

The Devon nursing home’s celebration of St David’s Day was not just about the food, but about embracing diversity, sharing traditions, and creating a true sense of community and inclusion within the home.

To find out more about Hatherleigh Nursing Home, visit https://www.hatherleighnursinghome.com/