ST PATRICK’S DAY – NOT JUST TOP O’ THE MORNING, BUT AN ALTOGETHER TOP DAY

Residents and staff at Avalon really pushed the boat out for St Patrick’s Day: decorating the lounge with colourful banners and the Irish flag, and then taking part in a lovely dance and a singalong. In the afternoon there was celebratory wine or cider for those who fancied it.

We have a lot of fun with residents at all our homes, and try and make the most of any special theme days they are interested in. All the traditional occasions are marked – Christmas, Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day etc – and we celebrate other days which are becoming more familiar such as Eid and Diwali, especially if they have cultural significance for our residents or staff.

And then there’s May Day, Bonfire Night, Burns Night, Pancake Day and more. National theme days are another great excuse for a celebration: World Book Day, National Fish and Chip Day, World Chocolate Day, National Dog Day, National Cinema Day, National Poetry Day, Emergency Services Day…. the opportunities are endless.

These events, and others like them, give us the chance to organise engaging activities for our residents, often giving a traditional favourite activity an interesting new slant. Hats off to all the colleagues who make this possible: activities teams (obviously) and also kitchen staff who frequently provide themed snacks and meals to  enhance the day, and our healthcare assistants and other colleagues who support residents in taking part.