Sally, an Activities Coordinator at Spencer Court, Woodstock, joined the Trust in 2015 and has held the role for the last four years. Sally shares the role with Angela, who works as an Activities Coordinator for one day and a carer for three days each week. They work together with a common goal: to improve residents’ day to day lives.

Sally prides herself on being able to help a resident who is feeling low or struggling to cope with dementia through including them in group or one to one activities. Sally said: “Joining in activities helps residents to lead a full and active life in the care home.”

Activities are designed to take account of residents differing abilities and Sally encourages everyone to work as a team and contribute with support from others. Events are carefully planned, such as a minibus trip around local routes which are familiar to residents and encourage them to reminisce. A singalong is also a popular activity.

Residents who are not able, or prefer not, to join group activities can enjoy one to one conversations with Sally and Angela. Activities may be looking at old photos, playing a favourite piece of music or taking the arts and crafts trolley to their room.

Sally also arranges for the regular PAT dog, Gilbert to visit, and she encourages family members to bring their dogs in as these interactions benefit residents’ wellbeing.

Connecting Communities

Spencer Court has good connections with the local community in Woodstock. Recently residents attended a local social club where they enjoyed catching up with local friends.

Sally said: “Residents enjoyed meeting friends as well as having a singalong, which always has a positive reaction from all involved regardless of ability.

“Blenheim Palace have been very kind, giving us free days out, special tours of the Palace and donations for our garden. One of our residents worked at Blenheim as a tour guide for many years. We’ve put photos into a folder so she can relive her memories of time at the Palace.”

Another resident at Spencer Court, Jo, worked at the local museum for 40 years and often goes to its coffee shop to meet with friends and family.

The home has connections with many local groups who come to visit. These include the Woodstock Under Fives group, local Brownies and Rainbow groups and Appleton Primary School.

Other activities involve music and singing. Residents enjoy sessions from volunteers Milla and Clare, from Let’s Sing, who bring musical instruments and lead movement and singing to music. Another group, Constella, a company of professional entertainers such as piano players, violinists and sopranos offer free online entertainment for residents every fortnight. Sally said: “The interaction between performers and residents is wonderful, especially when we can see residents moving their feet move along to the music.

Penguins visit Spencer Court

One of Sally’s favourite events in the home was a visit from some penguins. She said: “My favourite activity was when some penguins visited our home. The reaction from residents was amazing. When stroking the penguins, their looks of absolute amazement and wonder were priceless. We often talk about it and look at our photos to bring back those special feelings and memories.”