Love is a powerful emotion that rocks our world. It brings us joy, lights up our eyes and widens our smiles. It creates magical bonds between us. When we think about love here at Red Homes, we all know that a tiny word encompasses way more than just romance.
With February famed as the month of ‘love’, we have been looking at the many ways our homes are going above and beyond to create a culture of care and kindness every day of the year.
Within our homes, we cherish the connections and the comfort and kindness that exudes from our staff and our families to ensure our residents feel loved and cared for every day. From thoughtful conversations to daily activities and social get-togethers, we are focused on fostering bonds that nurture friendships and create happy memories for our whole community.
Food
“If music be the food of love, play on”, said Shakespeare. Well, we know our residents love their music, but they also really love their food. Therefore, cooking – particularly baking – is a huge part of life across our homes. You will often see us in the kitchen reminiscing over family recipes and traditions and sharing our culinary skills. This month our residents have loved their time with staff baking Queen of Hearts biscuits and chocolate cakes to share with their families and each other.
Our professional kitchen staff delighted us all with their nod to Cupid, as they whipped up the showstopping strawberry-topped chocolate cupcakes to accompany their delicious and nutritious love-inspired meals and treats. We thank them so much for the time they spent to make sure everyone had a personalised iced shortbread for their Valentine’s afternoon tea. You can imagine the smiles all round.
Our Red Roofs staff treat our residents to special ‘Friendship meals’ to celebrate the importance of all relationships. For them, ‘Friendship meals’ are a beautiful reminder that love comes in many forms and that companionship is truly priceless at any age. And it’s the little things that count, even the little heart-shaped chocolates adorning each place setting in the dining room at our Red Court home filled the air with a little bit more love and appreciation.
Activities that make us smile
Our wonderful activity coordinators create bespoke activity plans each month to reflect the interests and desires of our residents. As well as providing opportunities for them to socialise – and to stimulate their minds and physical movement – our activities are designed to bring joy. From day trips to markets, country parks and stately homes to gardening and creative arts at home – not to mention the array of exercise, sports and games – our varied programmes offer something for everyone, whether it is a current pastime or an opportunity to learn a new skill.
Music and dance
There is nothing more uplifting for the soul than the sound of music. Singing plays a huge part in bringing our community together – to reminisce and connect with songs through the ages as well as remembering loved ones and happy memories made. Guest singers fill our halls with songs and laughter regularly, and there isn’t a month that goes by without music and inclusive dancing in many forms, as well as daily sing-a-long moments.
Celebrating our connections
Friendships and family are precious to us all, and all of us at Red Homes Healthcare Group understand the need for our residents to connect in safe and comfortable surroundings. Our ‘Celebration of Life’ events enable families to come together to reflect and share their memories of lost loved ones with staff and fellow residents. It’s a time for us all to remember those who have played such an important part of our community and celebrate the joy, laughter and love that others have brought to our lives. It’s a poignant reminder that we are all unique – and how much all deserve to be loved and treasured for our special qualities and wider impact on the world around us.
