Waterloo House & Avon Lodge - 13 August 2010

Care home set for Wild West hoedown

Cowboys and cowgirls at an Alcester care home will be dusting off their Stetsons in preparation for a special event.
Waterloo Care Home, in Waterloo Road, Bideford-on-Avon, is set to hold a Wild West day on Friday August 13, to celebrate the birthday of sharpshooter Annie Oakley.
Annie, who was born Phoebe Ann Mosey in Ohio, on August 13, 1860, was a talented exhibition shooter who rose to fame by playing a starring role in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show.
To mark the day, residents will dress up in cowboy hats and Native American headdresses for the event and will eat food associated with the Wild West.
The home, part of the Alpha Care Homes group, will be decorated with a Wild West theme and there will be traditional country and western music and dancing.
Jen Clay, the home’s activities coordinator, said: “Everybody at the home is really looking forward to the Wild West event.
“The residents thoroughly enjoy a good sing-a-long and the theme days we have organised in the past have been really successful.”

Waterloo House & Avon Lodge - 21 July 2010

PRUDENCE AND COSMO GET VIP WELCOME

Residents at a Bidford-on-Avon care home have said a warm welcome to Tibetan terriers Prudence and Cosmo, who will now be regular visitors there.
Waterloo House, in Waterloo Road, which is owned by Alpha Care Homes, used to get visits from Merry, a dog from the Pets AsTherapy (PAT) charity.
But Merry retired in April last year – and the residents at Waterloo House had missed their regular contact with a dog since.
Now Prudence, aged six, and three-year-old Cosmo have been volunteered by their owner, Pam Preston, of Redditch, as volunteer therapy dogs – and the residents are making a big fuss of them.
“Waterloo House specialises in dementia care and stroking dogs is not only extremely relaxing for our residents but also brings back memories for them of pets they used to own,” said activities coordinator Jen Clay.
“They love stroking Prudence and Cosmo and letting them jump on their laps.”

Waterloo House & Avon Lodge - 11 May 2010

ARTISTIC FUN AT WATERLOO HOUSE

Residents at an Alcester care home have had fun creating their very own masterpieces - with a little help from a visiting artist.
Visual artist Tim Essex helped residents at Waterloo House, in Bidford on Avon, on Tuesday May 11, to create two colourful, textured collages to enhance their surroundings.
The collages were created using textured and natural materials, including pipe cleaners, corks, fabric, wool, rope and string, as well as pictures, paint and jewellery.
The impressive pieces of art work will be on permanent display at the home, which specialises in residential dementia care and is owned by Alpha Care Homes.
Tim, who is based in Leamington Spa, said: “We used different types of materials to something that is not only pictorial and colourful, but has texture to allow stimulation through touch.”
Activities coordinator Jen Clay said: “The event went really well. Our residents really enjoyed meeting Tim and working with him to create the collages. It was very therapeutic for them and it’s great to have pieces of work they created hanging on our walls. They are very proud of what they achieved.
“We try to encourage our residents to try new activities at Waterloo House, to help them lead as full and active a life as possible.”

Waterloo House & Avon Lodge - 23 March 2010

ACTION-PACKED OPEN DAY FOR CARE HOME

Residents at a Bidford-on-Avon care home are in for some action-packed fun as local people are invited in for an open day.

Waterloo House, in Waterloo Road, is inviting friends and relatives of residents and people from the local community to come along from 2 to 4pm on Thursday March 25th.

Radio presenter and author Steve Brookes, who hosts a weekly horticultural show on BBC Radio Coventry and Warwickshire, will give a gardening talk and sign copies of his work at the event.

Residents will be treated to some pampering, including a foot spa, manicures and pedicures, and traditional afternoon cream tea will be served.

And the home, owned by Alpha Care Homes, will be taking delivery of its new, 6ft square Scrabble set.

Waterloo House manager Laura Silcock said: “We put on regular activities to stimulate our residents and this open day will give a flavour of what is available here.

“We also like to get the local community involved as much as possible.

“I’m looking forward to meeting anyone who wishes to turn up to look around our home and join in all the fun on Thursday.”

Waterloo House & Avon Lodge - 25 February 2010

Care home rolls back the years to mark national event

A musical afternoon featuring old records played on a gramophone is set to entertain residents at a Bidford-on-Avon care home as part of a national day celebrating dignity in care.

Waterloo House Care Home, in Waterloo Road, is set to play a range of music from the 1920s onwards to mark Dignity Action Day on February 25.

The national event is part of the Department of Health’s Dignity in Care campaign, which aims to create a care system where there is zero tolerance of abuse and disrespect of adults.

Residents at Waterloo House are set to be joined on the day by staff, relatives and friends for afternoon tea while listening to a selection of records from years gone by played through a wind-up gramophone.

Laura Coles, care home manager, said: “The government is pushing a big national drive in the healthcare sector to guarantee people who receive care are treated with dignity and Waterloo House is fully behind this campaign.

“We are celebrating Dignity in Action Day because we want to show our commitment to ensuring the residents we look after are treated as individuals, are given choice, control and a sense of purpose in their daily lives and are provided with stimulating activities.

“We have invited Chris Wall of Gramophone Record Memories to bring along his wind-up gramophone and collection of 78 RPM gramophone records so the residents can enjoy an afternoon filled with the music they love, including songs from the music hall, the 1920s and the wartime era.

“It should be a really enjoyable and nostalgic afternoon for everyone at the home.”

Waterloo House & Avon Lodge - 25 January 2010

Care home residents enjoy neeps and tatties on Burns Night

Residents at a Bidford-on-Avon care home marked the life of one of Scotland’s most famous poets with a day of activities.

Waterloo House Care Home, in Waterloo Road, celebrated Burns Night on Monday (JAN 25) with a Scottish themed day.

Residents feasted on a traditional lunch of mince beef, neeps and tatties, followed by a serving of the Scottish dessert, tipsy laird.

Everyone at the home donned tartan hats and ties for the celebrations and listened to bag pipe music.

Laura Silcock, care home manager, said: “All the staff and residents had a great time at our Burns Night celebrations.

“Everyone really got into the spirit of the event by eating a traditional menu and wearing Scottish fancy dress.

“We try to come up with interesting and fun activities for the residents, which is why we decided to mark Burns Night with a special themed day.”

Burns Night is a celebration of the life of Robert Burns, a Scottish poet who was born on January 25 1759.

Waterloo House & Avon Lodge - 10 December 2009

Santa and friends spread Christmas cheer at care home

Santa Claus and his reindeer brought an early Christmas present to residents at a Bidford-on-Avon care home.

Father Christmas, accompanied by two live reindeer and his sleigh, took time out from their festive preparations by paying a visit to Waterloo House Care Home, in Waterloo Road, on December 8.

The reindeer, named Holly and Nicholas, were brought along by the Animal Company.

Residents and staff were joined on the day by the Home Farm Trust, a local charity which supports adults with learning disabilities.

Carina McAuliffe, the home’s activities coordinator, said: “Christmas is a lovely time of year and at Waterloo House we always arrange activities to make sure the residents have an enjoyable time.

“Having Santa visit with his reindeer is about as festive as it gets so it was a really special day for the residents and the Home Farm Trust to enjoy.

“Our residents love interacting with animals and many of them had not seen live reindeer before so it was an extra special treat.

“Waterloo House is a specialist dementia home and we often use pet therapy to help our residents so having reindeer visit put a new twist on this.

“We are always looking to be a part of the wider community in Bidford-on-Avon which is why we have invited the Home Farm Trust to join us for our Christmas celebrations.”

Waterloo House & Avon Lodge - 23 November 2009

RINGING THE CHANGES AT WATERLOO HOUSE

This bright red telephone box definitely rings a bell with residents at Waterloo House Care home in Bidford on Avon.

The authentic, old-fashioned phone booth was custom-made for the home, in Waterloo Road, by Gordon Vernon, of Great Barr, Birmingham, to bring back memories for residents, many of whom have dementia.

Laura Coles, manager of Waterloo House, which is owned by Alpha Care Homes, said: “We are always looking at ways of providing activities and props to help our residents to reminisce as part of their therapy.

“Gordon has done a fabulous job in building the phone box for our garden and we are delighted to have taken delivery of it.”

Gordon is the father-in-law of Pauline Vernon, Peripatetic Assistant for Alpha Care Homes, who used to be manager at Waterloo House, which specialises in dementia care.

The residents are thrilled with the new phone box, which takes pride of place in the home’s memory garden.

Waterloo House & Avon Lodge - 28 September 2009

Care home residents step out and raise cash for Alzheimer’s Society

Residents and staff at an Alcester care home put their best foot forward when they took part in a sponsored walk.

Waterloo House Care Home, in Bidford on Avon, held a memory walk on September 24 to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society – and they brought in £255 for the charity.

Residents were joined by friends, relatives and staff to complete laps of the care home’s garden to pull in the pounds for the charity.

Staff also wore fancy dress to brighten up the event

Laura Silcock, care home manager, said: “The residents and staff at Waterloo House wanted to get involved in the memory walks again this year and, after speaking to the Alzheimer’s Society, we decided to put on our own event at the home so that everyone could take part.

“The event was a great opportunity for friends and family members to get together and have a fun day doing something worthwhile.”

Waterloo House specialises in residential dementia care.

Waterloo House & Avon Lodge - 26 August 2009

Special Training at Waterloo House

Gabby Sanchez of David Baker Funeral Directors hosted a training seminar at Waterloo House Care Home to help staff qualifying for their NVQ certificate and dispel some of the myths surrounding his profession.

Laura Silcock, manager at the home said "we encourage all our staff to attend a wide range of training in order to offer our residents the most professional care and were delighted that Mr Sanchez was able to present this seminar"

Waterloo House & Avon Lodge - 09 July 2009

‘BAD HAIR’, SILLY SOCKS AND PICNICS AT BIDFORD CARE HOME

A Bidford on Avon care home is having a hilarious week, featuring ‘bad hair’, silly socks and a picnic in the park.

The events at Waterloo House and Avon Lodge Care Home, in Waterloo Road, are all part of the Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Awareness Week, running from July 6th to 12th.

The week kicked off on Monday with a ‘Silly Sock Day’, while on Wednesday (8th July) staff and residents teased their tresses into weird and wonderful designs for a Bad Hair Day.

Weather permitting, there will be a ‘Picnic in the Park’ on Friday (July 10th) and other fun includes a rounders match between staff at the home and the Alpha Care Homes group’s regional office and a Dementia Support Evening.

Activities coordinator Sarah Langston said: “Waterloo House specialises in residential dementia care, so it is very fitting that we should do all we can to take part in this special awareness week.

“Providing stimulating and fun activities is a major part of our service to care for people who have dementia.”

Waterloo House & Avon Lodge - 18 May 2009

100 Birthday Celebrations

One of the residents at Waterloo House in Bidford on Avon will be turning 100 years old on Saturday 16th May and to mark this very special occasion the home have organized a day of celebrations and entertainment.

Arthur Prothero is all set to receive the Queens telegram in the morning along with a specially selected party lunch and an afternoon of entertainment from a local singer who will be singing all the war time hits requested by Arthur.

The care home on Waterloo road has been home for Arthur for more than a year. Arthur is an Alcester gentleman originally from Wales, he was a keen gardener in his younger days and worked as a groundsmen in many of the nearby Redditch Schools.

Waterloo House & Avon Lodge - 07 April 2009

Merry says goodbye to residents

Residents at an Alcester care home bid a fond farewell to a furry friend as she called in at the home for the last time.

Merry the dog has been visiting Waterloo House Care Home, in Waterloo Road, Bidford on Avon, for the past six years as part of the ‘Pets As Therapy’ (PAT) programme.

But the 12-year-old Collie mix is now retiring from the project due to ill health. 

Merry, a rescue dog, paid her final visit to the home last week (APRIL 1) when residents were able to say goodbye to their four-legged companion.

Owner Jane Hall said: “Merry has such a lovely temperament that we decided to register her as a PAT dog six years ago.

“She has enjoyed coming to Waterloo House and always gets a fuss off the residents.”

Laura Silcock, care home manager, said: “We were very sad to say goodbye to Merry as all the residents always look forward to seeing her.

“Many of the residents used to have pets of their own so the PAT programme is a way for them to build that emotional bond again and enjoy an animal’s company.

“Everyone at the home would like to thank Merry and Jane for taking the time to come and visit us over the years and we wish Merry a very happy retirement!”

Waterloo House, which is owned by Alpha Care Homes, specialises in residential dementia care.

Another two dogs also visit the home as part of the PAT programme.

Waterloo House & Avon Lodge - 18 March 2009

Irish jig to get care home in St Patrick’s Day spirit

Irish dancers are set to entertain residents at a Bidford-on-Avon care home as part of the home’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations.

Waterloo House Care Home, in Waterloo Road, has organised a range of Irish-themed activities to mark the patron saint’s day.

Residents are set to toast St Patrick’s Day with a glass of Guinness before watching a troupe of Irish dancers perform.

The home will be decorated and staff will dress up in green to get into the spirit of the day.

Laura Silcock, care home manager, said everyone at the home was looking forward to the event.

“We are all hoping to get into the Irish spirit to mark St Patrick’s Day,” she said.

“There will be lots of activities going on at the home throughout the day and the residents are all really looking forward to it. It should be a really fun celebration.”

Waterloo House & Avon Lodge - 28 February 2009

Feast of fun on Pancake Day

Residents and staff at two care homes in South Warwickshire are set to enjoy a flipping good time when they take part in fun-packed events to mark Pancake Day 

Residents at Waterloo House and Avon Lodge Care Home in Waterloo Road, Bidford-on-Avon, will be able to show off their creative streak when they get a chance to decorate pancakes with a choice of fillings.

Meanwhile, Mockley Manor Care Home in Forde Hall Lane in Ullenhall, near Henley-in-Arden, will be pulling out the stops in a pancake race – followed by a live demonstration of pancake making.

Tracey York, Business Development Assistant at Alpha Care Homes, which owns both homes, said: “All the homes across the Alpha Care Homes group decided to take part in Pancake Day fun in their own way. Some homes will be having pancake races. Others will be doing live demonstrations for the residents who will get to decorate their own pancakes.

“Activities are really important at the homes and in every way possible the residents are encouraged to take part, helping with motivation and stimulation, as well as having fun.”

Alpha Care Homes, which is headquartered in Redditch, Worcestershire, and runs 13 homes in the West Midlands and South East, was set up to meet the need for small homely environments where service users could feel safe and comfortable whilst leading as active a life as possible.

The 24-hour care provided by each home is supported by additional services such as GP services, chiropody and aromatherapy.