We set a date that would suit everyone at Glenview.
A shopping day was arranged. Lynette, Audrey, Robert and Helen were to go shopping for all the craft equipment we needed to decorate the house ready for the big day. They all went into Hereford and bought items such as crepe paper to make garlands and flags and a table cloth to decorate.
We grow onions in our vegetable patch at Glenview, so Paul, Craig and Angela plaited onions together to make decorations. Helen and David with support from Audrey decorated a table cloth for the patio area, and dining room.
Debbie and Lynnette organised with David, Helen, Paul, Robert and Craig activities to create a French atmosphere. Flags and garlands and the picture board were designed.
We sat over coffee and biscuits to discuss the menu for the big day: breakfast, dinner, and tea. We had a tasting of small dishes of different food types and sampled different cheeses. Lynette had brought magazines in so we could look at photos and pictures to give us some ideas. All the food shopping was bought. It was certainly unusual buying different food types all of which were French orientated, and of course French wine to taste - Yum.
We decorated the living room and the hall, and we decorated the patio area. It was a beautiful day and the sun was shining.
Everyone dressed for the occasion.
We began the day with pan au chocolate, with milky hot chocolate for breakfast. Wow - what a start to the day.
We listened to music and we had a French film "Ratatouille"; the scene was set and everyone was in the mood.
The morning progressed, then lunch... French cheeses, crackers, a French stick, lots of fruit and of course the French wine, which Helen and David especially enjoyed.
What a wonderful atmosphere, what a wonderful day full of Great Interactions between staff and the people who live at Glenview. This was a day that had brought everyone together in its preparation, Paul with his red striped tee-shirt joined in the fun and the atmosphere, and he even tried the wine. Most afternoons Paul likes to spend his time in his bedroom, but not on this day, Paul stayed with us all. Paul has the most infectious laugh and giggle and when Paul laughs we all laugh with him.
And Craig, who on a lot of occasions prefers his company and does not like to be crowded, enjoyed the day supervising the preparation of foods and setting the scene. We had music on in the background, Helen in particular loves music and loves to dance, this day pulled everyone together and a great time was had by all. A little of France came to Ludlow for the day.
Maybe other people will now like to experience France next year? The pictures included are but a few showing the great things we can achieve when we work together. I think on this day creativity was our main facilitation skill, but there was also plenty of warmth, eye contact and positioning, and at the end of the day we reflected on what went well and what we could add to our next theme day.
It didn't end there: to finish the day an evening meal of coq-au-van, that was enjoyed by all. Helen, Robert, Craig, David and Paul had experienced a little of the French culture. French day was a huge success and we are now supporting people to plan our next day - I wonder what it will be.
Beverley Robinson and all the team at Glenview
Head of Service
Glenview
Shropshire
Please find below a link to the new film from the Dementia Special Interest Group (DSIG):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7A7JV2pN_w
The next DSIG meeting is on 7th October in Milton Keynes – if you are interested in attending please contact sarah.nicholson@macintyrecharity to book on. We would love to see you there.