Autumnal Activities Bring Generations Together At Laverstock Care Centre
Connecting with neighbours of all ages is important at Laverstock Care Centre and an opportunity recently arose to bring the local community together at two autumn-themed events.
Pumpkin Painting Brings Colour and Creativity
The team at Laverstock Care Centre is always seeking ways for their residents to interact with the younger generations. Engagement between different age groups benefits both sides: having children visit the care home really energises the residents, and it gives the youngsters valuable experience with those who have lived their lives in different times.
Laverstock Wellbeing Coordinator, Jody, discovered a local group which facilitates a wide range of activities designed to support learning and development through play. Imagine This Early Years and Family Hub were delighted to arrange for families with young children to join residents at Laverstock when they were invited to take part in a Pumpkin Painting session.
Residents’ Interaction ‘Like Borrowing a Grandparent’
The lounge was autumn-themed with a pretty backdrop, accessorised with pumpkins, squash, sunflowers and conkers – all wonderful inspiration for creativity. It was a busy workshop which also included some parents and grandparents, and everyone had great fun, painting with enthusiasm and producing a riot of pumpkin-shaped colour! The session was also an opportunity for guests and residents to chat. One mum explained that she had moved to Salisbury from the USA and has no family around, so it was a welcome opportunity for her son to meet some older people, which she described as being a bit like ‘borrowing a grandparent’.
At the end, each child was given a goodie bag containing crafts and sweets to take home with them. Jody thoroughly enjoyed hosting the activity and said that everyone had a wonderful time. She added, “I loved seeing the interaction between our residents and the children. They all seemed to enjoy each other’s company, I can’t wait to do it all again”. The feeling was mutual and plans are already being made to host a Christmas Crafts session with the Imagine This Early Years and Family Hub.
Bringing the Community Together
Later that day, Laverstock Care Centre continued to bring the community together with the help of three special guests: Sue from Old Sarum and Longhedge Community Pantry, Luisa Speaight - Age UK Wiltshire’s Community Connector for Laverstock & Ford - and Chris Emm, known as Community Chris, from Radio Odstock.
First of all, Sue gave a talk about the Pantry to a group of residents, their families and members of the local community. She explained that it is an independent community hub which aims to offer support to those who need it in a dignified and caring way. One example is helping to ease the pressure for anyone struggling with rising costs, whilst at the same time, helping to reduce food waste. The Pantry is designed to bring the community together so Sue was delighted to accept a generous donation of food and other goods from residents and their families. Everything was beautifully set out as a harvest festival display, very much in keeping with the theme of kindness and thoughtfulness.
Chris then interviewed Sue, alongside Laverstock team members Jody and Emma (the home’s Customer Relationship Manager), and Luisa, who shared how Age UK Wiltshire is working to improve the wellbeing of older people living in the area by offering support, access to information and practical help.
It was a wonderful day where it felt as though the whole community was represented – from excitable, paint-covered children in the morning, to residents, friends, neighbours and local groups doing great work, with Laverstock at the centre, making its mark as a community hub.
A Place to Call Home at Laverstock Care Centre in Salisbury
If you're looking for a care home in Salisbury that feels like home from the moment you walk in, Laverstock Care Centre could be just what you’re seeking. Homely furnished and full of natural light, our care home offers residential, nursing, dementia and palliative care all under one roof. With comfortable lounges and an on-site hair salon, your loved one can relax and feel their best every day.
From the very first visit, families find peace of mind knowing we offer a true home for life, where additional dementia or nursing support can be seamlessly provided when needed.
Call us on 01723 333 788 to book your personal visit.
