The importance of remaining social
This Starts at Home day we take a look back at how we remained social during restrictions and forward to a busier social calendar ahead.
From quizzes to aerobics, social distancing didn’t mean being unsociable at our retirement schemes throughout recent lockdowns.
Looking back across Wrekin, in a variety of housing and care settings, colleagues and residents had to find resourceful ways to stay active and inject some fun into their new daily routines.
Sharon Wakeling, Service Manager at Withywood in Shrewsbury said, “We had to adapt to interacting with everyone differently from colleagues to residents. We stayed positive and worked together to find new ways of socialising with our residents.
Our game show ‘nice two metre, two metre nice’ was based on the Generation game and was a real hit. We loaded a trolley with a selection of items and walk down the corridor past the windows and doors. The person who remembered the most items won! It’s simple but fun and that’s what everyone needed at the moment.”
Residents are now able to get back to enjoying favourite pastimes which are varied and include curling, games and coffee afternoons. Sharon continues, “From Pimm’s to knit and natter I’m proud of our vibrant and active community.”
At The Coppice in Bicton during early restrictions residents completed the length of a double marathon in just one week. Together residents aged between 69 and 90 walked the grounds of the building, walking an impressive 54 miles.
Julie Richards, Activities coordinator at The Coppice explains; “All of our residents get involved – we had to minimise socialising for a time but we are building up our activities again while keeping everyone safe.”
The Retirement Living gardening competition has this year resumed and with almost 100 entries from individuals and groups across our schemes its return has been welcomed.
Katrina Pooler, Events Coordinator says; “We’re always thrilled with the standard of entries and this year has been fantastic. It’s brilliant to see everyone getting involved and making beautiful displays. Although we can’t all get together at once, we are celebrating everyone’s successes with a small prize and enjoying afternoon tea treats.”
#StartsAtHome
3rd September 2021