Rocking around the Christmas tree
The gift of Christmas trees to a specialist dementia care home in Wellington has sparked a lot of enthusiasm for the upcoming festivities among residents.
The two trees, which arrived courtesy of Langford Lakes Christmas Tree Farm, are now standing in the gardens of Camelot House and Lodge, in a spot close to the buildings where they can be viewed by residents through the lounge windows.
Activities co-ordinator, Richard Dempslake, said: “We were just delighted to receive these trees as an early Christmas present and we are thankful to the good folk at Langford Lakes.
“They are both lovely sturdy Nordman Fir trees which will withstand the wintery weather and be so beautiful to look out at.
“Staff and residents alike thoroughly enjoyed decorating them, and being able to see all their lights glowing through the darkness is making us all feel very Christmassy.”
Residents are also enjoying an engaging schedule of activities throughout December, including a visit from Wellington parish church, and many traditional creative activities that take people back to familiar pleasures they enjoyed in their younger years, such as making Christmas cards, wreaths and baubles, and decorating gingerbread.
Richard Dempslake said: “Music, which can play such an important role in the lives of people with dementia, is something we make the most of all year round but Christmas, of course, offers us the opportunity to join in with all the old festive favourites.
“We are enjoying socially distanced visits from regular performers Rodney and Kelvin, as well as local saxophonist, Jeremy Huggett, who has been serenading us with seasonal music.
“Plus Christmas karaoke, a nativity, a Christmas market, games and quizzes, lots of delicious food and drink, and – of course – a visit from Santa himself.
“It keeps us on our toes!”
The residents have also enjoyed visits this month from Poppy, a Pets As Therapy dog, and her owner Carole Taylor. Such visits are organised as often as possible because of the great therapeutic value stroking animals and birds is known to have for people living with dementia.
Camelot House and Lodge is run by award-winning specialist dementia care provider Camelot Care which has other homes in Bridgwater and Plymouth. See www.camelotcare.co.uk
