Continuing to love later life

Our locations haven't let the current pandemic stop them from enjoying themselves and caring for one another. Many of our homes have found new, imaginative ways to stay connected whilst still following current guidelines.

Knitting clubs, mega quizzes, multi home Zoom sing-alongs and gardening are some of the lovely activities our residents have taken part in, to not only maintain their own wellbeing but to remain connected to friends and loved ones. Here's a few of the amazing things our colleagues and residents have been doing.
 

Staying connected

Resdients and colleagues at some of our homes have been creating weekly TikTok videos, which have been going viral! Residents at Teal Beck House in Otley have created a series called 'TikTok Fridays' where they sing and dance to their favourite songs. One video achieved an amazing quarter of a million views! Read more here.

Willow Gardens in Yateley held a 'poetry corner' session this week, all themed around Autumn. They read poems aloud from books and created their own with the help of Anchor colleagues.

Not being able to travel hasn't stopped Thomas Henshaw Court in Southport, who organised a virtual tour around Blackpool lights, including refreshments from their bar and a fish and chip supper. Can't go to the seaside without fish and chips!

Several of our homes regularly take part in inter-home events through Zoom. Several homes, including Borrage House in Ripon, take part in a group singalong where residents and colleagues sing together. Daisy Daisy is always a favourite! There is also a weekly 'mega quiz' between an whopping 60+ care homes. They compete for first place and bragging rights as the best quiz team across Anchor Hanover!
 

Outdoor activities

Terry Keen, Anchor resident and our favourite 10 Today ambassador, has not only continued to motivate our residents to stay active but has recently been awarded a British Empire Medl for his unwavering efforts to maintain and improve the health and wellbeing of our older generation during Covid-19. Read more here.

Many of our residents have taken the opportunity to spend more time outside. From simply tidying up flower beds to creating beautiful new floral and welcoming spaces, they have all been very busy. The Firs have been spending extra time in their greenhouse and planting tulips ready for Spring. The fantastic students at Sheffield Wednesday Football Club got stuck in and helped Herries Lodge care home to create a beautiful series of flower beds lining the entrance to the home. Read more here.
 

Gifts, donations and visitors

Many of our homes have received gifts and donations from kind members of the public. Widnes Hall in Widnes received 125 knitted poppies from the Nitter Natttter Group in Spain. The home were thrilled and amazed at the hard work that had gone into creating the beautiful poppies.

8-year-old Jess Nolan visited Oakwood Grange care home in Barnsley, everyday for the past 5 months.She dedicated her time in lockdown to putting a smile on the faces of the residents and staff. A truly selfless girl! You can read the full story here.

Anchor Rose Court in Southwark received beautiful cards, letters and poems from local students at Bacon's Colleage. The residents were overwhelmed at the kind gesture and said it was heartwarming reading their messages.

Our care homes all have Twitter accounts and often share stories like these every day. We've created a handy list of all the Anchor Hanover Twitter pages here for you to enjoy.