Babcock Community Care is preparing for the upcoming Christmas celebrations. Staff and Management are very busy. Construction has begun on the building lot located across from the existing nursing home, with a variety of equipment starting to level the lot for the future build.
Residents are assisting activity staff as the Christmas decorations and trees are carefully set up within the building. The postal strike has hindered the card writing program so residents were asked to choose the cards of their choice to personally give to their family and friends. Randy Grey entertained residents at the November birthday party, all decked out in his tuxedo style suit and black patent shoes. Residents requested he sing many of their favourite songs.
David Skipper gave communion to residents of the Catholic faith. Hot chocolate and Walker’s shortbread cookies and other refreshments were enjoyed. Several residents boarded the bus and headed to the dress rehearsal of “Hotbed Hotel” at the Thamesville United Church. The Crossroads Community Players performed in the play. There was lots of laughter and everyone had a great time. The resident chefs gathered in the activity area to whip up their annual gum drop cake.
Music therapy with Bethany Mendonca was held during the week with several in attendance. Mary Lou DePelsmaeker gave communion to residents of the Catholic faith. Everyone participated in Trivia afterwards, while enjoying shortbread cookies and gum drop cake. The women’s club gathered for their requested “breakfast for dinner” meal of egg and French toast with maple syrup. The candy cane art program was a great hit where everyone made a couple of candy cane ornaments to hand out at Christmas. Residents placed their initials on the ornament.
Bingo was held three times during the week with several lucky winners. Residents had a great time when Crystal St. Denis visited and entertained everyone with her musical program. Residents enjoyed the Christmas virtual light tour called “Night of a Million Lights.” They showed beautiful, brilliant Christmas coloured lights while music played in the background. One-on-one visits are appreciated by residents. The tuck shop was set up in the activity area and residents had fun shopping for items they wanted. The Bingo winnings sure come in handy. The mobile tuck cart was taken around to the resident’s bedroom afterwards in case someone was missed.
The Drumfit activity was well attended. The Mocktail party was a huge success. Residents and family members were given a choice of Blueberry crush slushie, pineapple, or pineapple pear drinks. A social hour followed. The resident council and food committee gathered and a discussion followed about all the upcoming December events and special meals. The Christmas tree cupcakes have been ordered for the social on Sunday December 22nd. The gingerbread cookie decorating is scheduled for Monday, December 23rd.
Music Connections with Jess Dickie had the residents divided into two separate groups. They sang several of their favourite Christmas carols. Jeremy Smith entertained residents. They enjoyed his musical program. The Babcock Octapals program is great for residents with hand dexterity issues. This helps strengthen their hands. Christmas music was playing in the background as they followed the routine. The Nu-Step cross trainers are very busy with residents exercising and physiotherapy is given as needed.
The old McDonalds had a farm game was loads of fun. Prizes were given, as well as special treats. The difficult part was they had to wear a blindfold to guess what the animals were by touch. Residents played several games during the week. They included hoya cards, Connect Four, Wheel of Words, word puzzles, shuffleboard, ladder ball and the bubble heads game.
The wine and cheese party was a huge success. There was a variety of cheese, crackers, meats and fruit platters. The non-alcoholic sparkling wines were enjoyed by everyone. Babcock Community Care Centre welcomes Lois Woolner as their newest resident. Deepest sympathy is extended to the family and friends of the late Barbara Driscoll.