By Arusha Perry-Thorne

I start the day by entering the home and receiving lots of waves from my colleagues and the residents as I deliver them their papers.

Our residents enjoy a variety of activities and on this particular day, we organised some trips out in our Dove Bug which we always offer to all our residents. I was joined by Mary and George who enjoyed a trip around Axmouth and Seaton. We stopped at a bench to enjoy the view over Seaton whilst watching the waves crash on the beach. We had a little natter whilst we sat in the sun and read the newspaper.

When we arrived back home, Mary spotted some yellow flowers which she loved the look of. Mary said, "I must pick one and wear it". As we walked back through the home, I noticed some residents sat in the lounge, so we joined them and discussed which music they would like to listen to. They were all happy with the idea of some country music and once it began, there was lots of head bobbing and toe tapping throughout!

I then spent some time with another lady who wasn't feeling up for doing much today, so we sat and had a one-to-one chat about the lovely weather while she sipped her tea! A facial and hand massage was then given to another lady who really enjoyed this. She had a big, glowing smile on her face throughout and ended up feeling very sleepy and content once it had finished.

I then went back into the lounge and I offered a number of residents the opportunity to help carry out some sausage roll making. Betty and Mary were very happy to take on this role! They both chatted as they created a delicious supper for the other residents. As this was going on, one of our gentlemen, Paddy, who really loves motorbikes was able to watch some past footage of an event at Exeter Speedway. He clapped his hands and had a giant smile on his face for the whole show!

Before I know it, it's nearly lunchtime (time flies when you're having fun!!). One of our ladies used to help out at care homes, doing morning coffees and lunches. So, when she feels up to it, she loves to help set the tables up at lunch. She always lays them wonderfully and today was no exception!

After lunch I visited Margaret who likes to spend time in her room. We had a chat about how we went for lunch at the pub the other day and how much she enjoyed it. Margaret said, "I can't wait to go again!" Margaret then showed me her plants, which led us on to Margaret telling me lots of interesting facts about plants and flowers. I then went to visit another resident, Eileen. I played some music and held her hand, she lent in for a cuddle with a smile on her face!

The sun was shining so George and Mary sat outside, I offered them a foot spa in the garden, to which they said "yes!!!" without any hesitation. As we began filling up the paddling pool, they dipped their toes in and splashed them them around. We then did some arms and legs exercises to get in some extra movement.

Janet tapped her feet and enjoyed a hand massage while she listening to some of her favourite music. Sue loves classical music, so we played some of her beloved songs whilst we sat together and counted the birds in the courtyard.

Our residents enjoy lots of other activities, such as flower arranging, armchair exercises, balloon volleyball, chair drumming, bus trips out, quizzes, knitting, baking and so much more. Each resident is always offered the chance to take part, if not, we will always try our best to find something that they would enjoy doing instead, even if it's as simple as making them a cup of tea, putting music on and providing some friendly company.

This was just on one day, in a life as an Activity Support Worker. It gives me great joy and satisfaction to know I bring lots of fun and laughter to our residents, all year round.

Doveleigh Care is a care home company based in East Devon. Each of Doveleigh Care's three care homes located in Sidmouth, Seaton and Colyton are rated 'Outstanding' by the Care Quality Commission. They have also won numerous awards in recent years, including 'National Care Home Group of the Year' in 2017. Doveleigh Care has also been rated one of the "Top Twenty" care home providers in the whole country by reviews on the website carehome.co.uk for seven years in a row.

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