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Recent events:
December has been a very busy month with lots going on……
We had the Beavers from Bisley come to Elmfield on 2nd December to help us put our Christmas tree up and our Christmas decorations. They did a great job! There were a group of about 12 Beavers and their leaders and parent volunteers. We were very grateful to them for their time and for bringing the Christmas spirit to Elmfield!
On 4th December, a small group attended the Christmas tea dance at HG Wells. it was thoroughly enjoyed by the residents and we look forward to the nest one in April.
On the 19th December, Tina from High Kicks and Heels did her Christmas cabaret which was a huge success!
We were very lucky to welcome Jan’s son and daughter- in- law to Elmfield with a couple of their dancing friends to dance in the lounge for all of our residents. The dancing was a delight for our residents and really enjoyed by residents, visitors and staff who were there.
On the 17th December we welcomed the choir from Bisley Church who came to Elmfield to sing Christmas carols for us. Everybody joined in and they covered all of the well- known carols and also some hymns.
On Wednesday 18th December we had a delicious Christmas dinner over at the Hen and Chicks pub. They cooked a wonderful two- course meal and served prosecco. Almost every resident attended which was great and a couple of relatives joined us for our Festive feast.
On Thursday 19th a group of residents went to Guildford cathedral for their annual carol service. It was a well- attended event and was thoroughly enjoyed by those who went.
That afternoon a large group of residents and staff went to the annual Bisley Village Hall Christmas party. The brass band performed a set, there were plenty of refreshments, stalls and lots to see and do. Everyone had a great time!
Friday 20th was our resident’s Christmas party hosted by Graham who sang a range of Christmas songs and golden oldies. There were several visitors which was nice to see. Lots of people were encouraged to sing- along and had a dance. After the performance, Niccii and Dawn provide a buffet consisting of a huge range of nibbles and delicacies.
Drinks were flowing and everyone had a great time. A few early nights were had that evening!
We had a Festive afternoon tea on 23rd December with mince pies and Bailey’s hot chocolate/ coffee winter toddies.
Unfortunately, on Christmas Day, our Father Christmas was ill so Niccii was Santa’s helper distributing presents to all of our residents. Once again, everyone was impressed with their personalized choice of gifts. Upcoming events:
December has been so busy that there has not been much time to think about next month which will be the start of a new decade. Our residents are often amazed when told it is very almost the year 2020!
There will be a ‘Resident and Relatives meeting’ in January as well as our annual Quality Assurance Questionnaires.
Staff have been finding out what residents ‘Three wishes’ are for 2020 to help us determine what we can do to help make these wishes come true.
Staff and resident changes:
Very sadly, Freda Tobutt passed away at the age of 95 years old mid- December. She had unfortunately been unwell for several months and had become very frail. She passed peacefully with her family visiting for prolonged periods. Freda is greatly missed by all at Elmfield.
There have not been any changes to staffing within the home and we are hoping to welcome some new faces in January. …..
Birthdays:
We only had the one birthday to celebrate in December which was Patricia Willis’ on the 18th December. Patricia looks amazing as she turned 87 years of age. Patricia spent much of the day with her family and went out for lunch in Horsell.
Patricia then had a tea party at Elmfield with her friends here.
Our next birthday celebration is not until 01/02/20 but is one worth waiting for as it will be a 100th birthday celebration for Jean Winfield!
Other news:
We are hoping to make some changes to the daily routine so that one member of staff can spend from 2-4pm doing activities every single day without distractions. However, we will need to develop a structured activities agenda as often when staff offer to do activities, nobody wants to do them.
Employee of the month:
Employee of the month for December has been awarded to Samita Thapa Ale who is one of bank staff. Samita has been working full- time hours most of the month. Samita has a wonderful manner with the residents, she has a positive and professional attitude at all times and shows genuine compassion and kindness to our residents. Samita is eager to learn and takes notice of feedback.