Today we moved into Northbourne Care Home!
We were both nervous and unsure about what to expect - just how a new resident would feel when moving in too. We arrived separately with cars packed and ready to give our rooms a spring clean and makeover. Do residents arrive when their room is decorated and possessions are in place? I think we will continue to bring our home comforts each week. Phyllis and Dani (other artists who will be participating in the project) also helped us move in and feel at home. As an added extra we even popped to the shop to buy some plants! You can't beat bringing the outdoors IN to make you feel relaxed!
To get to know the space, the residents and the staff, we spent time in the dining room from around 2pm, planning and thinking about ideas for the remainder of the week. We met a few residents - one who has just arrived at Northbourne who is settling in, one who enjoys singing and reminiscing and others who really thrill from been around other residents and staff members with big smiles. We really got to have a great chat with two inspiring staff members - Robert and Yvonne and they shared their thoughts on their roles and residents with us.
After going down to the kitchens at midday to just double check we were ok to eat with the residents we then ate our first dinner with the residents - right on time, 5pm! Big meals are served at lunch time, so there was a choice of a smaller meal of soup, sandwiches or pasta. Super yummy and a really great way to break down barriers with residents. We sat with the wonderful Joe and Hazel. Afterwards, residents wanted to get back to their rooms so we decided to stretch our legs in Saltwell Park and to discuss our ideas going forward in tomorrow!