Magical Christmas Cheer at Bridge House!
A Day to Remember!
What an unforgettable day we had at Bridge House! Our Christmas Fair was a resounding success, brimming with laughter, joy, and incredible holiday spirit. The event brought together residents, families, staff, and community members in a heartwarming celebration that truly captured the essence of the festive season.
## Highlights of the Day
Our incredible team went above and beyond to create a magical experience:
- **Culinary Delights:** Tracey worked her magic in the kitchen, creating a stunning cake arrangement and preparing delicious food that delighted everyone.
- **Festive Entertainment:** Jordan brought humour and fun by dressing as the Grinch while serving up sweet crepes that were an instant hit.
- **Festive Helpers:** Tracey and Chloe embraced the elf spirit, spreading cheer throughout the day.
- **Special Guest:** Rob took on the role of Father Christmas, bringing smiles to residents and visitors alike.
The day was filled with incredible moments:
- Families joined in the fun with amazing costumes
- Nikki and Mica ran a brilliant bar and hosted a Christmas bingo
- Fantastic stalls from our carers and local community members
- An Elvis impersonator who got everyone dancing!
The event concluded with a thrilling raffle, creating the perfect end to a magical day. We're overwhelmed by the love, support, and community spirit shown by everyone involved.
A heartfelt thank you to our amazing team, residents, families, and visitors who made this day so special.
#BridgeHouseChristmas #CommunitySpirit
Whitby Court and Bridge House Care Homes Prioritise Dementia Care Training for Staff
In a significant step towards further enhancing dementia care, staff at Whitby Court Care Home and Bridge House Care Home have successfully completed advanced training provided by the Alzheimer’s Society, the UK’s leading dementia charity renowned for its expertise in dementia support and care.
The initiative focused on equipping care staff with more of the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the complex and sensitive needs of residents living with dementia. The training comprised specialised modules such as Responding to Distressed Behaviour, Understanding Dementia & Delirium/Improving Communication for People with Dementia, End of Life Care for People with Dementia, and a Train the Trainer course to further promote dementia awareness across the care homes.
Reflecting on the training experience, Sam Taylor-Rose, the Registered Manager of Whitby Court, said:
“It was so good - we all went out of our comfort zones, and each did a presentation to the group of between 5- and 10-minutes. Beth, Chloe, and Kelly did really well as they were also juggling day shifts, so very well done to them. Tracey, the Bridge House Well-Being Manager, supplied us with a buffet lunch and drinks, and those of us from Whitby Court were well looked after. The attendees, a mix of nurses, team leaders, care staff, and home managers, all engaged positively and took away lots of learning.”
Megan, who took on presenting duties during three of the training days, also earned praise for her contributions. Sam added:
“The training staff gave very positive feedback, and they enjoyed learning some new and interesting ways to assist our lovely residents.”
The Alzheimer’s Society’s training programs are widely recognized for their depth and practical application, empowering care staff to provide compassionate, effective, and tailored care at all stages of the dementia journey. These courses not only improve professional skills but also encourage personal growth, enabling caregivers to connect meaningfully with residents and support their well-being.
“Attending courses like these enables our staff members to develop personally and professionally,” Operations Director Josh Fisher explained, “and to provide the most compassionate, effective, and safe care for residents at all stages of the dementia journey.”
The Fisher Care Group remains committed to ongoing professional development and collaboration with organisations like the Alzheimer’s Society to ensure the highest standards of care for residents.
About Alzheimer’s Society
The Alzheimer’s Society is a UK-based charity dedicated to supporting people living with dementia, their families, and carers. Through training, advocacy, and groundbreaking research, the charity strives to create a world where dementia no longer devastates lives. For more information, visit www.alzheimers.org.uk.
An afternoon with the men of Staithes at Whitby Court Care Home
Whitby Court Care Home enjoyed a memorable visit from the Men of Staithes Choir recently! It was an afternoon that residents won’t soon forget. The choir's performance, featuring a blend of traditional shanties and hymns, created a lively atmosphere that had everyone tapping their feet and singing along. The room was filled with music, and both residents and staff were swept up in the energy and charm of the performance.
The Men of Staithes Choir continue the proud tradition of Staithes’ "fisherman’s choir," keeping the history of the coastal village alive through their powerful voices and timeless songs. Residents at Whitby Court thoroughly enjoyed every minute, with many sharing fond memories and stories inspired by the music. It was truly an afternoon of community, music, and delight, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who attended
Bridge House Care Home celebrates an 89th birthday
Here at Bridge House Care Home we love to celebrate birthdays! The milestone ones of course are extra special but every birthday is celebrated so Terrance turning 89 was no exception. Terrance had a fabulous day, made all the more memorable by a beautiful, homemade cake crafted by our talented hostess, Sally. The cake, decorated to perfection, was the highlight of the festivities—apart from Terrance himself, of course!
But it seems the excitement of turning 89 caught up with Terrance, as he was spotted catching a quick nap right in front of his birthday cake! The amusing photo captured the moment perfectly, as the care home's residents and staff shared a laugh, noting that even birthdays can wear you out, especially when they’re filled with so much love and celebration.
Celebrations like these are part of what makes Bridge House Care Home such a vibrant and close-knit community. The staff work tirelessly to ensure that each resident feels celebrated and cared for on their special day.
Butterwick's Alpaca retreat visit Whitby Court Care Home
Butterwick's Alpaca Retreat paid Whitby Court Care Home a visit this summer, bringing along some adorable alpacas and rabbits! The residents were all smiles as these gentle animals wandered in, turning a regular summer day into a heart-warming countryside experience right inside the home!
The visit was part of ongoing initiatives to bring therapeutic benefits to residents through animal interactions. Studies have shown that spending time with animals can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and even improve mood, particularly for older people. For the residents of Whitby Court, this visit was no exception—many shared that the alpacas and rabbits sparked fond memories of the animals they grew up with.
The staff at Whitby Court Care Home were equally thrilled, watching the positive impact the animals had on the residents. Butterwick's Alpaca Retreat, known for their animal therapy programs, was delighted to be part of this special day.
The visit was a huge success, leaving residents with smiles, laughter, and plenty of stories to share. Whitby Court Care Home looks forward to hosting more animal visits in the future, continuing to create special moments like these for their community.
Whitby Court Celebrates 10th Anniversary in Style with Mayor of Whitby
Residents, relatives and friends alongside staff past and present gathered at Whitby Court Care Home to celebrate its 10th anniversary on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024 with a fabulous party. The special event was honoured by the presence of the Mayor of Whitby, Councillor Robert Dalrymple, adding a touch of local prestige to the celebration.
The day was filled with fun and laughter as everyone came together to mark a decade of providing exceptional care to the Whitby community. Guests were treated to a delicious buffet catered by the renowned local bakery Botham’s, known for their delectable offerings. The culinary delights were just the beginning of an afternoon packed with entertainment and surprises.
The festivities included performances by talented local musicians and entertainers who captivated young and old, rounded off by a lively shanty singing session that had everyone joining in with the chorus. The celebration was topped off with a stunning anniversary cake, beautifully crafted by Barbara Baker (life partner of one of the residents) to commemorate the occasion, and a visit from a classic ice cream van that brought back sweet memories for many.
“We are thrilled to have celebrated such a significant milestone with our residents, their families, and the wider Whitby community,” said Samantha Taylor-Rose, Manager of Whitby Court Care Home. “The past 10 years have been an incredible journey, and we are so grateful to everyone who has been part of our story. Saturday’s event was a true reflection of the warmth, care, and joy that Whitby Court is all about.”
Check out our Facebook pages for more photos of the fun!
A summer of Fun at Fisher Care
To help our residents stay cool, hydrated, and entertained, we’ve had a variety of exciting summer activities already this summer including:
- Outdoor Games and Ice Lollies at Whitby Court: Spending time in nature is a wonderful way to relax and enjoy the fresh air. Our gardens are the perfect place to soak up the sun, enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, and engage in gentle gardening activities. Last week residents at Whitby Court enjoyed a few games of dominos outside while staying cool and hydrated with ice lollies. 🍦
- Ice Cream and Fruit Bowl Socials at Bridge House: Nothing says summer like delicious ice cream and hydrating fruit salads, last week Bridge House had a variety of treats around the home where residents gathered to help themselves and socialise.🍉🍑
- Mocktails and 50s Classics at Whitby Court: Bridge House turned back time with an afternoon of mocktails and 50s classics. Good food, great company, and even better music 🎶
- Summer Crafts: Fisher Care residents have been busy over the summer unleashing creativity with fun summer-themed crafts, such as making paper fans, decorating flower pots and painting with watercolours in the garden. 🎨🖼️
- Live Music and Entertainment: Having professional singers visit for the day lifts our spirits and gets us reminiscing, this summer has already been filled with joy and laughter thanks to a fantastic lineup of live performances across Fisher Care. Thanks to the talented musicians we’ve created some unforgettable memories this summer for our residents whilst they tapped their feet and sipped cold beverages. 🍹🎷
We believe that a happy and healthy summer is essential for our residents’ overall well-being.
By prioritising hydration and providing a variety of engaging activities, we strive to create a vibrant and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone at Fisher Care.
Fisher Care Top Tips for Staying Hydrated
- Regular Water Intake: Make sure you have easy access to water throughout the day or other refreshing options like flavoured water or ice cubes to make it more appealing.
- Include Water-Rich Foods in your Diet: Incorporate hydrating foods into meals, such as watermelon, strawberries, cucumbers, and soups.
- Create a Hydrating Environment: Use humidifiers to add moisture to the air, especially in air-conditioned rooms.
1940s Day Celebration is a Resounding Success
Bridge House Care Home was transformed into a nostalgic celebration of the 1940s the first weekend of June, bringing immense joy to residents and guests. The event saw residents from several local care homes come together to enjoy an afternoon of music, dancing, and camaraderie.
The 1940s-themed event featured live performances of wartime classics, a dance floor buzzing with the lively steps of swing dancers, and a selection of traditional treats that delighted all attendees. The care home was beautifully decorated with vintage memorabilia and everyone dressed up, all in all creating an authentic atmosphere that transported everyone back in time.
"It was wonderful to see the smiles and hear the laughter," said Trisha Lavery, Manager of Bridge House Care Home. "Events like this are so important for our residents' well-being, and it's fantastic to see them connect with new friends from other care homes."
One of the highlights of the afternoon was a display of vintage vehicles which prompted many a shared story about residents' own experiences from the 1940s.
"We were thrilled to be invited and our residents had a fantastic time," was the response from the Activity Coordinators of one of the other local homes "These events help foster a sense of community and belonging, which is invaluable."
Bridge House Care Home plans to continue hosting such engaging events, recognizing the positive impact they have on the residents' quality of life. The success of this 1940s day is a testament to the dedication of the staff and the enthusiasm of the residents.
For more information about Bridge House Care Home and their upcoming events, follow our Facebook page!
85-Year-Old Bridge House Care Home Resident Makes a Splash at Colour Run!
After two decades of participating in marathons and raising funds for children's charity, Laura Eccles continues to pursue her passion while living with Alzheimer's.
Laura Eccles, a resident at Bridge House Care Home based in Brighouse West Yorkshire proved that age is just a number last weekend. The 85-year-old stole the show at the Colour Run, whizzing through the course in her decorated wheelchair!
Laura has been a keen marathon runner from the age of 39 when she joined the Halifax Lady Runners, she has an array of medals proudly displayed in her bedroom from across the globe including; The New York Road Runners Club where she ran 26 miles in 1991, the New Zealand Millennium Marathon in 2000 as well as many local medals.
During her 30 years of running, for ever marathon she ran, Laura raised money for Linden Brook respite home for children with special needs. Laura even raised enough money for a mini bus for the children.
After being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2018, Laura sadly had to give up her love of running due to the impact on her mobility and eventually moved into Bridge House Care Home.
With the help of Yvette Oreschinck, Nurse at Bridge House Care Home, Laura was not only able to attend her first marathon in many years, but she was also able to complete it in her wheelchair with her family by her side.
Yvette had the idea when she was looking through Laura’s medals, The Colour Run marathon was approaching for the Forget Me Not charity, a charity that supports families and children across West Yorkshire, a cause that Yvette knew would be close to Laura’s heart.
Laura’s participation wasn't just about personal achievement. She also raised over £500 for the Forget Me Not charity.
Mark Eccles, Laura’s Son say’s “Yvette is a bit of an angel, she’s made such a big difference to my Mum’s life, I’ll never forget what she’s done for her. The day went brilliantly, I asked Mum if this brought back the memories and she said yes with a big smile.”
John Eccles, Laura’s Son say’s “The way Yvette has co-ordinated everything has been nothing short of amazing, she saw Mum’s medals in her bedroom and contacted me with the idea that would bring back happy memories. We will remember this day for a long time
"Laura is an inspiration to us all," said Trish Lavery, Manager at Bridge House Care Home. "She shows that getting older and having Alzheimer’s doesn't mean giving up on your passions.
We're so proud of her for taking on the colour run and raising money for such a worthy cause."
The Forget Me Not Charity has invited Laura to the hospice for Afternoon tea as a thank you for her amazing commitment to raising funds and awareness for the charity.
Historic Milestone: Resident Honoured for 70 Years with the Catenians
On Wednesday, 8th May, Michael, a member of our Bridge House family, was honoured for his remarkable 70-year membership with the Catenians, a respected Catholic group of gentlemen. This special recognition marked a first in the group's history, as Michael became the only member to achieve such a milestone.
The festivities unfolded in the cosy setting of our very own pub, where we hosted a delicious afternoon tea for Michael, his family, and about twenty guests, including fellow Catenian members. The event was not just a celebration of Michael’s dedication but also a heartfelt reunion of friends and family, who came together to honour his lifelong commitment to the group.
During the ceremony, Michael was awarded a medal, certificate, and scroll in recognition of his seven decades of service. These symbols of appreciation were presented amidst smiles and applause, creating a memorable moment for all who attended.
Michael and his daughters expressed how grateful they were to the team at Bridge House for organising such a such a wonderful gathering, which allowed them to share this significant achievement with loved ones. The warmth and happiness of the occasion were palpable, with every attendee feeling part of something truly special.
Michael now proudly displays his awards and medal in his room as a reminder of his dedication and the high regard in which he is held by his community. This visible tribute not only celebrates his 70 years with the Catenians but is also an inspiration to others, demonstrating the impact of commitment and the value of maintaining strong, supportive ties over a lifetime.
Congratulations Michael - it was a privilege to help you celebrate this incredible milestone!