Days with shape, never regimentation. Lesley, our activities lead, has one job: making sure every resident is engaged, entertained and stimulated — in the way that suits them. Some people want the room buzzing; some want quiet company. Both are catered for here, every day.
Five lounges, five moods
Aldridge Court has five lounges — and that matters more than it sounds. It means there is always a room to match the mood: sociable and lively when you want to feel part of a bigger group, or quiet when you would rather sit with a book. Whatever kind of day someone wants to have, we can cater for it.
The programme
Tea dances and garden afternoons in our grounds. Bingo, quizzes and film evenings. Themed parties through the year. Wine and food tastings. Regular visits from Aldridge Church, with music, hymns and prayers for those who want them. Trips out to the village shops for those who fancy it. And the small daily things that don’t make a programme card but make a day: a walk to the birches, a hand of cards, the crossword done together.
One-to-one, for those who prefer their room
Not everyone wants the lounge, and no one is forgotten in their room. Lesley and the team do one-to-one time every day — a book read aloud, a crossword, favourite music, or simply sitting and holding a hand. That counts as an activity here too.
The visitors with four legs
Carefully selected therapy pets visit regularly — trained, checked and much loved. And every so often, we bring in a donkey. A donkey may sound a strange choice for a nursing home — it is actually one of the most carefully thought-through therapies we offer. Many of our residents live with failing eyesight, and a small animal can be hard to see, let alone enjoy. A donkey is large enough to see clearly and gentle enough to stroke with confidence — and he stands at exactly the right height, so nobody has to bend, reach or strain. What looks like a bit of fun is quietly serious therapy. Though we will admit: the smiles when he walks in are reason enough.
The programme, for everyone to see
Our activities programme is published fortnightly on the notice board for everyone to see, and residents are encouraged to join in. Visitors are welcome at all times — and yes, we will feed you too.