Entertainment
Claire Leyman - Lead Activities Coordinator
I have a degree in drama and a masters degree in creative writing. These are useful tools to have, especially when I can utilise them at work. I have lived in Swanage on and off for the last 25 years and joined Clifftop in November 2019 and there are never two days the same. The residents bring such an inspirational amount of wisdom, joy and laughter to my day that it is hard to think of it as ‘work!’ I always value their feedback with any activity I create and this is paramount for when I am planning ahead.
There are many creative individuals in the home which means I am never short of ideas to help keep residents minds and bodies active. A typical day is usually split into two activities where I attempt to encompass a contrast with the morning and afternoon sessions. A lot of the time it is essential to think outside the box and occasionally think on my feet. We are lucky to have the local voluntary bus service that takes us on outings too. Sometimes it is just nice to get out with an afternoon tea and sit with Corfe Castle in the background.
Due to the beautiful location of the home a lot of our residents enjoy getting out in the garden, particularly in the warmer weather. Many residents relish their time outdoors and enjoy reflecting about their own gardens/allotments. Last year the home and local primary school linked up to combine and encourage interaction between care homes and primary schools, this created a wonderful window of opportunity for each of the generations, as both parties gained an insight to each other’s lives.
Below are the many activities we like to take part in:
Sensory activities, singing, musical instruments, giant Scrabble, quizzes, bingo/picture bingo/rhyming bingo, theme days, baking, arts and crafts, reminiscence, story telling, movement and sports, meditation, stretching and yoga, manicures, pamper days, gardening, wildlife and nature, pet therapy, trips out, knitting and nattering, a day at the races (on screen), film afternoons, and quite possibly a lot more!!