Drumming up a crowd! Epsom care home hits the right note with local primary school

Residents at an Epsom care home welcomed local primary school children to their garden for a musical afternoon in the sunshine. 

An intergenerational band formed when residents at Care UK’s Appleby House, on Longmead Road, and pupils from Epsom Primary and Nursery School, joined forces for a musical afternoon in the home’s garden. 

 

Inspired by African drums, the home’s Rhythm and Bounce initiative, which involves residents using exercise balls as musical drums, has been carefully designed to develop the resident’s hand co-ordination and rhythm. This fun activity also encourages social interaction and promotes physical and mental wellbeing. 

With pandemic restrictions eased and the sun shining, the team at Appleby House decided to recruit new members to the ‘Appleby band’ and planned a socially distanced orchestra in the home’s garden with local school children. Residents and pupils each took it in turns to play to one another before joining forces to provide the backing beats to a live cover of Queen’s ‘We Will Rock You’, performed by local singer, Hayley Judge. 

Shona Bradbury, Home Manager at Appleby House, said: “With pandemic restrictions eased, we were delighted to welcome pupils from Epsom Primary and Nursery School into the garden for our Rhythm and Bounce activity. This activity is a favourite among the residents, who were delighted to share their musical talents with the pupils. Although the pupils remained at a safe distance, the residents loved spending time with them.

 

“Intergenerational relationships have proven to be incredibly enriching, as they provide an opportunity for younger and older generations to learn from each other. These relationships can be particularly beneficial for older people, as they can offer a sense of purpose and prompt conversations as residents reflect back on their younger years. 

“As restrictions continue to ease in the health and care sector, we look forward to planning more events like these which can be enjoyed in a socially distanced manner.”

Appleby House has been designed to encourage residents to live active and fulfilling lives, while remaining as independent as possible in a safe environment. The modern care home provides full-time residential, nursing and specialist dementia care.

To find out more about Appleby House, please call 0333 4343 002 or email Home Manager, Shona Bradbury, at shona.bradbury@careuk.com.

For more general information, please visit careuk.com/appleby-house.