Harvest dough craft at Cotman

The residents at Cotman House and Lodge in Felixstowe, have been involved in dough craft for the Harvest.Jenny one of the activities coordinators at Cotman House came up with the idea, she thought it would be a great activity for everyone to get involved with. The residents like making things and this is very topical with the time of year. Jenny made the dough at Cotman House ready for the residents to use, it is very simple to make using just flour, salt and water mixed together well to make a nice thick dough ready for shaping and moulding. The residents looked through books and print outs that were provided for inspiration, and they used tools such as toothpicks, knives and paintbrushes to make the shapes they needed.The residents enjoyed rolling, kneading and cutting the dough to create harvest shapes out of the dough, they remembered the harvest festivals they used to attend and then they started thinking about the crops and farmers at this time of year. It is great to see them getting their creative juices flowing and being active, the activities help engage the mind, stimulate brain cells, and provide interaction and communication with others in the home. Activities such as this help maintain eye and hand coordination and encourage stimulation of the brain that offer pleasure to those engaging in pleasant and enjoyable activities.One of the residents said, “The texture of the dough feels really nice on my hands.”Once the masterpieces had been created the activities coordinators baked them so that they could be put on display in the entrance of the home.[gallery columns="4" size="medium" link="file" ids="15132,15138,15135,15134,15139,15136,15133"]Cotman House and Lodge provides residential care in a purpose built environment for up to 61 elderly people overlooking the Felixstowe Bay.If you would like to find out more about life at Cotman House and Lodge and the care we offer, or to request a meeting with our Home Manager, please contact us on 0808 223 5321 or [email protected]