Snakes, Cobblers And Golden Nuggets – The Wild West Comes To Sanford House
Everybody at Sanford House loves a themed day so with the mercury rising and so many country and western fans in the home, it was the perfect time to hold a Cowboy Day.
Setting the Scene for a Rootin’ Tootin’ Day
Sandford’s arts and crafts clubs are often the starting point when a theme has been planned, and residents wasted no time in creating cowboy themed bunting to decorate the main lounge. This sat nicely alongside the saloon backdrops and themed balloons, setting the scene for the day ahead. The Wellbeing Team dressed up and of course, residents wore cowboy hats, keen to get into the spirit of the wild west.
A Trip to Tin Can Alley
Several bandana-covered tables were set up to host different themed activities. There was ‘Digging for Gold’ where the residents’ quest was to find gold nuggets by digging in edible sand (made from blended cornflakes). If they uncovered five sparkling treasures, they received a golden chocolate coin. Others played ‘A Snake in My Boot’ which involved aiming snakes - thankfully, handsewn ones - at cowboy boots, trying to get one to land inside. “Well, that’s something I’ve never done before” was the comment from more than one resident! ‘Tin Can Alley’ saw residents throwing beanbags at a stack of cowboy’s bean tins, while ‘Pin the Tail on the Horse’ was a game reminiscent of children’s parties where blindfold residents attempted to stick the tail on the horse.
Hot Dogs for Hungry Card Hustlers
Then came the group activity games as the Wellbeing Team organised a bingo session and a little light gambling. Bingo was played with a picture board showing various western-themed items, with prizes for a line and full house. Then the team led residents in a game of ‘Higher or Lower’ using the oversized cards. It turned out there were more than a few card hustlers in the room!
After a morning of activity and excitement, not to mention several ‘yee-haws’, everyone had built up an appetite. The decorated dining room – including some fabulous cow-print balloons - was perfectly set for a cowboy themed lunch prepared by Chef, where hot dogs, burgers, chicken and peach cobbler went down extremely well.
It’s Show Time!
Music had been part of the whole day, with a You Tube karaoke playlist giving residents the chance to sing their country and western favourites throughout. “I don’t know all the songs but I enjoy trying”, said one resident – typical of the spirit at Sandford where having a go is part of the fun. That afternoon residents were delighted to see Tommy from ‘Musical Keys’. Tommy holds a regular music session at Sanford House but knowing the theme of the day, he had made an extra effort to learn some country songs for everyone to sing and play instruments to, even wearing a cowboy hat to get into character. Residents love these sessions and the country version was a big hit.
As the activities came to close, “Thank you for all you do for us” echoed around the home as residents happily remembered their favourite moments from a day where there was more laughter than gunfire at the Sanford saloon!
Discover Sanford House Nursing Home in Norfolk
Sanford House Nursing Home provides residential, nursing and specialist dementia care in a bright and comfortable environment, surrounded by lovely gardens. The home offers care that is tailored to individual needs, interests and preferences, and a team who are committed to delivering the very best. If you would like to learn more about the types of care and services available from Caring Homes, please visit our website page. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or would like to learn more.
