The local airwaves were filled with excitement recently as a beloved…
Buckshaw Retirement Village communities The Lodge and The Grange recently took part in the HICA Group’s gardens in bloom competition run across all of their care facilities.
The Hica in Bloom competition is now in its 6th year and was conceived to maintain and support resident care and wellbeing.
The competition is used to support residents – from the old to those suffering from dementia and those with learning difficulties – by involving them in active projects, encouraging them to voice their opinion, make decisions, be creative, and enjoy the outdoors while also encouraging new achievements.
The creative team of staff and residents at The Grange rejuvenated an area of the grounds and turned an ornamental Telephone Box into a floral wonderland. The Lodge tended an area of their dementia-friendly garden creating a haven for the residents that is part of a wider scheme to improve the whole garden area.
Julie McGlough, Health and Wellbeing Manager at Buckshaw Retirement Village said: “We are delighted to have taken part in the The Hica in Bloom competition. Like the other participants, the staff and residents spent all summer working in the gardens and transforming it into a place that all of the residents and guests can enjoy.”
The Lodge Marklet Square Co-ordinator Susan Bell added, “The Hica in Bloom project provides an active way of maintaining both physical health and mental wellbeing for residents, as well as helping to ease the symptoms of dementia for some residents by giving us all a positive focus. We have noticed a change in behaviour throughout the project, residents with dementia have been very content and calm whilst helping.”
Winners and runners up will be announced in September at the annual HICA Afternoon Ball.
Terry Peel, chief executive of Hica Group said: “The Hica in Bloom competition is always a fantastic event. Each home really shows their enthusiasm and creativity and staff do their very best to design and develop an enjoyable space for residents.
“The calibre of entries this year was fantastic, creating not only beautiful gardens but also sensory areas and interactive activities which support the needs of our residents. The Grange and The Lodge both completed fantastic projects which will now impact the residents by providing them more opportunities to become involved in activities which support their health and wellbeing.”