Who says technology is just for the younger generation? At Ladydale Care Home, our residents have been proving that curiosity certainly doesn’t have an age limit!
This week, residents enjoyed another game of “Let’s Google”, an activity that puts the tablet firmly in their hands and gives them the chance to search for whatever takes their fancy, within reason, of course!
The idea is wonderfully simple. Residents are given full use of a tablet, shown how to use Google and encouraged to choose exactly what they would like to look up. And when you leave the searching to our residents, you never quite know where the internet is going to take you!
This week’s searches included Max Factor, Westie dogs and Brough, amongst plenty of other topics. It might sound like a simple activity, but behind all that Googling is something really important.
Technology can provide a window to the wider world. Giving residents access to it means giving them opportunities to follow their own interests, revisit familiar places and subjects, discover something new and, most importantly, make their own choices. Rather than deciding what residents should be interested in, “Let’s Google” starts with a much better question: “What would you like to see?”
At Ladydale, we believe residents should always be encouraged to express themselves, stay curious and remain connected with life outside the home. Whether a search sparks a memory, starts a conversation or simply leads everyone down an amusing internet rabbit hole, it is another way of keeping minds active and giving residents control over what they want to explore.
After exercising those brains, there was only one thing for it… Bingo Wednesday!
A firm favourite in the Ladydale calendar, Bingo Wednesday brings out a little friendly competition as residents listen carefully, concentrate on their cards and wait for those all important numbers. And naturally, every good competition needs an equally good prize.
At Ladydale, we don’t mess around when it comes to prizes. Forget trophies and medals. We’re talking sweets and chocolates!
Activities like these are about far more than filling an afternoon. We endeavour to create a familiar routine that gives residents things to anticipate and enjoy. Thinking games also provide stimulation, bingo brings friendly competition and laughter, and shared activities give everyone an opportunity to spend time together.
When the games are finished, the best part is often the simplest: sitting down together with a cup of tea, sharing the treats and chatting about the afternoon.
Because life at Ladydale isn’t just about being cared for. It’s about continuing to be curious, having choices, enjoying a little competition and always having something to look forward to.
