Social Activities are an Important Part of Daily Life at Swarthmore

As the sun starts to shine more frequently, and the temperatures warm up, we all feel a renewal of energy and the need to be ‘up and doing’. It’s no different for Swarthmore Care Home residents. Activities are scheduled every day throughout the year, but once Spring arrives there’s more potential for trips and outside recreation.

Daily Activities Are Important at Any Age

Activities give shape and purpose to our days, whether it’s reading a book, enjoying a hobby with others, or getting out into the garden to plant up pots. Our residents are at an age where they’re ready to take life easier than before, but they certainly don’t want to stop being active. Sharing ideas, making things, and learning new skills are important to our physical and mental health at every stage in our lives.

Swarthmore Residential Care has always understood the importance of shared activity, which is why we continue to offer two activities to our residents each day: one in the morning and another in the afternoon. We see the energy, enthusiasm, and motivation they generate, as well as a host of other benefits connected with wellbeing:

• They provide a clear structure for the day

• Activities strengthen the sense of community at Swarthmore

• Overcomes any sense of isolation

• The mind and body remain active

Weekly Poetry Sessions at Swarthmore

One of our most popular activities is the poetry sessions that are offered weekly. Erica, who leads on this, works as a school tutor, and finds time to share her enthusiasm and knowledge with our residents. As a generation brought up to learn poetry by heart, residents still remember the poems they recited as children, and revisiting them brings back clear memories of that time. As the sessions have developed, the group has become interested in the lives of poets and the fascinating questions arising out of their work.

Outdoors Pursuits

One of the joys of Spring is the opportunities it offers to take walks, get planting in the garden, or simply sit and enjoy the warmth of the sun. There’s plenty of planting to be done in pots and hanging baskets on the patio, and our large gardens start to come into their own for strolling along the many landscaped paths. It’s also just a short walk from Swarthmore to Gerrard’s Cross town centre.

One-to-One Activities are Available Too

What about if you’re not feeling up to a shared activity, or you would rather spend time quietly in your room? As a person-centred care home, we respect the choices that our residents make, and adapt to their needs.

Anne-Marie, our Activity Co-ordinator provides one-to-one activity visits for people who prefer this. Dependent on their interests, they may choose to read aloud together, spend time chatting, or listen to music. The time belongs to residents, to use as they wish.

Scheduled Trips Out

After being inside for much of the winter, its time for new sights and horizons. There are plenty of opportunities for trips out during the Spring and Summer. We often visit National Trust houses and gardens, and an annual favourite is our river boat trip on the Thames via Henley.

About Swarthmore Residential Care Home

Swarthmore is an independent care home based in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire. For 7 decades now, dedicated professional carers have delivered compassionate, person-centred residential and respite care. Carers at Swarthmore take great pride in both the environment we provide for up to 40 residents, and the care we offer. If you are looking for residential or respite care, we would love to show you around our home, so you can experience the relaxed atmosphere for yourself.


If you would like more information about our residential, or respite care, or you would like to arrange a visit, call us today on 01753 885663, Option 1.