It is a well known fact that chocolate brings happiness to the eater, the residents of Meridian Healthcare’s Greatwood House Care Centre put this theory to the test last week indulging in a chocolate fondue party.

Denton’s Greatwood House is home to 60 older people who have a passion for exciting and indulgent activities. In-house activities coordinator Tina Parker ensures there is always something interesting to take part in at Greatwood by arranging an action packed activities programme that includes in house entertainment and trips out to local places of interest. Tina comments: ‘All the residents at Greatwood are very sociable and there is always great attendance when there is an activity or trip organised, we have our regular programme which runs weekly including film afternoons, a bit of pampering with a trip to the hairdressing salon and the church service to name a few but we also like to arrange a variety of special activities. I got the idea for a chocolate fondue party from my daughter who had enjoyed the event with her friends recently, I brought in the photos and suggested the idea to the residents group as they have a lot of creative input as to the activities we run and they were taken by the idea.’

With the chocolate flowing down the new fountains and sweet fruit kebabs and marshmallow pieces galore it was time to tuck in, chocolate went everywhere, Care Centre Manager Marie McPherson comments: ‘It is definitely a messy pastime, but a tasty one, our chef has prepared delicious fruit so at least part of the activity is healthy! All the staff and residents have thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon, it was a great idea. It is nice to try out new activities despite the disappointing summer weather we have been having recently we can still enjoy ourselves at anytime at Greatwood and Tina always ensures that we are kept busy.’ Marie adds: ‘A full activities programme is so important to us at Greatwood, it promotes social interaction with the residents and creates an atmosphere of excitement when there is something to look forward to. It is also a credit to Tina that so many of our residents not only take part in the activities she organises but they also play an active part in planning what they want to do and where to go. Our next trip will be to the Air Raid Shelters Museum in Stockport as part of our weekly reminiscence session.’

If you would like any further information on Greatwood House’s activities programme or would like to join us, please do not hesitate to contact Care Centre Manager Marie McPherson on 0161 336 5324.

Ends.
• Photographs show Activities Coordinator Tina Parker (left) and Care Centre Manager Marie McPherson (right) ensuring the chocolate fountains are kept full and the fruit replenished.

• Residents at Greatwood House enjoying some chocolaty goodness.

Notes:
• Meridian Healthcare own 25 Care Centres throughout the North of England.

• Website: www.meridiancare.co.uk

For further information please contact: Tessa Matthews, Meridian Healthcare, 0161 368 9099 tmatthews@meridiancare.co.uk