1 May 2025
April was full of warmth, laughter, and fresh experiences for our residents and teams at Abbey Health Care. From Easter celebrations to St George’s Day, from zoo outings to tea tasting sessions – our homes embraced every opportunity to make the month meaningful, joyful, and memorable. Here’s a look at what bloomed across our care communities this April:
Residents from Farnworth Care Home had a roaring time at Blackpool Zoo, where they met lions, monkeys, elephants, and more – wrapped up warm with the sun smiling down. Meanwhile, Aaron Court residents explored the underwater world at Birmingham Sea Life Centre, followed by a delicious meal at Ed’s Diner. Over at Abbeydale Court, some residents pedalled through a trishaw adventure to the Kelpies – a unique way to enjoy Scotland’s famous sculptures!
Across the group, Easter was truly eggs-tra special! All of our homes celebrated with Easter Bunny making rounds, decorating Easter cup cakes, all our residents got Easter Eggs and special Easter menu.
Spring truly came alive this April at Abbey Health Care — quite literally! At Primrose Hill, residents were overjoyed to welcome the arrival of five ducklings, who hatched less than 24 hours after arriving at the home. This magical moment brought smiles, excitement, and plenty of memories flooding back, as many residents fondly recalled raising chicks and ducks in their younger years. A few days after hatching, the ducklings enjoyed their very first swim, and it was a delight for everyone to witness!
This heartwarming experience follows last year’s success, when the home helped hatch and raise chickens — an initiative that left a lasting impression on residents and staff alike. These nurturing opportunities continue to create meaningful moments, spark stories, and foster a real sense of purpose and connection.
Over at Aarandale Manor, we experienced the joy of new life this April as all eight ducklings (or chicks, if that’s correct) successfully hatched! Residents were absolutely thrilled to witness the little ones grow and thrive each day. The joy on their faces was priceless as they welcomed Fred, Spot, Black Beauty, Sandra, T.J, Stanley, Nanna, and Amelia into their care home family. Local school children also visited to meet the fluffy newcomers, making it a truly heartwarming intergenerational experience. The presence of the ducklings not only brought smiles and laughter but also created a calming and nurturing environment that everyone cherished.
Food took centre stage in many homes! Barleycroft held a traditional cooking session with resident working alongside the chef, while Primrose Hill whipped up homemade pizzas. Aaron Court embraced National Tea Day with a tea tasting experience, celebrating flavours and traditions over a cuppa. Cromwell House also got creative with painted tiles and sensory planting with college students. Kendal Care Home along with residents and staff baked Easter Cup Cakes and decorated them.
From flag waving to feasts, St George’s Day brought out the best of English pride. Kenyon Lodge hosted live music, a themed quiz, and a patriotic singalong. Wrottesley Park offered fresh haircuts, exercise classes led by a resident, and afternoon tea. Farnworth Care Home enjoyed a Marilyn Monroe tribute, with residents dressed in red and white swaying to golden oldies. Aaron Court celebrated along with National tea day where the kitchen staff baked an amazing St. George’s day themed cake.
Animal therapy continues to bring joy, calm, and companionship to residents across Abbey Health Care. This month, Heron Hill took part in “Bring Your Pet to Work Day”, which turned into a wholesome gathering of cuddly pets meeting delighted residents. Also at Heron Hill, Pyjama Day was made extra fun with residents and staff lounging in comfort while enjoying karaoke and singalongs.
Adding to the animal magic, Farnworth Care Home had a range of visits from adorable creatures — including a donkey and a sheep, and even a showstopping sealion display that had everyone mesmerised.
Meanwhile Wrottesley Park House got a visit from animal men and residents held reptiles and owls.
And at Heron Hill Care Home, residents were treated to a very special visit from The British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre (BTRC). Two beautiful ex-racehorses were brought to the home’s garden, where residents gathered outside to pet them and hear about the important work BTRC does in caring for retired racehorses. It was a calming and educational morning that left many residents smiling and reminiscing.
Meanwhile, Kenyon Lodge welcomed therapy dog Juno, who brought comfort and affection on her very first care home visit. Her playful nature and gentle energy truly lit up the room.
Cromwell House was visited by The Raptor Foundation who brought along some wonderful owls for our residents! Our residents all enjoyed being able to stroke them and to learn about the species and ask questions
Who says comfort can’t be stylish? Kenyon Lodge hosted a karaoke PJ party for National Wear Your Pyjamas to Work Day, with staff and residents singing their hearts out.
April is Stress Awareness Month, and Heron Hill have taken the opportunity to highlight the importance of self-care and emotional wellbeing through simple, soothing experiences.
At Heron Hill, residents and staff began their day with a deeply relaxing aromatherapy session. Warm face towels helped ease facial tension, while gentle hand, arm, and neck massages using sweet orange and geranium de-stress oils created a comforting, spa-like atmosphere. The scent, touch, and mindful focus helped reduce feelings of anxiety and brought a sense of calm to all who participated — a quiet moment of connection and care that truly embodies the spirit of Stress Awareness Month.
As the sun peeked out, many homes took to the gardens. Farnworth Care Home had a big garden makeover with painting, planting, and rearranging furniture – supported by residents, staff, and families. Wrottesley Park and Aarandale Manor also got their hands dirty planting veggies and herbs with help from local schools and students. Plus, at Aarandale, excitement bloomed as all 8 chicks hatched safely and were visited by school children.
Meanwhile, at Cromwell House, we welcomed fantastic students from Peterborough College who are currently on placement with the home. With their help, residents made the most of the sunshine by planting herbs and greenery to develop a vibrant new sensory garden area. Residents also got artistic by painting their own personalised tiles, each reflecting unique personality and creativity. These projects not only brightened the garden but also deepened the connection between generations.
Kendal Care Home‘s amazing residents got moving with an uplifting outdoor exercise class led by the fantastic Well-being Team. With sunshine, fresh air, and big smiles all around, it was the perfect way to keep everyone feeling great and full of energy! 
Connections were blooming between generations! At Abbeydale Court, West Park Nursery kids joined residents for an Easter egg hunt and songs and local school children joining for Gardening at Aarandale Manor.
At Primrose Hill, residents were warmly invited to a coffee morning hosted by the local Huntingdon Regional College – a beautiful example of collaboration with the wider community. This initiative strengthened bonds between young students and our residents, allowing them to share stories, laughter, and meaningful connections over tea and cake.
At Farnworth Care Home, we had a very special visitor who left a lasting impression—young Susan, a local schoolgirl with a big heart. Before heading off to donate her hair for charity, Susan spent her morning reading stories to our residents. Her gentle voice and thoughtful choice of books brought smiles and stirred fond memories. The residents were completely charmed by her kindness and compassion. It was a beautiful moment that showcased how the smallest gestures from the youngest members of our community can have the biggest impact. We are so proud of Susan’s selflessness, and we hope to welcome her back again soon! Watch the video of her Susan donating her hair here.
Cheers to good company! Farnworth Care Home introduced their new mobile mini bar, serving cocktails, wine, beer (including non-alcoholic options), and snacks – giving residents the chance to enjoy a pub-like experience in their own lounge.
From heartfelt traditions to new adventures, April was a beautiful reminder that life in care can be vibrant, connected, and joyful. Whether it’s sipping tea, dancing in PJs, or meeting baby chicks – the teams across Abbey Health Care continue to create meaningful moments that make every day special.
Read more about our Tipple Trolley initiative at Farnworth Care Home
Here’s to an even brighter May! 🌷