Birkin Lodge Care Home

Guess the Tune activity afternoon I had to write to share my experience of the Lodge care, activities and in particular Kalypso who works tirelessly to make sure each and every resident who is in the room feels important and joins in whatever activity she has arranged. From speaking with her there are loads and loads of themes she has put on including Valentines, London, and I am sure she weaves her magic to other significant major events - wonder what she has done for Brexit??? Anyway, I was asked to take my trumpet along (I always enjoy playing whenever asked) but this time I originally said no as I could not think of how me playing could possibly be entertaining for the residents - Too loud man! I had not encountered the whirlwind of Kalypso in full force and before you know it I was in the home and playing the opening bars of themes associated with Valentines and love and Kalypso was getting the residents to listen and shout out the name of the song. From time to time a spontaneous singing happened and in all I had a fantastic time - so much so after the music game I stayed and helped her to play other games and boy did she work hard but everyone gained from her infectious enthusiasm. Seriously I nearly missed it and now if she were to ask and I were able to I would jump at the chance to see her in action. She earns every penny she gets and I hope it is noted and increased as the residents must benefit from such a whirlwind. The home and residents are soooooo lucky to have someone as dedicated, good and simply fun for these elderly residents. I am sure deep down even the most grumpy one of them would look forward to the next themed event Kalypso puts on.

Enjoyed talking to the residents and impressed by the staff and the home

I was pleased to visit the care home and show my paintings to the Staff, who enjoyed the visit as we had a good laugh!

I have visited Birkin Lodge once a week for the past two years with my dog Bertie who is a registered Pets As Therapy (PAT) dog. We are greeted warmly by their very friendly Activities Coordinator, Calypso. She is an absolute credit to Birkin Lodge, so full of genuine care and commitment to each of the residents living there. There is always something different going on each time we visit. The staff at Birkin Lodge work very hard to ensure the needs of the residents are met.