Blooming Joy: Flower Arranging as a Cherished Care Home Activity at Oakwood House
At Oakwood House, an all-inclusive care home in Norwich, we believe in enriching the lives of our residents through a diverse and engaging range of activities. As part of our commitment to providing quality care that promotes uniqueness and independence, we regularly incorporate activities that stimulate creativity, foster social interaction, and bring joy to everyday life. One such activity that consistently blossoms with enthusiasm is flower arranging: care home activities that truly brighten our residents’ days.
Looking back at our recent activities, held, flower arranging has proven to be a highlight. It’s more than just placing stems in a vase; it’s a sensory experience that connects our residents with nature’s beauty, encourages artistic expression, and provides a wonderful opportunity for social engagement.
The Many Petals of Benefits: Why Flower Arranging Thrives in Care Homes
Flower arranging offers a multitude of benefits for our residents at Oakwood House. These include:
- Sensory Stimulation: The vibrant colours, varied textures, and delicate fragrances of flowers engage multiple senses, which can be particularly beneficial for residents with sensory impairments or cognitive decline. The tactile experience of handling different blooms and foliage can be soothing and therapeutic.
- Creative Expression: Arranging flowers allows residents to express their individual creativity and personal style. There are no right or wrong answers, empowering them to make choices and take pride in their unique creations. This sense of accomplishment can boost self-esteem and provide a sense of purpose.
- Fine Motor Skill Development: The act of selecting, trimming, and placing flowers helps to improve fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. These seemingly small movements can contribute to maintaining dexterity and independence in other daily tasks.
- Cognitive Engagement: Deciding on colour combinations, shapes, and overall design involves cognitive skills such as planning, problem-solving, and memory recall (remembering different flower names or arrangement styles).
- Social Interaction: Flower arranging often take place in a group setting, fostering social interaction and a sense of community among residents. Sharing ideas, admiring each other’s creations, and simply being in a shared, positive environment can combat feelings of loneliness and isolation.
- Emotional Well-being: The beauty of flowers has a positive impact on mood and emotional well-being. Working with natural elements can be calming and uplifting, reducing stress and promoting a sense of peace and tranquillity. The finished arrangements also bring beauty and vibrancy to our home environment.
- Connection to Nature: For residents who may have limited access to the outdoors, flower arranging provides a vital connection to the natural world, bringing the beauty and freshness of the garden indoors.
A Glimpse into Our Flower Arranging Sessions
During our care home activities at Oakwood House, we ensure a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. Our dedicated staff provide guidance and assistance as needed, but we encourage residents to take the lead in their creations. We provide a variety of fresh, seasonal flowers and foliage, along with vases and tools. Residents can choose their preferred blooms, experiment with different arrangements, and share their knowledge and preferences with one another. The results are often stunning and reflect the unique personalities of our residents.
As highlighted in our recent activity summary, flower arranging is a popular choice, and we are delighted to offer it again this week as part of our diverse program. Alongside other engaging activities like reminiscence therapy, gentle exercises, and flower arranging contributes to a holistic approach to resident well-being.
More Than Just an Activity: It’s About Enriching Lives
At Oakwood House, we believe that activities like flower arranging are integral to providing a fulfilling and enriching environment for our residents. It’s about creating moments of joy, fostering connections, and celebrating individual expression. We are proud to offer a diverse range of activities that cater to different interests and abilities, ensuring that every resident has the opportunity to thrive and enjoy their time with us.
If you’d like to learn more about the vibrant and engaging activities we offer at our award-winning care home in Norwich, including our cherished flower arranging sessions, we invite you to get in touch or download our brochure. We are also participating in “Care Home Open Week 2025” and would be delighted to welcome you for a tour to experience the warm and supportive atmosphere of Oakwood House first-hand. Discover how we are committed to care, promoting dignity and independence, and keeping our residents safe and happy.
