This week is Afternoon Tea Week!
There will be many a welcomed cup of tea this week now that we've finally reached some summertime temperatures.
Oh! come on, let's be honest, we don't really need an excuse to drink our nation's favourite cuppa, but we must remember that tea isn't everyone's...well, cup of tea.
Afternoon Tea (or coffee ..shh!) is a comforting ritual that many residents look forward to each day.
However, it might be time to reassess how you approach this beloved custom.
As with every other activity we need to consider how a change in practice around afternoon tea service could benefit both residents and staff.
Every resident has unique preferences and dietary needs. A one-size-fits-all approach to afternoon tea may not cater to individual tastes or health requirements.
The traditional tea trolley service, while efficient, can sometimes feel impersonal. Residents may feel a loss of control over their choices and serving preferences. Or do they miss this traditional approach?
Does your current tea service model lack opportunities for meaningful social interaction? This is something which is crucial for the wellbeing of all residents.
It is important that afternoon tea contributes positively to residents' dietary needs without compromising enjoyment. Is this a box you can tick?
Is your current tea service routine too labour-intensive and time-consuming for staff, potentially taking away from other important care duties? Does this mean that it gets delayed because staff are too busy elsewhere?
While afternoon tea remains an important part of care home life, reimagining how we approach it could lead to some significant improvements in resident satisfaction, social engagement, and overall wellbeing.
As an activity coordinator, you have the opportunity to transform this daily ritual into a more person-centred, enjoyable, and beneficial experience for all.
If you'd like to take on this challenge, but you're not sure where to start, I have the perfect resource for you.
The Afternoon Tea Project - tips to getting everyone involved as well as guiding you through each step from start to finish.
Hoorah! I realised yesterday that this is my 700th blog post.
Raise your cuppa to celebrate my dedication of blog writing to improve care home activities provision!
I think I deserve 5 stars - sometimes you have to recognise your own worth and make a record of it, where others can see it too.
I hope this comment serves to uplift you - you amazing activity coordinator, care home manager and kind souls who support care home activities.
THANK YOU! 💚
#carehomeactivitiesmatter