Holy Cow Tea Tasting – Bartlett’s & Stone House at Peverel court care
Why?
Improving the quality of life for our residents is our core commitment. As care specialists, Peverel Court Care know how much of a positive effect sense and sensory activities can have on those living with dementia. That is why we welcomed a visit from Holy Cow Tea Tasting to Bartlett’s Residential Home.
Sensory stimulation is the practice of using everyday sounds, foods, objects and other items to awaken the senses and elicit a positive response or feeling. This technique is often used to help seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia because it can help them stay in the moment and interact with their current surroundings. Studies have shown that when done on a regular basis, sensory stimulation can be very helpful in treating memory issues. By offering different ways to communicate and engaging all five senses, seniors can see some improvement in daily functioning and cognitive symptoms.
Making invaluable connections and partnerships with organisations, such as Holy Cow, helps to enrich the lives of those residing with us, many of those living with dementia. New experiences have well-documented benefits to older people mentally, emotionally and physically, by improving emotional, social and cognitive abilities.
Who?
Poonam Gupta –
“It was a pleasure and an honour to talk about the wonderful beverage made by infusing the dried processed leaves of Camellia Sinensis plant with hot water known to all as TEA. I really enjoyed offering tastings of some of my loose-leaf teas and blends with the residents at Stone House and Bartletts Residential home.
To see the residents take part and invoke their sense of smell, touch, taste while they shared their thoughts, preferences, feelings of the various teas. Some also shared memories of how they enjoyed the beverage during their lifetime as everyone has a story to tell on how they enjoy this particular beverage.
There was discussion about how many residents actually enjoyed tea that had been brewed properly in a teapot. We touched on tea history making reference to the Cutty Sark. Did you know this ship carried almost 10 million lbs of tea between 1870 and 1877.
Thank you once again for inviting me. I really enjoyed my visit and all the staff were so warm and supportive to the residents, like a family. It reminded me of the following quote:”
If you are cold, tea will warm you.
If you are too heated, it will cool you
If you are depressed it will cheer you
If you are excited, it will calm you
– William Ewart Gladstone, British 19th century Prime Minister
Outcome
Poonam’s tea tasting session was well received by all. It was a new experience for everyone and residents enjoyed smelling, tasting and touching the teas, which induced memories of where they liked to enjoy their teas with friends, families and on holidays. Many residents asked questions about where the teas came from, how they were made and the flavours they could taste.
Providing activities to evoke memories and reflection helps to give residents a feeling of security and comfort but Bartlett’s is also keen to create new memories and opportunities for residents, enabling them to live stimulating and fulfilling lives. While moving into our homes is a new chapter for them, ensuring that our residents feel like they have a sense of purpose and like they are part of something special is so important. It was a memorable experience had by all!
Testimonials from Bartlett’s residents
Resident – June M :
What did you think of the experience? – “I thought it was interesting, and nice to do something different. I learned a lot from the session.”
Would you like to experience it again? – “Probably if she provided different teas to try!” [laughing]
Resident – Janet F:
What did you think of the experience? “It was nice to try the teas. There were plenty I hadn’t tried before!”
Would you like to experience it again? “I would like to experience it again, but with coffee!” [laughing]
Resident – John F :
What did you think of the experience? “It was good fun, I liked many of the teas that were on offer.”
Would you like to experience it again? “Yes I would, it was nice to be upstairs in the lounge too.”
Testimonials from Stone House residents
Resident – Joyce D:
What did you think of the experience? – “I thought it was fantastic! I was impressed by the flower tea, it was beautiful.”
Would you like to experience it again? – “Yes, I really enjoyed it. She said she had various other teas I would be interested in trying and would like them with cream cake!” [laughing]
Resident – Olive N:
What did you think of the experience? “It was a nice afternoon, I enjoyed trying the teas.”
Would you like to experience it again? “Yes, I would. It was interesting and nice to do something different.”
Resident – Heather L :
What did you think of the experience? “I thought it was great, I really liked learning the history of the teas!”
Would you like to experience it again? “I enjoyed it thank you, I wasn’t fond of all the teas, but she said there were others we could try in another session!”
