A Day in the Life
Find out what it’s like on a typical day in the life of a resident at Waterloo Care
We find that some people and their relatives may have concerns before they make the move into a residential care home, from the food they can access to the care they will receive . While the best way to be reassured is to come and meet us and view the home at any time, we have detailed below a day in the life of one of our residents at Waterloo Care Home to help give you an idea of what might take place in a typical day.
7:15am
David wakes up in his own time. The staff become familiar with the time that each resident would usually wake up and so David has some tea brought to him soon after he does. Residents who are less able to wake up and who have personal care needs will be gently helped up at the best time for them.
Breakfast is whatever David fancies! Common choices range from a full English cooked breakfast to porridge, toast, marmalade, jam, cereal and tea, coffee or juice. Today is a summer’s day, and David feels like he would enjoy some fresh fruit. David receives his medication from the senior carers with his fruit.
10.00am
Throughout the day residents can take part in a variety of activities. Events range from musical performers, trips out, pet therapy sessions, themed parties, karaoke, dancing and music.
As it’s a sunny day, David decides to sit in the garden for a while. The gardens are beautiful and safe, maintained by our maintenance manager Stuart. David enjoys gardening and today the window boxes are being re-planted so he helps Stuart for a while.
11:15am
As a mid-morning snack David is offered tea, coffee and biscuits. David is welcome to have a drink or snack at any time of the day or night.
12pm
Today is hair appointment day, so he comes in from the garden to get his hair trimmed by the hairdresser, who comes to Waterloo Care Home once a week.
12:45pm
David is just finishing with the hairdresser when a staff member knocks to ask him what he would like for lunch. The choices offered don’t tempt him today, so he asks for a specific toasted sandwich he used to do for himself a lot – cheese, cucumber and ham. It is important to us that our residents enjoy their food and maintain a good diet.
Many of our residents gain weight soon after arrival, and this is often a very good sign. David decides to eat in the communal lounge as he prefers the company of others to being alone.
2:30pm
David’s son, Gary, arrives. Gary takes him out for afternoon tea.
5:30pm
Gary returns with David. They both ate well. David joins the other residents who are enjoying some cake that Sharon the cook has baked, but is still full up from his meal out.
6:30pm
After dinner, David prefers to relax rather than engage in activities, so he reads a book that he picked up from the local library on a visit with Jenny last week.
8:15pm
David distracts himself from the book for supper, and decides to eat in his room. He is offered yoghurts, soups, cheese and biscuits, cake, or whatever he fancies. He is a bit peckish so decides on cheese and biscuits.
Some residents ask to be checked throughout the night, as they feel safer that way. David is a deep sleeper, so he doesn’t mind these check-ups. Residents who sleep lighter can be left undisturbed.
4am
David wakes up. He rings for assistance, and Anne arrives quickly. David would just like a cup of tea this time, which is then brought up to his room with some biscuits.
It can be a better life
The difficulties families face when caring at home can make quality time with your family member scarce. Letting us take care of the care allows for more quality time to be spent between loved ones.
We have owned Waterloo Care Home in Bidfod-On-Avon since 2013 and Woodlands Care Home in Studley since 1991. We have seen many examples of enhanced well-being for both the individual and the family.