Daily life at Rivervale runs at the residents’ pace rather than to a timetable. There’s a programme of activities each week, but it’s an offer, not a schedule. Residents who’d prefer to read in their own room, or watch a particular programme at the same time each day, do that instead.
Activities
We have an activities coordinator on staff who meets each resident after they move in to find out what they enjoy and what they’d like to be involved in. The programme is built around what residents actually want to do, and it changes through the year as the group changes.
What runs at Rivervale includes:
- Bingo, quizzes, skittles, board and card games, crosswords, jigsaws
- Arts and crafts, knitting club
- Music sessions, films, library, magazines
- Drama club, residents’ committee, raffles, the residents’ newsletter
- Pet therapy, hand massage with aromatherapy oils, movement to music, reminiscence sessions
- Birthday parties, St Patrick’s Day, Easter, a summer party, Halloween, and a Christmas party with music and food for residents and their families
- Day trips to the cinema, theatre, parks, gardens, and other places of interest
The activities team also works with local volunteer groups and the National Advocacy Service.
Meals
Meals are made fresh on site every day. Residents can eat in the dining room or in their own room, whichever they’d rather. The menu accommodates a range of diets and preferences, and anyone who needs help at mealtimes gets it without fuss.
Faith
Mass, the rosary, and holy communion are available for residents who want them. There’s an annual remembrance service, and the main feast days are marked through the year. Residents of other faiths and traditions are accommodated as well.
Family
Visiting is open. Family and friends can come whenever it suits them. We ask only that visits are mindful of other residents in shared rooms.