http://www.macdonaldcare.co.uk/

The Old Vicarage Fine Residential Care Home, Ivy Bank Road, Bolton (2026)

09/03/2026

We were delighted to welcome Lorna from our local authority into the home to deliver up-to-date oral health training for some of our staff! 🦷

It was especially lovely that John joined us too, as oral health was a topic we recently discussed in one of our monthly residents’ meetings. We always value opportunities for residents to be involved and included in conversations about their care.

Lorna delivered thorough and engaging training, including helpful videos and demonstrations of different oral care equipment and techniques. We explored how to adapt our approach depending on individual needs and behaviours, how to spot early signs of oral health concerns, which products to use, and who to inform if we have any worries.

Ongoing training like this ensures we continue to provide safe, effective and person-centred care ....and it was a bonus that Lorna kindly left us with some of the products to use, along with mini toothpaste samples for the team!

A big thank you to Lorna for a great session! 🪥

06/03/2026

We had the pleasure of visiting the Mayor’s Parlour for a truly special afternoon of tea, tales and music. Mark Llewellin DL kindly shared fascinating behind-the-scenes stories from the iconic Coronation Street and we loved hearing all about life on the cobbles!

The afternoon was topped off with a traditional British afternoon tea, a fun quiz, a raffle, and fantastic live music from Jim Berry of The Houghton Weavers.

Outings like this are so important to us. They help our residents stay connected to the local community. ⚜️

04/03/2026

Our senior and management team recently took part in Dementia Jewels training. 💎

Dementia Jewels is a thoughtful approach to understanding the different stages of dementia, using “jewels” to represent how a person’s abilities and needs may change over time. It reminds us to see the person first , recognising strengths, emotions, and individuality, rather than focusing purely on a diagnosis.

Although we are not a dementia care home, we do sometimes support residents living with mild dementia. This training ensures our team feel confident and informed, with practical techniques that can be applied across the home to support a variety of needs.

The session introduced engaging activity ideas and interactive resources, including music and movement videos which we’ve since incorporated into our themed events, from clapping along to Scottish songs to a little Scottish chair dancing that we arranged for our Burns Night celebrations!

A big thank you to TLC Training for such an insightful session as always, we really value their guidance and expertise.

If you have a loved one living with dementia and ever need advice, reassurance or simply a conversation, please speak to a member of our senior team. We are always here to listen and support in any way we can. 🥰

02/03/2026

Back in January we hosted our monthly residents meeting, the theme was all about healthy eating! 🥕

Last year, we began introducing a monthly focus into our meetings to encourage more meaningful engagement, a little learning, and sometimes even a small activity alongside it. It's such a lovely way to share not just what we do as a home, but why we do it.

For January, we chatted about how we carefully curate our menus, why offering alternative choices is so important in supporting independence and preference, and why fresh fruit and vegetables play such a key role in our meals. Imogen also reassured residents that if anyone feels hungry outside of mealtimes, something can always be prepared!🍎

Amanda led a quiz which sparked smaller group discussions about the nutrients we get from different foods and how they help keep us strong and well. There was some fantastic feedback and curiosity! Beryl even asked if she could try avocado for the first time... and she loved it!🥑

We included a smoothie taste test too. Let's just say there were mixed reviews... but most gave them a big thumbs up!And because we practise what we preach, staff were treated to smoothies and ginger immune shots to try as well.

As always, we shared our upcoming February activities and themes, keeping communication open about what's ahead and welcoming any suggestions or additions. We also make time at every meeting to welcome new residents and staff, and to check in that everyone continues to feel safe, happy, and at home.

The themes from our residents' meetings are also shared in our monthly staff newsletter. It's important that our team understands why nutrition, hydration, and even modified diets matter, helping to prevent dehydration and malnutrition. It's a helpful reminder for everyone.

These meetings are such an important part of life at The Old Vicarage, open conversations, honest feedback, and making sure every voice is heard!

You'll find our residents' meeting dates and times through to June on the attached image.

Family and friends are always very welcome to join us (please note dates may be subject to change). 🗓️

01/03/2026

We celebrated National Hug Day!

We marked the day by sharing kindness cards with our local Friendship Cafe, spreading a little warmth out into the community. There were also plenty of hugs shared between residents, staff and friends.

Sometimes it's the simplest things that mean the most. 🥰🤝

01/03/2026

We celebrated National Hug Day!

We marked the day by sharing kindness cards with our local Friendship Cafe, spreading a little warmth out into the community. There were also plenty of hugs shared between residents, staff and friends.

Sometimes it’s the simplest things that mean the most. 🥰

27/02/2026

We’ve been keeping busy and active here at The Old Vicarage! 💪

Alongside our wonderful exercise sessions with Senior Fitness, our own team love encouraging movement throughout the week too. Karen has been supporting residents in building strength using Pilates rings, as well as practising hand and grip exercises with stress balls to keep those fingers moving. Amanda leads gentle seated exercises in the mornings, a lovely way to stretch, wake up the body, and start the day feeling refreshed.

Residents have also been enjoying woodland walks so far this year. There’s nothing quite like a little fresh air and a change of scenery! 🌳

At The Old Vicarage, it’s all about keeping active in ways that feel comfortable and enjoyable, spending time together, and embracing those little moments that make the day feel good!

25/02/2026

Our senior and management team recently took part in Dementia Jewels training. 💎

Dementia Jewels is a thoughtful approach to understanding the different stages of dementia, using "jewels" to represent how a person's abilities and needs may change over time. It reminds us to see the person first, recognising strengths, emotions, and individuality, rather than focusing purely on a diagnosis.

Although we are not a dementia care home, we do sometimes support residents living with mild dementia. This training ensures our team feel confident and informed, with practical techniques that can be applied across the home to support a variety of needs.

The session introduced engaging activity ideas and interactive resources, including music and movement videos which we've since incorporated into our themed events, from clapping along to Scottish songs to a little Scottish chair dancing that we arranged for our Burns Night celebrations!
A big thank you to TLC Training for such an insightful session as always, we really value their guidance and expertise.

If you have a loved one living with dementia and ever need advice, reassurance or simply a conversation, please speak to a member of our senior team. We are always here to listen and support in any way we can. 🥰

25/02/2026

Back in January we hosted our monthly residents’ meeting, the theme was all about healthy eating! 🥕

Last year, we began introducing a monthly focus into our meetings to encourage more meaningful engagement, a little learning, and sometimes even a small activity alongside it. It’s such a lovely way to share not just what we do as a home, but why we do it.

For January, we chatted about how we carefully curate our menus, why offering alternative choices is so important in supporting independence and preference, and why fresh fruit and vegetables play such a key role in our meals. Imogen also reassured residents that if anyone feels hungry outside of mealtimes, something can always be prepared! 🍎

Amanda led a quiz which sparked smaller group discussions about the nutrients we get from different foods and how they help keep us strong and well. There was some fantastic feedback and curiosity! Beryl even asked if she could try avocado for the first time… and she loved it! 🥑

We included a smoothie taste test too. Let’s just say there were mixed reviews... but most gave them a big thumbs up! And because we practise what we preach, staff were treated to smoothies and ginger immune shots to try as well. 🫚

As always, we shared our upcoming February activities and themes, keeping communication open about what’s ahead and welcoming any suggestions or additions. We also make time at every meeting to welcome new residents and staff, and to check in that everyone continues to feel safe, happy, and at home.

The themes from our residents’ meetings are also shared in our monthly staff newsletter. It’s important that our team understands why nutrition, hydration, and even modified diets matter, helping to prevent dehydration and malnutrition. It’s a helpful reminder for everyone.

These meetings are such an important part of life at The Old Vicarage, open conversations, honest feedback, and making sure every voice is heard!

You’ll find our residents’ meeting dates and times through to June on the attached image. Family and friends are always very welcome to join us (please note dates may be subject to change). 🗓️

23/02/2026

January was such a lovely, lively month here at the home, just the way we like it! 💚

After chatting through all the upcoming special days in our December residents' meeting, we kicked the year off in true galactic style for Sci-Fi Day. There was themed baking and a refreshing glass of "Yoda Soda" to keep everyone going. 🪐

It was also National Word Search Day, so we made sure to include all the topics our residents had suggested themselves, we alsomade sure to order extra-large print word search books to make sure everyone could join in comfortably. 🔎

We got creative making our own bird feeders ready for the Big Bird Watch we made them out of acorns, peanut butter, bird seed and string. Safe to say they were a success as we later spotted birds happily feeding from them. 🐦

We finished the month celebrating Burns Night with Scottish chair dancing, haggis tasting and a sing-a-long of Robert Burns poems for a musical finish to the day! We even had a go at making traditional Scottish cake. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Preparing for the following month we started making our Valentines decorations, wreaths, and paperchains!💗

It's always so special seeing residents get involved, share their opinions, and try something new.✨

12/01/2026

We had a truly lovely Christmas Day! 🎄It started the night before with our annual Christmas Eve pyjama party!

Christmas morning began with a wonderful visit from Eagley Brass band, followed by some special guests… Father Christmas and Rudolph, who popped by to hand out Christmas gifts 🎅

Everyone enjoyed a delicious Christmas dinner, and our fantastic staff got into the festive spirit by dressing up for the occasion!

After all the excitement of Christmas, we enjoyed some fresh air with gentle walks around the local area 🍃

We rounded off the year in style with New Year’s Eve celebrations, complete with a song and dance 🪩

12/01/2026

We celebrated lots of special days and occasions over the Christmas period 🎄

We kicked things off with one of the favourites… Elf Day! Staff dressed up, our cooks baked elf-themed treats for everyone to enjoy, and a few naughty elves were spotted around the home. 🧝

We also hosted our annual Christmas party, with a festive quiz, how many words can you make out of ‘Christmas’, interactive games with staff and residents and also enjoyed a lovely performance by Laura. Staff made a brilliant effort dressing up and helping to make the day special for residents. Our Cooks served a lovely afternoon tea on sleighs, along with Christmas cupcakes.🧁

A couple of extra special days were celebrated too. We couldn’t miss Christmas Jumper day! We also celebrated Jane Austen Day learning a little about her life, and finishing the day by watching Pride and Prejudice. 💫

To round off the festive season, staff had a great time at our annual Christmas Do, a well-earned celebration after a busy and festive month. 🥂

The Old Vicarage Fine Residential Care Home

09/03/2026

06/03/2026

04/03/2026

02/03/2026

01/03/2026

01/03/2026

27/02/2026

25/02/2026

25/02/2026

23/02/2026

12/01/2026

12/01/2026

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