Activities at Upton Bay Care Home

Activities are an integral part of life at our care home. We want to ensure that the people we support have as much fun as possible during their time with us, so it’s important that our activities programme is created with the interests of residents in mind. Our skilled Activities Coordinators bring a certain uniqueness to the home that can’t be found anywhere else, and which is reflected in the activities they organise.

Enriching life
Watch our video on life enrichment in our homes.

Karen Grant

Activities Lead, Dementia Champion

I first worked in the care sector in 2010, starting in domiciliary care and progressing to Care Coordinator. I have since gained a wealth of experience in dedicated dementia and residential activities, working as a peripatetic activities coordinator in 16 out of 20 homes within a group, and then in 2018, I was part of a team that commissioned a new luxury care home, where I was an Activities Team Leader.

I enjoy making wishes come true for residents: in February 2015, I organised my first wedding in a care home. The lady resident who was living with dementia was unable to travel to Hertfordshire for her granddaughters wedding, so I brought the wedding to her. I organised a wedding blessing at the home; we had a vicar, a choir, all of the bridal party, the flowers, a buffet, a wedding cake, champagne—the full works.

In 2017, I organised a smaller wedding in the garden, and this was a special wish for a gentleman resident to see his granddaughter married. Organising these special moments gives me a lot of pleasure, knowing I have made them feel special and to give families that happiness and see them smile.

I cannot wait to welcome our residents into their wonderful new home and help to bring smiles, joy and laughter to each day.

Karen is also one of our dementia champions

Life-encriching activities booklet

Read our brochure 'Life-enriching activities' for more information about life in our care homes.
Read our brochure

Activities and Events Partnerships

As part of our bespoke life-enrichment programmes, we host a number of live virtual events in the home on a regular basis through a number of partnerships with places of interest and world class performance companies

Life at Upton Bay Care Home

Top 20 Came Home 2024 award from carehome.co.uk

We are so happy to announce that we have received the 'Top 20 Came Home 2024' Award from Carehome.co.uk!

We have received this award in recognition that our home in in the top 20 rated care homes in our region, based on published reviews from residents and their family & friends.

Everyone at the home has been working incredibly hard to achieve high standards of care for their residents and are thrilled to celebrate this amazing achievement.

carehome.co.uk is the leading care home reviews website in the UK with nearly 18,000 care homes, 16 million+ visits per year and over 300,000 care home reviews.

A broad selection of friends and families have left glowing reviews of their experiences with the home on the website.

To achieve this award is a huge team effort. A big thank you to anyone who left a review. It does show our dedication and support.

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Gin and Bingo Evening

The evening began with a delightful selection of flavored gins, allowing everyone to choose their personal favorite. From the refreshing Pink Gin to the tantalizing Raspberry and Blackberry, and the mouthwatering Blueberry, we made sure there was a gin flavor to suit every taste. For those who preferred non-alcoholic options, a lovely Fruity Sparkling Soft Drink was available as a delightful alternative.

Laughter filled the room as Karen's Bingo Balls went flying, bringing an extra element of amusement to the proceedings. However, once the games commenced, a hush of anticipation fell over the crowd as everyone eagerly awaited the announcement of the winners who would proudly shout out "Line!" and eventually "House!" We were thrilled to witness some deserving winners, including our esteemed residents Joan and Kathy, as well as family members Beverly and Sandra.

Thank you also to Jill and her friends who joined us from the local community and for donating two generous raffle prizes.

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Bus trip to Compton Acres

The residents at Upton Bay had an enjoyable morning filled with anticipation as they gathered in the Reception Cafe, eagerly awaiting Karen, our Activities Lead. With smiles on their faces, they were assisted onto the minibus by Mark, our friendly bus driver, as they embarked on a scenic journey through Poole.

The route took them through the picturesque Canford Cliffs, leading them to their destination - the charming Compton Acres Cafe. As the residents stepped off the minibus and entered the cafe, they were greeted with warm hospitality. Barbara, Joan, Bob, Joyce, and Maureen had the pleasure of choosing their preferred beverages, ranging from cappuccinos, flat whites, Americanos, to tea.

Residents, Karen, and Mark engaged in friendly conversations, enjoying each other's company in the cosy setting of the cafe. After a delightful time spent together, the residents were assisted back onto the minibus, where Mark continued the scenic drive through Sandbanks and Poole Park, before returning to Upton Bay in time for lunch.

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Valentine's Day

For lunch, Chef Vicky prepared a delicious three-course Valentine's meal that everyone enjoyed. In the afternoon, the residents on Memory Lane engaged in a creative activity with Activities Chloe, making a Strawberry and Blueberry Heart. This not only provided a fun experience but also contributed to their nutrition and hydration goals.

All residents also had the pleasure of indulging in heart-shaped shortbread made by Chef Alain and a fabulous chocolate cake made by Chef Vicky, along with a cup of tea. The Residential Residents had a chance to socialize and write meaningful messages on heart-shaped cards

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Pancake Day

At Upton Bay, we celebrated Shrove Tuesday in style, thanks to our talented chefs Alain and Vicky. They prepared delicious pancakes for each resident, ensuring everyone had a delightful treat for afternoon tea. The residents had the freedom to choose their favourite fillings, ranging from chocolate, strawberry, caramel, honey to the classic lemon and sugar, which proved to be a popular choice.

The festivities included a pancake tossing activity, in which nearly all the residents eagerly participated. It was heart warming to see them enjoy this tradition and share stories and memories associated with Shrove Tuesday. 

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Chinese New Year

Residents Margaret Gardener and Barbara Eskridge, along with their carer Katie and activities coordinator Melody, had a delightful time participating in the Dragon dance at Upton Bay. The residents had great fun watching the vibrant dragon which they made themselves to make its way through the corridors.

To add to the festive spirit, a lively afternoon tea party was organised, featuring delicious Fairy Cakes adorned with Chinese-themed toppers and Fortune Cookies. Chloe and the residents took the opportunity to discuss the customs and facts surrounding Chinese New Year, creating a wonderful atmosphere of learning and celebration.

During the gathering, one resident fondly shared memories of their past holiday in China, adding an extra touch of nostalgia to the event.

Upcoming events

Knit and Knatter community group

Join us for a fun morning with residents and community in our coffee shop. Bring your knitting and have a good knatter. Every Thursday. 10.30-12.00

Gin, fizz and quiz

Join us for entertainment by pianist Simon who will play classics, jazz and musicals. Then a 15 minute quiz. Gin and fizz included