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

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International flower day

Upton Bay Ladies' Flower Arranging Activities on International Flower Day 

On International Flower Day, the women of Upton Bay came together to immerse themselves in the art of flower arranging. Organised by the Upton Bay Activities Team which allowed the ladies to explore their creativity and showcase their skills in working with beautiful blooms.

 

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Staff Christmas Party

The Upton Bay Team's commitment to providing exceptional service, ensuring the happiness of our residents, and maintaining the highest standards has not gone unnoticed. Your unwavering dedication and tireless efforts have contributed significantly to the success and reputation of Upton Bay.

To express our gratitude and celebrate your achievements, we recently organised a well-deserved Christmas party exclusively for the Upton Bay Team. It was a memorable evening filled with laughter, delicious food, and delightful conversations. The party provided an opportunity for us to come together, relax, and enjoy each other's company after a challenging but rewarding year.

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Winnie the Pooh day with Muddy Boots nursery

Upton Bay celebrated Winnie the Pooh Day with our residents and some very special guests. Thirteen preschool children from Muddy Boots joined us for a delightful intergenerational gathering, creating cherished memories for all involved.

The day began with the residents and children coming together to watch a short Winnie the Pooh story. The joy and excitement in the room were palpable as everyone immersed themselves in the enchanting tales of the lovable bear and his friends. The shared laughter and smiles bridged the generational gap, creating a beautiful sense of connection and unity.

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Christmas cake and trip to the garden centre

The morning began with the highly anticipated Upton Baking Show, featuring the renowned baker Alain. The highlight of the show was the preparation of the beloved Upton Christmas Cake. Residents gathered around, eager to learn Alain's expert techniques and secret recipe for this cherished holiday treat.

After the baking show, it was time for a well-deserved brunch. The residents enjoyed a delicious meal together, savouring the flavours and engaging in lively conversations. Energised and ready for more holiday fun, they boarded a bus for a trip to Haskins Garden Centre.

Upon arrival at the garden centre, the residents were greeted with the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee. They took a moment to relax and enjoy a warm cup of coffee before embarking on their quest for the perfect last-minute Christmas presents. The garden centre was filled with an array of beautiful decorations, plants, and unique gift items, providing ample choices for the residents to find something special for their loved ones.

The day at Haskins Garden Centre was a delightful blend of relaxation, shopping, and festive spirit. The residents returned to Upton Bay with their arms full of carefully chosen presents, ready to spread joy and love during the holiday season.

 

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Christmas Dog Show

The show featured eight categories, starting with the Best Christmas Belle, which was won by the sweet-natured Ruby. Maverick stole the show in the Best Christmas Beau category

Jenny, the Upton Bay Caring Canine, took home the prize for Best Rudoff the Red Nose Reindeer. Peggy, a beautiful black and white dog, won the category for the dog with the most Angelic face.

Anna and Jacob, the adorable Dachshunds, proudly claimed victory in the Best Yule Log category, which had a fun Christmas theme.

Bear, a gentle Greyhound, wowed the crowd and secured the title of Best Dressed Dog, thanks to an impressive Christmas outfit made by her owner.

Dillon won the Residents' Choice category, earning recognition from the Upton Bay community. Finally, Team Upton Bay unanimously voted for Kobi as the winner of the Team Upton Bay category.

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Making gingerbread houses and Christmas church service

A virtual event was held where they learnt how to make non-baking Christmas tree decorations. This creative activity allowed residents to showcase their artistic talents and add a personal touch to their holiday decorations.

In the afternoon, Vicar Tessa led a wonderful church service centred around Jesus and the true meaning of Christmas. James, a parishioner, recited readings from the Bible, and the residents joyfully sang traditional Christmas carols such as "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" and "Away in a Manger."

The residents on Memory Lane then took part in building their own gingerbread house, a delightful and challenging task. With the guidance of Karen and Chloe from Activities, the residents mixed icing sugar and egg white to stick the house together, overcoming the challenge of keeping it from falling apart. Laughter and jokes filled the room as they decorated the gingerbread house with an assortment of sweets. To top it off, they enjoyed a piece of the gingerbread with a cup of tea, savouring the fruits of their labour.

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