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.
Karen Grant
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
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
Visit to Poole Park and Constitutional Hill
We had an amazing bus trip starting from Upton Bay and making our way to various picturesque destinations. Our first stop was at Poole Quay, where we enjoyed the lively atmosphere and stunning views. From there, we headed to Sandbanks to catch a glimpse of the ferry, immersing ourselves in the waterfront charm. Continuing our journey, we explored Canford Cliffs and marvelled at the beauty of Upper Parkstone and Lower Parkstone. At Constitution Hill View Point, it’s where we paused to indulge in a delightful break.
A musical extravaganza is enjoyed by our residents
High Pine Music brought their musical experience to Upton Bay. Residents Interacted playing musical instruments drums, percussion, castanets, whilst listening to the guitar and singing well known sing along songs. Residents danced to jive music, and it was a fabulous musical extravaganza.
Special wish for Barbara, visit to oceanarium
Special wish for Barbara who was a Tiller Girl and danced in the UK and across America. Barbara chose something not to do with dancing as she also loves sea life and penguins. Karen our Activities Lead along with Barbara's daughter arranged a special visit to Bournemouth's oceanarium. When they arrived Karen gave Barbara a bag and inside was a pink hoody penguin. Barbara named it Adelaide. Barbara looked at sharks, turtles, colourful fish and otters. She also wanted an ice-cream so of course we got her one. A lovely treat for Barbara will be celebrating her 90 Birthday on Sunday.
Ukulele band has resident's singing in the garden
Upton Bay residents had a wonderful time this week, enjoying the entertainment provided by the Freyed Strings Ukulele Band in the beautiful garden setting. The band's lively performance brought smiles to everyone's faces and added a delightful atmosphere to the gathering. The residents soaked up the sunshine, savoring the joyful tunes while indulging in refreshing beverages. It was a perfect way to spend a day, combining great music, the beauty of nature, and a chance to connect with neighbors and friends. The event left a lasting impression, creating cherished memories for all who attended.
Memory walk for Alzheimers society
The Upton Bay community organised the Alzheimer's Residents Memory Walk, where they walked around Hamworthy Park to raise awareness for Alzheimer's disease. Our dedicated Activity Lead, Karen, successfully completed the Memory Walk today in Bournemouth.
Our Activity Lead Karen Grant-A'Court is fundraising for Alzheimer's Society. Here’s their Just Giving page, if you’d like to donate: https://www.justgiving.com/page/karen-grant-acourt-1694620295514?utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=page%2Fkaren-grant-acourt-1694620295514&utm_source=whatsapp&utm_campaign=pfp-whatsapp
Blue light visit from Poole fire station
Today we were delighted when our local fire crew from Poole station (Dorset and Wiltshire division) visited and enjoyed bacon baps, croissants and freshly brewed coffee. Some of our residents chatted to the watch which was made up of Jo, Steve, Matt and Lewis. They also enjoyed a tour of the fire engine.
We have opened our doors to welcome the emergency services personnel in our local area. As a way of saying thank you to the paramedics, firefighters, nurses, police officers and other emergency services workers who don’t always have time to go home or back to their workplace on their break, the team and the residents of Upton Bay Care Home will provide free continental breakfast every Monday in September and October (9am-10.30am) to all emergency service staff.
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
