Celebrating life at Barchester

We celebrate life through everything we do, from our thoughtful experiences and activities to our delicious food. We offer the latest technology as well as sensory engagement to nurture the wellbeing of our residents. With a wide variety of tailored activities and events we make sure our residents have the best physical, mental, spiritual and social stimulation, all bespoke to them. Take a look at what we’ve been up to…

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Life Size Touch Fun

The Boroughbridge Manor Care Home in Boroughbridge has recently brought a bit of magic to residents by providing a new ‘Life Size Touch’ as a way to improve residents’ quality of life.
the touch screen has allowed residents of all capacities and mobilities to enjoy different, sensory experiences in the lounge areas or without even leaving their rooms.

This new interactive device allows residents to enjoy gaming and activities in an innovative way which stimulates their daily pursuits. The device has a has a number of features designed to help those suffering with dementia to relax; it also helps de-escalate stressful and upsetting situations experienced by those suffering with different forms of the disease.
 

Word Scramble

t was game time at Bere Grove today. Residents put on their thinking caps and had a fantastic time playing a scramble word game. They whizzed through the levels using the interactive Bere Grove Magic Table, which makes activities like this more inclusive, and allows us to tailor games to the needs and abilities of each resident. 
Each activity at Bere Grove is designed not only to be primarily fun, it is to keep minds active, encourage social connection but most importantly bring joy to each and every resident.

Getting Ready for Spring Planting

In preparation for spring, our residents got busy in the Bere Grove Orangery painting pots ready for planting seeds, which will later be transferred to our raised beds outside. Our residents enjoy watching the vegetables and flowers grow which brighten our gardens throughout the seasons. I'm sure you will all agree they look beautiful. There will be plenty more pots as we speed into spring.

Shopping for Italian Day!

Our residents had a lovely trip to Sainsbury's this week, selecting all the ingredients to make something very special next week! In preparation for Italian Day, our residents took a trip to Sainsbury's to buy all the ingredients required to make focaccia with our fantastic Italian chef, Nico. From choosing the finest olive oil to flour and using the self check out, it was a very exciting afternoon, enjoyed by all. I certainly can't wait to enjoy the smell of fresh focaccia throughout our home next week. Residents also sneaked in a packet of biscuits, which they enjoyed on returning to the home. After all that shopping they deserved a sweet treat!

Business Networking hosted at Snowdrop Place

We hosted a fantastic and busy Business Networking Event with Blue Angel Care recently inviting local contacts from the business community to meet and share ideas at our home.
With an informative talk from Val, Dementia Friends Ambassador offering best practise when supporting those in the community, business' and families.
Pictured are the team from Snowdrop Place, Gemma Hicks Senior General Manager and Laura Elgar, Home services Advisor along with the local team from Blue Angel Care, Michelle Bilcock and Mikhala Forbes.
Thank you to all who joined us, look forward to the next event in Spring for details please contact our Home Services Advisor on 01489 772550 or email laura.elgar@barchester.com.

Entertainment afternoons at Snowdrop Place

What at a lovely afternoon at Snowdrop Place. We were so pleased to welcome entertainer Lee Austin for his very first visit to Snowdrop Place, and he certainly made it a memorable one. Residents, staff, and family members all came together to enjoy an afternoon full of music, singing, and smiles.
Lee’s performance had everyone joining in, with familiar songs that lifted the mood and got toes tapping. It was especially wonderful to see residents getting up and dancing alongside their family members, sharing laughs and creating special moments together. The room was filled with energy, happiness, and a real sense of togetherness. Our memory lane residents will always remember how the music made them feel, a wonderful memory to hold onto. 

We embrace later life financial planning with new drop in advice clinic

We are pleased to announce a collaboration with Richard Penrose, a financial advisor from Watch Oak Private Wealth.  Richard specialises in later-life planning, helping people and their families make informed, confident decisions around care funding, long-term financial security, and protecting independence for as long as possible.

His role is to simplify complex choices around care costs, pensions, assets, and entitlements, so families can focus on what really matters: quality of life and peace of mind. On a personal level, family is central to Richard and that strongly influences how he approach’s his work. He understands how emotional and challenging conversations around ageing and care can be, having supported clients through some of the most important decisions of their lives. Outside of work, he enjoys staying active, spending time with his family, and keeping a balanced perspective beyond finance.

He believes good later-life advice should be compassionate, clear, and practical. His aim is always to support residents and families with calm, straightforward guidance at a time when reassurance and trust matter most. Richard can be called upon at Mortain Place care home, Sovereign Harbour, Eastbourne on the last Monday of every month, between 11am and 3pm.

Dementia Disco

We celebrated our third Dementia Disco which brought music, laughter and connection to their local community, as residents living with dementia, their families, and carers came together for an uplifting morning of dance and nostalgia.

The Dementia Disco transformed the Care home into a welcoming dance floor that was filled with classic hits, sing-alongs and smiling faces. Residents and guests enjoyed refreshments, socialising and connection through the power of music.

Residents enjoy live entertainment!

Residents and guests enjoyed a live music performance that took place at the home. Local singer Jeremy performed a selection of classic hits including ‘The Story of My Life’, ‘You Are My Sunshine’ and ‘Magic Moments’ to a full room- there was standing space only!

Residents joined in with the singing, and clapped along as the band performed their finale song ‘Happiness’, and the smiles reflected the song perfectly. Dorothy requested Jim Reeves, and was treated to not one but two of his most popular tunes; and Dr McGregor was very happy singing along to one of his favourites- ‘True Love’.