Celebrating life at Barchester

Rothsay Grange Care Home, a Barchester Healthcare home in Andover, proudly took part in the first “Drop-In Information Session” on planning for the future. The care home joined the event to offer insights and advice on care home options and the support services available within the community.

It was a great session where members of the community had the chance to ask questions and seek advice from qualified professionals on important topics such as wills, POA (Power of Attorney), funeral plans, insurance, care homes, and care at home.

The event also provided a wonderful opportunity to network with other professionals and we were delighted to have a fantastic visit from the Mayor of Test Valley Borough Council Councillor Gordon Bailey and Councillor Iris Andersen.

Windmill Manor got into the Halloween spirit (excuse the pun) with as many pumpkin based activities as they could find.

The regular knitting club made the homes decorations by knitting pumpkins or all colours and sizes. There was a pumpkin carking competition for the residents and their visiting friends and families, the competition was so fierce that there had to be an award for 1st, 2nd and 3rd!

And finally the remaining pumpkins were used as vases for flowers table arrangements. 

Fun was had by all.......although everyone was pumpkined out. 

Diwali the Festival of Lights came to Windmill Manor this October.

Staff members came dressed in their celebration clothes to show the residents and bought in homemade traditional sweets, the residents loved trying the new tastes of the sweets and found the colourful clothing enchanting. 

Some of the ladies in the homes decided to spend the morning making flower centre pieces for the dining rooms. 

The ladies got their creative juices flowing and loved the sense of achievement that came from their efforts, and even more so when they were used to decorate some of the dining tables. 

The residents had an afternoon of baking fun followed by a cup of tea to wash down their efforts. 

Baking allows residents to use remember and use their skills from their past, and discuss cakes and bakes that were firm favourites with their families when they were young, both key ways of engaging memories and keeping the brain strong. 

The residents enjoyed a wonderful day out to visit The Lost Gardens in Sevenoaks.

The visit included the home residents being allowed to stroke and talk to the resident Alpacas, for some this bought out smiles and giggles, something so simple can bring such pleasure. 

The trip also included a scrumptious cream tea with scones with lashings of cream and jam and warming cups of tea. 

October was a month of creativity, connection, and new beginnings at Cadbury Hall, with a focus on enrichment, culture, and community engagement.

Team & Volunteers:

• New Activities Co-ordinator: Sally joined the team, bringing fresh ideas and energy.
• Team Development: Steph and Felicia focused on enhancing teamwork and planning engaging activities.
• Volunteers: Phil and Mary supported residents, contributing their time and enthusiasm.

Resident-Focused Activities:

We continued to cater to a wide spectrum of interests, hobbies, and life experiences, ensuring residents could share meaningful moments with each other and their visiting relatives. Activities were person-centred, reflecting individual preferences and promoting engagement.

Autumn Offerings & Community Events:

• Seasonal activities embracing autumn themes
• Participation in events within the local community
• Birthday celebrations to mark special milestones

Diversity & Inclusion:

Our focus this month took residents on a cultural journey to Italy and Hungary, exploring:

• Music, art, and artists from these countries
• Traditional cuisine and cultural experiences

Welcoming New Residents:

October also saw new residents join Cadbury Hall, each bringing a wide range of hobbies and interests, further enriching our community and activity offerings.

A Month of Enrichment:

The month highlighted our commitment to fulfilling lives, celebrating diversity, and encouraging social connection, in line with Barchester principles.

September was a month full of creativity, connection, and celebration at Cadbury Hall. Our residents enjoyed a wide variety of activities designed to enrich daily life and promote wellbeing:

Activities & Clubs:

• Arts & Crafts – Encouraging creativity and self-expression.
• Drama Sessions – Interactive performances and storytelling.
• Live Music – Musical entertainment to uplift spirits.
• New Clubs – Exciting clubs set up to meet residents’ interests.
• Scrabble & Board Games – Stimulating the mind and fostering social interaction.
• Poetry & Memory Lane – Sharing stories and reminiscing.
• History Hour – Exploring past events and local heritage.
• Garden Club – Hands-on activities in our outdoor spaces.
• Community Film Club – Watching and discussing films together.
• Sunday Family Board Games – Connecting with visiting family members.
• Trips Out – Providing opportunities to explore the local area.

Diversity & Inclusion Week:

We celebrated Diversity and Inclusion Week, welcoming colleagues and staff from Kerala, India. The week was full of:

• Fun, laughter, and enjoyment
• Physical activities to keep everyone engaged and active
• Opportunities to connect, learn, and celebrate the richness of our diverse community

Celebrations & Enrichment:

September was also marked by special celebrations, reflecting our commitment to enrichment and fulfilling lives. In line with Barchester’s principles, every activity aimed to promote wellbeing, social engagement, and personal growth, ensuring residents had a truly rewarding and enjoyable month.

Residents Enjoy Morning Service at Yatton Methodist Church

Our residents recently enjoyed a morning outing to Yatton Methodist Church, accompanied by members of our activities team, Sally, Felicia, and Mike.

The service explored the story of Zacchaeus, illustrating the transformative power of faith and community. Residents appreciated the uplifting music, refreshments, and the chance to connect with the friendly church community.

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” – Luke 19:10

This visit provided our residents with a meaningful experience that combined spiritual reflection, social interaction, and a sense of community. We extend our sincere thanks to Yatton Methodist Church for their warm welcome and continued support.

Please contact Sally our Activties Co Ordinator for more information.