Celebrating life at Barchester

We celebrated VE Day at Oulton Park by decorating our very own Union Jack cake. We sang along to music from the 40s. Residents reminisced on their childhood, talking about rationing and what life was like during and after the war. It was a true honour to hear their stories. 

Staff got into the spirit of VE day, sporting outfits that were in fashion in the 40s.       

Residents at Oulton Park were joined by Angie's, curious creatures for a chance to hold and learn about some wonderful animals. 

Residents and staff held a snake, tortoises and a bearded dragon. They also meant a cute little African Pygmy hedgehog. It was a truly wonderful afternoon and so much fun for those who attended.        

This month we are shining the light on our wonderful yoga sessions, which are a regular fixture in our residents' activity schedule. 

Yoga offers older adults improved flexibility, strength, balance, mental clarity, and overall well-being, making it a safe and effective practice for healthy ageing. Well done to those who regularly take part and always have a smile on their faces and a big thank you, Cerys, for her wonderful sessions.   

In May we welcomed Karen, a Dementia Friends Champion, who presented everybody with an educational talk about Dementia.   

The attendees learnt the five key things everyone should know about dementia and how the condition affects a person’s brain and daily life. We hope that everybody who attended enjoyed the talk and has now got the tools to help make Andover a more dementia-friendly town.   

Rothsay Grange celebrated VE Day in style with a vibrant musician and singer alongside a specially decorated cake by the team’s wonderful chef. 

Our residents enjoyed the celebrations with lots of family visitors even popping by too. It was so lovely to see our residents sharing in their love of music and singing as we paid tribute to and remember all of our heroes who served in the war.      

Residents at Station Court care home had an owl-solutley fantastic day on memory lane with their very own petting zoo experience with Animal Antics. 

The afternoon was filled with smiles, snuggles and a few squeals as residents met, held, cuddled and stroked some very special visitors. From tiny whiskered mice to cuddly rabbits, prickly hedgehogs to scaly snakes, but Bracken the barred owl certainly stole the show.

Animal discovery sessions are always such a paws-itive experience, bringing comfort and connection for residents, especially those living with dementia.    

Residents and staff members of Station Court Care Home were joined by their loved ones to mark the 81st anniversary of Victory in Europe at a special Bless ‘Em All party.  

The care home was dressed in Union Jacks, flags were waved and sherry was toasted as wartime classics and party anthems were performed live by the brilliant local vocalist, Mark McCann, having everyone singing along and dancing together, replicating the joyful feelings of street parties and celebrations held in the 40s.           

Station Court Care Home certainly had the disco fever! The home was decorated in sparkles and disco balls, staff members dressed in Motown attire and residents and their loved ones came together for a Motown-themed afternoon filled with music, memories and feel-good vibes!

The atmosphere was full of sunshine and soul as the fabulous Michaela from Musical Memories performed everyone’s favourite 60s Motown classics, having everybody getting into the groove, singing along and dancing in their seats, followed by sippin’ on delicious Motown-inspired mocktails such as tempting twists and grapevine whilst reminiscing the good old days celebrating world cocktail day!      

A Deputy Manager at Castle Park in Sutton, Hull has received a prestigious 20-Year Service Award in celebration of working at Barchester Healthcare for 20-years.

Sonia Richardson, now Deputy Manager started at Barchester in May 2006 and has worked with residents and their relatives to ensure that their needs have been met over the years.

Wendy Sugden, General Manager of Castle Park said: “We’re delighted to be celebrating 20-years of loyal service with Castle Park. She has demonstrated her dedication and loyalty to this home and its residents year after year. I speak for all of us here at Castle Park when I say that I’m looking forward to many more years of working with Sonia!”