Activities at Ashcombe House Care Home

One of Ashcombe’s care staff is also an Ambassador for the RSPCA, Sarah dedicates herself to help animals of all shapes and sizes. Sarah recently had a lovely Dog in her care who gave birth to 8 puppies! The puppies are being very well looked after by Mum and Sarah and at 6 weeks old the Puppies came for a visit to Ashcombe. Residents and staff were overjoyed to see the tiny bundles running around the lounge, playing with toys and having cuddles on laps, it really was the highlight of the week. The puppies made visits to rooms and enjoyed getting all the attention. There are many benefits of animal therapy that go well beyond feelings of emotional support and comfort. Studies have found animal therapy has effectively helped people to relax, lower blood pressure, regulate hormones and improve interactions. Research has also shown the effectiveness of therapy animals in improving physical health conditions. 

Friends and family along with health professionals were invited to a summer party at the home. Stalls were set up with raffle prizes, a tombola, craft stall with items made by residents and bric and brac stall.

The kitchen hosted a BBQ with fresh potato salads, burgers, sausages and meat free options, before the ice cream arrived with 99’s all-round much to everyone’s delight.

The afternoon Continued with Live music from Tony Allgood of reminisce entertainment which got everyone singing and dancing along.

It was a truly wonderful day to see everyone enjoying themselves and the staff worked hard to ensure residents had the best day. Residents decided they would like any proceeds from the day to go towards a tropical fish tank for the home for all to enjoy.

As part of our intergenerational program of activities, the local students from Queen Marys College who are studying Health & Social care have been designing an activity program for our residents every Tuesday afternoon. The students have been thinking about the variety of activities they can deliver as well as the benefits that it brings to the residents. This has been really good fun, this week the students hosted their own mini bake off with residents. With cupcakes, biscuits and low sugar snacks available, residents were tasked with who could do the best decoration. Unfortunately the students couldn’t award just one winner so everyone was crowned a champion.  The residents enjoyed sharing their decorated snacks with staff and other residents around the home there was something for everyone. Resident Peggy absolutely loves the students visiting and will often help them select an activity ( usually one she enjoys) for the following week and seeing the relationships grow between the generations is wonderful to see.

The minibus was full and we headed off on a sunny day to Henley on Thames for a boat trip.  Residents loved the scenery as we entered Henley most having never been here before. We enjoyed a picnic lunch in the park before boarding the Rivertime Boat Trust craft. Our skipper Lucy was very knowledgeable having grown up in Henley and pointed out places of interest and even a few stars houses along the Thames.  We were lucky enough to see the ladies rowing teams out practising for the Henley Regatta.  A wonderful day was had by all and we all slept well that evening.

Residents and staff decorated the home and held their own celebrations to commemorate the 80 year anniversary of the D –Day Landings. Many residents remember this vividly and we spent the morning reminiscing and remembering those that gave their lives for us.

The afternoon was a celebration, with entertainer Anthony Allgood singing some war time hits and well-loved songs from yesteryear.

Residents enjoyed a three hour trip along the Basingstoke canal. Boarding ‘DAWN’ in Odiham , residents enjoyed the beautiful scenery, wildlife and wonderful weather sharing memories. Canal Barge DAWN has wheelchair access and is run by the Accessible Boating Association, a charity run by volunteers the charity maintain two specially equipped boats,  allowing anybody with mobility or socialising difficulties to enjoy day trips or longer cruises with carers, family and friends on the Basingstoke Canal.. We were captained today by Volunteers of the charity who shared their knowledge of the canal and its history.

We set of East towards Winchfield passing the picturesque Old Thatch Cottage before reaching the Barley Mow Wharf and winding hole just beyond where we moored up to enjoy a picnic lunch on-board.

Peggy Gary a resident of the home said “I’ve had a truly fantastic day, with great company and lots of laughs along the way. I even had a try at being the captain and steered the barge which is something I have always wanted to do”

Mellisia Irwin senior carer said “ Its lovely for residents to be able to get out and enjoy the beautiful scenery and tranquil setting, everyone has had a lovely time, I know I’ve really enjoyed myself.”