Activities at Ashlar House Care Home

Ashlar House brought the spirit of Dementia Action Week 2025 to life with a vibrant Dementia Disco! Residents and staff embraced the fun by donning funky glasses and dancing through the decades — from the rocking’ 50s and grooving’ 60s to today’s top hits.

Music is a powerful connector — it gets people moving, and even those with limited mobility light up with smiles, wave their hands, sing along, and often show pure joy in their eyes. 

For our residents, music sparked treasured memories, heartfelt connections, and pure happiness. Best of all, families couldn’t help but join in the fun!

From singing along with Elvis to dancing to today’s beats, it was a heart-warming celebration of life, community, and the enduring magic of music. 

Here in Epping Forest, we are proud to be building a dementia-friendly community—where every person living with dementia is respected, supported, and truly valued.

At the heart of this effort is Barchester Ashlar House, a care home that goes far beyond the basics. It’s not just a service—it’s a family.

Rita Green, our dedicated Activist Coordinator, works hand-in-hand with Flavia, our caring and committed Registered Manager. Flavia Sparhat brings warmth and leadership to everything she does, always putting the needs of the residents and their families first.

“Our home is more than a place to live—it’s a place to belong,” says Flavia. "Our home is their home. We are a family here.”

Every resident is treated as an individual, with dignity, compassion, and love. Rita adds, “No textbook can teach what we learn from our residents. Every person is a new story, a new chapter.”

As part of the wider Epping Forest – Dementia Friendly initiative, supported by our new Town Mayor Janet Whitehouse, Ashlar House is proud to lead by example. Together, we are creating an environment where kindness, understanding, and connection come first.

Step into a whole new world with our Virtual Reality Goggles. Designed to gently fit over the eyes, these goggles transport you into immersive, lifelike environments where you can explore different countries, cultures, and landscapes from the comfort of your seat. As you move your head, the scene shifts with you, revealing stunning sights in every direction.

Each resident receives a dedicated session to enjoy a guided virtual tour of a destination of their choice. Whether you’re strolling through the charming streets of Rome, relaxing by the ocean in Thailand, or wandering through the peaceful forests of Canada, the experience feels incredibly real, calming, and engaging.

But it’s not just about what you see; you’ll hear it all, too. The soft sounds of local life, music, nature, and culture surround you, creating a deeply immersive experience that truly brings each place to life.

Both residents and staff have described it as a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make our 80th VE Day celebration truly unforgettable. It was a day filled with joy, music, and treasured memories, made all the more special by the support of our wonderful residents’ families.

A special thank you goes to the amazing Fiona Harrison, whose vintage performance brought the 1940s to life. Touring throughout this commemorative month, Fiona’s stunning voice, authentic costume, and heartfelt delivery captured the true spirit of the era—and had everyone smiling, singing, and reminiscing.

The day was made even more meaningful by our residents, who shared their personal memories of VE Day. Some recalled being just 6 or 7 years old, while others were teenagers or young adults during the celebrations of 1945. Their heartfelt stories reminded us of the hope, resilience, and relief felt across the country at the end of the war.

We are especially proud to share that one of our residents’ remarkable stories will be featured on The Big Ear Radio, helping to preserve and broadcast these important memories to a wider audience. It’s a powerful reminder that every voice matters and every story deserves to be heard.

Our decorations and food were thoughtfully tailored to reflect the era, complete with bunting, vintage posters, and delicious traditional fare that brought a real taste of the 1940s.

Thank you once again to everyone who gave their time, love, and energy. Together, we created a celebration that honoured the legacy of VE Day and gave our residents a day to truly remember.

At just four weeks old, Jerry the lamb made a special visit to the residents of Ashlar and what a memorable moment it was. With his soft fleece, gentle bleats, and curious nature, Jerry brought more than just a smile; he brought connection, comfort, and calm to everyone he met.

The presence of animals like Jerry in care settings is more than just a cute experience; it’s a powerful form of therapy. Pet therapy has been shown to improve emotional well-being, reduce feelings of loneliness, and even lower blood pressure. For many of our residents, especially those living with dementia or limited mobility, the simple act of stroking an animal or sharing a moment of eye contact can unlock memories and spark meaningful interaction.

During Jerry’s visit, even those who were in the middle of their daily routines paused to enjoy the moment. Laughter echoed down the halls, conversations were sparked, and a gentle sense of calm filled the room.

Bringing animals into care homes like Ashlar isn’t just about novelty; it’s about nurturing the human spirit in ways that medicine alone cannot. And little Jerry, with his tiny hooves and big heart, reminded us of all the healing power of connection, no matter how small or fluffy it may be. Thank you #performancepets. See you next month.  

This morning, all televisions were tuned in to BBC Live to watch the VE Day 80th procession. Eighty years on from the historic announcement that brought joy, relief, and the end of conflict in Europe, we joined the nation in remembering and honouring the heroes of the past.

Residents at Ashlar House shared heartfelt memories and stories of being evacuated as children and of families who sadly did not return. Some of the recollections were incredibly moving, and there were tears during the silence as we remembered those lost. One resident proudly showed his police medals, a powerful reminder of service and sacrifice whilst working in the service.

This week is an ongoing celebration, as we continue to watch the commemorative sessions and take part in activities that bring the era to life. Adding a touch of fun and nostalgia, one of our staff dressed up as wartime housewives complete with aprons, headscarves, and brooms, bringing smiles and laughter to the home.

We are truly privileged to have such remarkable residents amongst us. Everyone at Ashlar House stands proud of their strength, resilience, and the incredible stories they carry.