Activities at Ashminster House Care Home

Activities at Ashminster are based on residents' life histories. We host music workshops and encourage participation in a number of other activities, including gentle exercise, bingo and gardening. Monthly live singers entertain everyone with music from the 50s, 60s and 70s and residents are encouraged to interact with the musical instruments. Sensory sessions with fibre optic lights and touch & feel blankets are provided, which can be calming to those living with dementia. Residents participate in cooking sessions and enjoy the aromas of bread, scones and cakes - and, of course, sampling the finished product over a cuppa! We promote family values at Ashminster, and those we support can enjoy reminiscing about family events in the past, including weddings and previous occupations. 

Enriching life
Watch our video on life enrichment in our homes.

Elaine Hilden

Head of Lifestyle

I have worked at Ashminster House since 2003, first as a carer then progressing to activities coordinator, which has know as 'Head of Lifestyle'. I have a wealth of experience in my role, as well as NVQs in Health and Social Care, Activities in the Care Setting and Dementia.

I am passionate about fulfilling residents' lives by getting to know each individual with a person-centred approach, learning about their experiences and helping them to express themselves, such as through reminiscing with items of old.

My interests outside of work include antiques, dogs and spending time with my family.

Life-encriching activities booklet

Read our brochure 'Life-enriching activities' for more information about life in our care homes.
Read our brochure

Activities and Events Partnerships

As part of our bespoke life-enrichment programmes, we host a number of live virtual events in the home on a regular basis through a number of partnerships with places of interest and world class performance companies

Life at Ashminster House Care Home

Truffle delight

Dean our amazing chef made Christmas truffles for the residents to enjoy

Wreath making

Residents getting creative in a Christmas Wreath making session for Barchester competition

Winter is Here

As the nights are getting darker and winter is nearly here residents have been enjoying hot chocolate evenings with marshmallows and homemade ginger biscuits.

Flower Power

Flower arranging session in pumpkins for a Halloween display.

Remembering the Fallen

Two gentlemen laid a homemade poppy cross at Ashford’s Memorial Gardens to remember the fallen.

Arts & Crafts

Residents reminisced about arts and crafts when colouring in 1950s uniforms. Chalks, pencils and paints were used in this activity.