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.
Elaine Hilden
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.
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
Sharing Memories
Residents took part in a reminiscence session with items of old. Residents tried on war helmets, looked at old driving licences, ration books and gas masks. They shared memories together and stories of the past.
Musical Moments
It’s good to see other members of the team getting involved with entertaining residents. Here at Ashminster House, we look at the whole home approach, which is working well.
Sweet Treats
Residents made homemade sweets, such as chocolate honey combs and peppermint creams. They dipped the honey combs in chocolate and used different shaped cutters for the peppermint creams.
National Fish & Chip Day
Residents laid the tables in the garden and decorated them with seaside memorabilia. The meal was served by our chef, who placed the chips in newspaper. While residents were enjoying their meal, seaside songs were playing in the background.
Cupcake Competition
One of our gentlemen, who has entered the cupcake competition, picked out his own toppings and enjoyed decorating cupcakes. The competition will be judged by our local bakery, within the community, and will give out prizes.
A Game of Croquet
The residents enjoyed playing croquet for the first time on the lawn with our activities team. This activity lifted her mood as facial expressions were showing smiles along with laughter.
