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

102nd Birthday Celebration

​​​​Resident Joan had a fabulous 102nd birthday. She spent lunch time with her family and got back at Ashminster House in the afternoon, where she had a tea party with staff and fellow residents. 

Joan was presented with a lovely cake baked by our kitchen team and enjoyed a glass of Bucks Fizz!

Gingerbread Man Baking

Residents enjoyed an afternoon of making and baking gingerbread men and one of our residents' Heather delivered the delights to 2nd Chef Cris to be baked ready for tea time.

Fish & Chips on the Seafront

One resident enjoyed a trip to Hythe, where he got to have fish & chips on the seafront and feed the seagulls.

Music Workshop

Residents enjoyed taking part in a music workshop here at Ashminster House, interacting and trying out new instruments. It was lots of fun!

Coffee Morning

Coffee Morning

Ashminster House holds a Coffee Morning for residents and any visitors who wish to join us on a Wednesday morning at 11am. Our residents thoroughly enjoy this weekly event as it gives them stimulation, plenty of conversations and a selection of delicious cakes from our local bakers.

Knitter Natter Club

Knitter Natter Club

Knitter Natter are a community knitting club who come to Ashminster House every Thursday from 2pm to 4pm and are joined by those of our residents who take an interest in knitting.

This gives the Knitters a chance to Natter over cakes and freshly served coffee. This event is open to the public and all are welcome.