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
The Magic Table
We are delighted to announce that we have just had a Magic Table installed, which is an interactive light projector, designed to support residents living with dementia by keeping them engaged through specialised games.
The light projections respond to hand and arm movement, allowing residents to stay stimulated and, most of all, have fun!
You can read more about it on this page.
Fire Brigade Visit
The local fire brigade was invited to our weekly coffee morning with the residents. Together they discussed fire safety and how it has changed over the years, on a one to one basis and in groups. Afterwards residents and staff went outside to have a look at the fire engine.
Community Book Sale
Ashminster House invited the local community to a Grand Book Sale with coffee and cake served. A total of £45 was raised for our Residents' Fund.
Nepalese Curry Day
On the last Wednesday of May, Ashminster House organised a Nepalese Curry Day. Both staff and residents were delighted to meet the Nepalese community and to explore its culture. The Nepalese team performed a dance, with traditional dresses, in front of the residents, which later on had the chance to demonstrate their dancing skills. In addition to the programme, everyone tried vegetable and chicken curry with poppadoms, naan break, and a delicious rice pudding for dessert.
Cinema Trip
We went to the local Picturehouse, where residents can enjoy a special dementia screening once a month.
Great British Care Awards 2018
Well done to Team Leader, Hayley Ellis, who was nominated for a 'Frontline Leader Award' in the Great British Care Awards. Hayley was a Regional Finalist, meaning she got through to the Nationals. A big congratulations are in order!
