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
Nutrition and Hydration Week
Ashminster House have had a busy week of cooking, tasting and enjoying some amazing homemade produce for nutrition and hydration week.
Residents made fruit smoothies and ice-cream floats which went down very well.
Carers supported residents in making peppermint creams and rocky road bars.
International women’s day
Residents and staff celebrated international Women’s Day with homemade cupcakes made from our talented chef and a glass of bubbly.
In the afternoon residents took part in a picture quiz on famous female faces.
Fun and Games in the Winter Sunshine
A small activity of old fashion games were enjoyed by some of our residents who have been missing the fresh air outdoors. Laughter, happiness, and joy was coming from the garden with an extra boost of winter sunshine.
Bagatelle went down well as this old fashion game promoted good memory recall. Afterwards residents took a short walk around the garden.
A Home of Love and Roses
Flower arranging is a weekly event at Ashminster House, even more special as it was valentine’s day.
Residents followed a demonstration of flower arranging by activities co-ordinator Elaine. Residents gave roses out to staff to show them how much they are loved here at Ashminster house.
Visitors commented on the smells of the home and that flowers brings the home alive.
A Visit from Santa
At Christmas, all of our residents enjoyed a surprise visit from Santa. Not only did he come along and fill our home with Christmas cheer, he also delivered presents to each resident - somehow, he knew exactly what each person wanted.
Bread Baking
Residents here at Ashminster House love making a baking bread. Kneading the dough can be good exercise too, but the final result is always worth the effort!
