Activities at Austen House Care Home

There’s nothing quite like the simple joy of a day spent in nature, and our recent outing to Dinton Pastures Country Park was the perfect way for residents to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air.

With blue skies overhead and a gentle breeze carrying the sound of birdsong, residents strolled by the peaceful lakes, pausing to admire the views and chat about memories of countryside walks from years gone by. The natural beauty of the park created a calm and uplifting atmosphere, encouraging both relaxation and conversation.

Laughter was shared as benches became gathering spots, where residents could rest and simply enjoy the company of friends in the warmth of the late summer sun. Of course, no trip would be complete without a well-earned cuppa and the group happily rounded off their visit with tea and treats at the park’s café.

The outing was more than just a change of scenery; it was an opportunity for connection, joy, and a sense of freedom that comes from being outdoors. Watching smiles and hearing stories flow throughout the day was a wonderful reminder of the value these shared experiences bring to life at Austen House.

At Austen House, we continually explore new and meaningful ways to enrich the lives of our residents, and this week’s art therapy session proved to be a truly special experience. Led by Jonny and Cheryl, residents were introduced to the craft of making and decorating traditional Japanese dolls.

The session was much more than an afternoon of creativity; it was an opportunity for residents to slow down, focus, and let their imaginations flow. With calming music in the background, everyone carefully selected colours, fabrics, and embellishments, bringing individuality and personality to each doll. The process encouraged concentration, mindfulness, and self-expression, making it both therapeutic and rewarding.

As the dolls began to take shape, the atmosphere in the room grew lighter, filled with conversation, laughter, and admiration for one another’s work. When finished, the dolls were vibrant and beautifully unique—each one a reflection of the resident who created it.

Residents were delighted with what they had achieved, and there was a real sense of pride as the dolls were displayed and admired. This session was a wonderful reminder of the joy and calm that creative activities can bring, nurturing both emotional well-being and a sense of accomplishment.

At Austen House, moments like these highlight the power of art to connect, inspire, and uplift.

At Austen House, we believe some of life’s greatest pleasures come from the simplest of moments. This week, our residents enjoyed a truly special afternoon outdoors, taking full advantage of the late-summer sunshine in our beautiful garden.

The highlight of the day was gathering around the plum tree, which has been growing steadily and offering up its seasonal gifts. Residents picked the ripe, juicy plums straight from the branches, delighting in the colours, the fragrance, and, of course, the taste of fruit fresh from the tree. For many, the experience brought back fond memories of childhood summers and time spent in orchards, allotments, or family gardens.

Once gathered, the plums were shared out and enjoyed together, sweet, tangy, and all the more delicious for being homegrown. Laughter and conversation flowed easily, with residents swapping stories about favourite fruits, family recipes, and the joy of nature’s harvest.

It was a gentle, joyful afternoon that captured the essence of life at Austen House: community, connection, and the appreciation of simple moments that brighten our days.

At Austen House, we always strive to create meaningful moments tailored to our residents’ passions, and today, it was all about Sheila.

On a beautifully warm and sunny day, Sheila enjoyed a personal outing filled with her favourite things. Accompanied by a member of our team, she took a stroll through the local neighbourhood and nearby park, soaking in the fresh air and vibrant summer blooms. The walk brought back lovely memories, and Sheila shared stories from years gone by with a smile on her face.

One of the highlights of the outing was an unexpected but joyful encounter with a friendly dog, whom Sheila happily stroked while chatting with its equally friendly owner. A lifelong car enthusiast, Sheila also took great delight in spotting her favourite cars, especially a sleek Mercedes that truly caught her eye!

The afternoon continued with a spot of shopping at Sainsbury’s, followed by a delicious ice cream enjoyed in the park while watching children play on the swings. It was a simple but powerful reminder of the happiness found in everyday pleasures.

Sheila’s beaming smile said it all. The joy, calm, and connection she experienced today made for a truly memorable outing, one we were privileged to share with her.

Our residents were transported to the vibrant streets of Havana this afternoon, as the sounds of classical Cuban music and the sweet aroma of guava filled Austen House.

Maria, a cherished member of our activities team and proudly Cuban, led a hands-on baking session where residents learned to make traditional Pastelitos—flaky pastries filled with delicious guava paste. With music playing, laughter flowing, and aprons tied, it was a wonderfully sensory experience that brought everyone together.

Residents took great care in folding and preparing their pastries, and the results were nothing short of impressive. As we often say, our residents are full of hidden talents—but in the words of a proud Cuban expression, “Va a la Habana y apaga fuego,” meaning “They go to Havana and put fires out!” In other words, they nailed it!

Maria was delighted to share a piece of her heritage, and the residents thoroughly enjoyed the experience, many asking if we could explore more international flavours in the weeks to come.

At Austen House, we believe in celebrating cultures and creating moments that spark joy, curiosity, and connection. And today, with the help of guava fruit and great company, we did just that.

At Austen House, we recently had the honour of celebrating a truly remarkable milestone with two of our newest residents, John and Ann, who marked an incredible 67 years of marriage.

The sun shone brightly as John and Ann’s special day unfolded, a perfect setting for a beautiful celebration of enduring love. Surrounded by their close family and warmly supported by our dedicated team, the couple enjoyed a joyful afternoon filled with shared memories, laughter, and love.

Having only recently joined the Austen House family, John and Ann were deeply touched by the surprise anniversary celebration arranged in their honour. A stunning bouquet, thoughtful gifts, and a collection of heartfelt cards made the day all the more special. A highlight of the event was the ceremonial cake cutting, met with applause and happy tears from those who gathered.

“We couldn’t have asked for a warmer welcome,” Ann shared. “Everyone has been so kind—we truly feel at home.”

It was a privilege for us to witness such a moving moment in John and Ann’s lifelong journey together. Their enduring partnership is not only inspiring but also a beautiful reminder of the love, connection, and community we foster at Austen House.

From all of us here, we wish John and Ann continued happiness, good health, and many more cherished moments together.

This morning’s Dementia Café at Austen House was a wonderful opportunity to come together, celebrate, and create lasting memories.

The lounge was filled with laughter, conversation, and pure happiness as we started the day with a lovely array of treats, from delicious scones and cakes to a warm cup of tea or coffee. It was a perfect chance to sit back, connect, and enjoy each other’s company.

The highlight of the morning was a wonderful sing-along, where everyone raised their voices together to their favourite songs. We even had a bit of fun remembering some noughties classics alongside the well-loved tunes from years gone by.

A huge thank you to all the families who came and made the Dementia Café so special. Your presence added a wonderful warmth and a deep sense of community to the gathering. It was a truly heartening and joyful morning.  A perfect blend of treats, tunes, and treasured moments.

Nurses' Day is a wonderful opportunity for us to celebrate and appreciate the remarkable team of nurses we have here at Austen House.

Every day, our nurses bring compassion, dedication, and kindness to their roles. They care for each person in our home with patience, understanding, and a deep sense of responsibility — making a world of difference to the health, happiness, and well-being of all our residents.

This Nurses' Day was made even more special by the presence of Millicent, one of our wonderful residents who was a nurse herself for many years. Millicent’s years of service and experience made her a perfect person to celebrate alongside us. She shared stories from her nursing career and reminded us of all the rich knowledge and compassion that nurses bring to their roles.

We want to say a huge THANK YOU to all our nurses, past and present, for everything you do. Your hard work, expertise, and loving care help make Austen House a warm, comfortable, and thriving community for everyone who calls it home.

We appreciate you more than words can express!

Flowers bring happiness wherever they go and this was certainly true during our wonderful flower-arranging morning here at Austen House.

The activity filled the home with a riot of colours and a lovely buzz of conversation, as everyone chose their favourite flowers and put their creative skills to use. There’s something so special about the simple act of putting together a bouquet: it's a chance to appreciate nature’s rich colours, connect with friends, and let imagination blossom.

As we made our arrangements, we also took a moment to reflect on the meanings behind different flowers. The rich red of a rose symbolises romance, yellow sunflowers bring a feeling of happiness and warmth, and pure white lilies represent peace and purity. It added a wonderful depth to the activity and made each person’s bouquet all the more special.

Overall, it was a wonderful morning filled with creativity, conversation, and pure happiness, a perfect example of life here at Austen House.

At Austen House, we believe that life is best enjoyed with good company and delightful flavours. Our recent Cheese and Wine Afternoon was a perfect example of that. Residents gathered to savour a carefully curated selection of fine cheeses, paired beautifully with a range of wines.

Laughter and conversation flowed as everyone explored the different flavours, reminiscing about favourite moments over a glass of red or white. The room was filled with warmth and the gentle hum of contentment—a simple reminder that the best moments are often shared around a table.

It was a wonderful afternoon that celebrated good taste, great company, and the joy of living well. Cheers to many more afternoons like this at Austen House!

Spring was in full bloom at Austen House as we welcomed the Easter season with festive celebrations and heartfelt moments. Our residents embraced the spirit of Easter through a delightful hot cross bun tasting, where a variety of flavours-from the classic spiced favourite to exciting new twists—were enjoyed with plenty of smiles and shared stories. The aroma of fresh buns and the joy of reminiscing about past Easters filled the room with warmth and cheer.

But the celebrations didn’t stop there! Creativity blossomed during our Easter-themed arts and crafts sessions. Residents took part in card making, bunny and egg decorating, and vibrant flower colouring, each project fuelled by imagination and joy. Our community room was transformed into a hub of colour and creativity, with each decorated piece reflecting the unique spirit of its maker.

From delicious treats to artistic creations, Easter at Austen House was a time of connection, laughter, and celebration. Here’s to more shared moments, cherished traditions, and the simple joys of the season!

There’s nothing quite like the joy of a sunny afternoon, where warm breezes and clear skies beckon us outdoors. Recently, we embraced the beautiful weather with a leisurely walk to one of our local favourites, The Seven Red Roses Pub. Nestled in the heart of the community, this welcoming spot provided the perfect backdrop for a bit of fresh air and good company.

With refreshing drinks in hand, we gathered around a cosy table, sharing stories and reminiscing about happy summer memories. Laughter filled the air as we sipped and savoured, enjoying the simple pleasures of good conversation and great company. It’s these moments that truly capture the spirit of community and togetherness.

The Seven Red Roses never fail to deliver that perfect blend of comfort and cheer, making it the ideal setting for moments just like these. Whether it’s a sunny afternoon stroll or a quick catch-up with friends, we always leave with smiles on our faces and memories to cherish.

Here’s to more sun-soaked afternoons, shared laughter, and the warm hospitality of our favourite local pub! 

At Austen House, Mother’s Day was more than just a date on the calendar; it was a heartfelt celebration of love, connection, and treasured memories. The home came alive with colour and joy as residents, their families, and our dedicated team came together to honour the incredible women in our lives.

The day began with a charming tea party, where tables were adorned with fresh flowers and a delightful spread of cakes and sweet treats. Laughter and conversation flowed as residents enjoyed the company of loved ones and friends, surrounded by festive decorations including banners, bunting, and balloons that added to the joyful atmosphere.

A highlight of the day was a hands-on flower arranging session, allowing residents to express their creativity while crafting beautiful floral displays to take pride of place in their rooms. The activity sparked fond memories and warm conversations, with many sharing stories of gardens past and special family traditions.

As cards were read aloud and photographs passed around, the room was filled with emotion, smiles, happy tears, and heartfelt words that reminded everyone of the special place mothers hold in our hearts.

It was a day of connection and celebration, and a reminder of the enduring power of family, love, and togetherness.

At Austen House, we take pride in celebrating the rich diversity of our community, and our Holi celebration was a perfect example of that spirit. Residents, families, and team members came together to mark this vibrant festival of colours with joy, laughter, and a sense of unity.

The home was alive with energy as everyone joined in the festivities, embracing the tradition of throwing colourful powders and sharing stories about the meaning and origins of Holi. Known as the festival of love and renewal, Holi reminds us of the importance of togetherness, forgiveness, and the beauty found in diversity.

Laughter rang through the air as splashes of colour brightened faces and clothing alike, creating not only a visual spectacle but also an atmosphere filled with warmth and inclusion. Residents were eager to learn more about the customs and cultural significance behind the festival, making it both a joyful and enriching experience for all.

Celebrating Holi at Austen House is part of our ongoing commitment to embracing all cultures and creating meaningful moments for everyone who lives and works here. We look forward to many more such events that bring people together and honour the many stories and backgrounds that make our home so special.

At Austen House, we believe that mealtimes are about so much more than just food. They’re about connection, companionship, and creating moments that matter.

Each day, our dining rooms are filled not only with the comforting aromas of home-cooked meals, but also with laughter, conversation, and a sense of community. Our staff take great pride in sharing these moments with residents, joining them at the table to enjoy not just the food, but the stories, memories, and meaningful chats that make every mealtime special.

Whether it’s a familiar favourite on the menu, a new dish to try, or simply the joy of seeing friendly faces around the table, mealtimes offer a chance to pause, connect, and enjoy the simple pleasures of good food and good company.

It’s in these small, everyday moments that we find real joy, and at Austen House, we’re proud to make every meal a celebration of life, togetherness, and well-being.