Activities at Austen House Care Home

At Austen House, we know that true friendship has no age limits, and our Butterfly Buddies sessions are a beautiful reminder of that! These heart-warming gatherings bring together our wonderful residents and local children, creating special moments filled with laughter, learning, and joy.

Intergenerational friendships offer incredible benefits for both young and old. The presence of children brings a renewed sense of energy and connection to our residents, while the little ones gain wisdom and perspective from those with a lifetime of experiences to share. Through storytelling, crafts, and simple conversations, these sessions strengthen communication skills, boost happiness, and spark creativity in the most delightful ways.

Each Butterfly Buddies session is a chance for friendships to blossom—just like butterflies emerging with new life. We are truly grateful for these magical moments and look forward to many more!

At Austen House, we love finding ways to keep our residents active, engaged, and most importantly—having fun! Today’s Movement to Music session was a perfect example of how music brings people together, filling our home with energy, laughter, and a whole lot of rhythm.

With classic tunes playing, our residents stretched, swayed, and danced, each movement bringing smiles and a sense of joy. Whether it was a gentle tap of the feet, a graceful sway, or a lively boogie, every step was a celebration of music’s uplifting power.

These moments of movement not only bring physical benefits but also brighten spirits, reminding us all of the joy that comes from simply letting the music guide us.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined in and made this session so special. Let’s keep the rhythm going and the smiles shining! 

At Austen House, we believe in celebrating the little joys that bring smiles to our residents and team. This International Flower Day was no exception! Our home was transformed into a floral paradise, filled with the vibrant colours and sweet scents of fresh blooms. 

Residents eagerly took part in a wonderful flower-arranging activity, creating stunning bouquets with creativity and care. Each arrangement reflected their artistic flair and appreciation for nature, making the day both engaging and meaningful.

But the highlight of the celebration was the heartfelt gesture that followed—our residents gifted their beautiful floral creations to our dedicated nurses and admin team. It was a touching way to express gratitude for their kindness, hard work, and unwavering dedication to the well-being of everyone at Austen House.

The atmosphere was filled with laughter, appreciation, and the warmth of community spirit. As flowers were shared, so too were moments of joy and connection, reminding us all of the beauty in giving and receiving kindness.

A huge thank you to everyone who participated in making this day so special. Here’s to more celebrations that bring happiness and togetherness to our Austen House family! 

This week at Austen House, hearts were warmed and smiles were abundant as Fraser, our beloved therapy dog, stopped by for his regular visit!

As part of the PAT (Pets as Therapy) program, Fraser has become a cherished member of our community, spreading comfort and joy with every wag of his tail. Residents eagerly awaited his arrival, and as soon as he walked in, the room lit up with excitement and affection.

Fraser’s visits are more than just moments of joy—they’re opportunities for healing and connection. Spending time with therapy dogs like Fraser has been shown to have incredible benefits for our residents, including: Reducing anxiety and stress: The soothing presence of a furry friend helps residents feel calm and content. Encouraging communication and interaction: Fraser inspires residents to share stories, reminisce, and engage with one another. Bringing back cherished memories: For those living with dementia, the simple act of petting Fraser can spark happy memories of their own pets. Boosting overall wellbeing: Fraser’s visits are a highlight of the week, lifting everyone’s spirits and creating lasting moments of happiness.

One resident shared, “Seeing Fraser reminds me of my dog from years ago. He’s such a good boy, and spending time with him always brightens my day.”

Fraser’s visits exemplify the thoughtful care and enriching experiences we provide at Austen House. By fostering meaningful interactions and promoting emotional wellbeing, we create a supportive and joyful environment where everyone can thrive.

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, brought an extra sparkle to Austen House as residents, relatives, and staff came together for a vibrant celebration filled with music, dance, and delicious food.

In honour of this special occasion, parts of Austen House were adorned with glowing lights, colourful fabrics, and decorative diyas, creating a warm and festive atmosphere. The day’s events kicked off with a mesmerizing performance of traditional Bharatanatyam, an elegant Indian dance, by the talented children of Kalakunj, led by their dedicated teacher Ananya. Residents were captivated by the graceful movements and intricate storytelling conveyed through the dance.

Adding to the celebration, Shradha’s enchanting live music filled the room, inviting everyone to join in the singing and dancing. The energy was infectious, and soon residents, family members, and staff were swaying and clapping along to the beats, creating a beautiful moment of unity and joy.

No celebration is complete without a feast, and Diwali at Austen House was no exception. Residents were treated to a delightful selection of homemade Indian dishes and sweets, offering a chance to explore the rich flavours of traditional cuisine. The taste of samosas, laddoos, and other delicacies brought smiles and sparked lively conversations about food and culture.

Some staff members embraced the spirit of Diwali by dressing in traditional Indian attire, adding an extra touch of authenticity and celebration to the day. “It was such a colourful and happy occasion,” one resident shared. “The music, the dancing, and the food—it felt like we were part of something truly special.”

Diwali at Austen House was a testament to our community's commitment to celebrating diverse cultures and creating memorable experiences for everyone.

This Halloween, Austen House was filled with the sounds of laughter, the pitter-patter of little feet, and the warmth of intergenerational joy as we welcomed our special guests: the children from Earlybird Pre-School and our friends from Butterfly Buddies Intergenerational Friendship. Together, we embarked on a festive pumpkin hunt that brought smiles to faces of all ages.

The day began with residents and children teaming up to find hidden pumpkins around the home. The excitement in the air was contagious as the little ones eagerly explored, holding hands with our residents and celebrating every pumpkin discovery. The shared enthusiasm bridged the gap between generations, creating moments of pure happiness.

After the hunt, everyone gathered for a mix of heart-warming activities. Residents and children sang cheerful songs, read spooky but friendly Halloween stories, and played games that brought out laughter and joy. To top it off, we had a lively chat about the origins of Halloween, sparking curiosity and storytelling from both the young and the young-at-heart.

The highlight of the day came when the residents handed out delicious sweets to the children. Watching the little ones’ eyes light up with delight brought immense satisfaction to our residents, who cherished the chance to connect and create special memories with their young visitors.

“This has been such a wonderful day,” one resident said. “I can’t wait to do it again!”