Activities at Austen House Care Home
Here at Austen House, we like to get to know those we support, and from the day of moving in, our activities team will spend time on an individual basis learning about interests, likes and dislikes, life history and favourite hobbies.
We provide a wide range of activities, from one-to-one time, manicures and board games, through to live entertainment, prize bingo and our ever-popular cheese & wine events. Our activities team will also tailor individual activities to ensure residents can have as much or as little involvement as they choose.
In the summer months, greater focus is given to outdoor activities, such as barbecues and garden parties. In conjunction with our Chef, themed events are planned throughout the year, bringing activities and food together.
In their pink polo shirts, our activities team are easily identifiable and embrace ideas and suggestions from residents and their relatives to ensure that the activities provided keep those we support engaged, stimulated and entertained.
Iuliana Buican
Hi my name is Iuliana, I was a history teacher for 12 years before I joined Barchester in 2017. I am passionate about my job and love working with people. I enjoy planning and delivering meaningful activities which make a difference to our residents lives.
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 Austen House Care Home
Valentine's Day
Staff and residents celebrated the day of love by baking some heart-shaped cookies, receiving Valentine’s cards made by children from community and enjoying a live music performance that took place at the home. Local singer, Jim, performed a selection of love songs including Love Is In The Air, All You Need Is Love, Love Me Tender and the residents joined in with the singing and clapping.
Century Celebrations
Celebrations have been in full swing at Austen House, as one of our residents reaches her centenary in style. Irona is an inspiration to all and everyone was honoured to be part of her special day.
Irona was joined by staff, relatives and friends as she received a telegram from the King in recognition of her landmark birthday. A champagne reception was held at the home and guests enjoyed a special birthday cake made by the home’s chef.
National Chocolate Cake Day!
We had a fantastic time celebrating National Chocolate Cake Day, surely one of the best days of the year! Our residents tasted a selection of different chocolate treats from chocolate cupcakes, cakes and fudge to pies and sticky chocolate and ginger syrup sponge, prepared by our talented chef. It was a fabulous day, enjoyed by all and more importantly we had a good excuse to eat chocolate all day long.
Chinese New Year
Staff and residents at Austen House welcomed in the Year of the Rabbit with a day of celebrations and activities. Inspired by Chinese culture and traditions, lucky red envelopes were exchanged and the home was decorated with hanging red lanterns. Residents learnt all about the traditions and superstitions of Chinese New Year and made lovely Chinese lanterns. Our Head Chef Ainsworth Brown cooked up an oriental feast for lunch and residents enjoyed the delicious food.
International Flower Day
Residents and team members at Austen House celebrated International Flower Day, taking part in a flower-based activities. We started the day with a flower arranging competition, reminiscing about the flowers and their garden and continued with a flower quiz which everyone really enjoyed.
Aladdin Pantomime!
Residents, friends and team members at Austen House had a great time taking part in a fantastic performance of the Aladdin Pantomime presented by Tickled Pink Production. Everyone enjoyed singing and dancing along to their favourite pantomime characters, Widow Twankey, the evil Abanaza, the beautiful Princess Jasmine and of course the gorgeous Aladdin. Beautiful costumes and an amazing comedy story made everyone happy!
