Activities at Derham House Care Home
We understand that the people we support have passions and interests that could be difficult to pursue after moving into a care home – but that doesn’t mean we don’t encourage them to try! Some hobbies can define a person, so our Activities Coordinators are dedicated to ensuring that everyone we support is able to do what makes them happy to the best of their abilities. Social events are organised with individual tastes in mind and with the idea that residents have the opportunity to try new and exciting things.
Kay Thompson
I have worked in the care sector for many years. I am fully trained in dementia awareness, and I have also trained as a dignity champion. I have been working here at Derham House since March 2019, and I am really enjoying my role here.
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 Derham House Care Home
World Vegan Day
We took part in World Vegan Day having a taster afternoon. Residents tucked into some wonderful dishes, all freshly prepared by our chef, on the menu was mushroom pie, spinach swirl, pumpkin swirl, and stuffed peppers.
The residents were very surprised that the dishes tasted so good made of just vegetables. After they had eaten, the chef was congratulated on how well he had done.
We then had a fun afternoon with plant-based quiz, which was harder than expected, but hilariously funny.
Pumpkin Carving
Residents took part in carving pumpkins for Halloween. With help from the nurse on Memory Lane, they had a fantastic time enjoying the feel and texture of the pumpkins, which helps with their sensory needs. They cannot wait for night to fall so they can see what they all look like.
Dare to Wear it Pink
We took part in the 'dare to wear it pink' campaign to raise money for breast cancer awareness.
It’s never been more important than now to wear ‘it pink’ as, due to the pandemic, so many charities have lost out on the support of the public doing their fundraising just like we are doing.
Staff and residents alike dressed for the occasion in their finest pink attire the residents became fabulous pink hairdresser’s and enjoyed spraying the staff’s hair pink for the occasion and took great delight in telling us how silly we looked but we all took it in Great Spirit as it’s for a great cause.
In the afternoon we enjoyed a coffee and reminiscing with some lovely cakes, which were pink, of course.
Virtual Cruise
HMS Derham’s maiden voyage was delayed for minor repairs.
The residents on Memory Lane undertook the task of repairing her, having great fun painting and reminiscing about their travels around the world.
There was so much laughter and excitement in the room, which was lovely to hear. In the afternoon, the residents boarded the ship in anticipation as to what destinations we would be going to.
Once all the passengers were on board, we set sail from Upminster docks and they waved goodbye to loved ones at the port.
We then sat down for mocktails and enjoyed watching cooking demonstrations with Chef, Paul Hawkins and Lisa Richards being the Captain and Quizmaster to guess the destinations we would be stopping at.
We stopped at Hamburg in Germany, Rotterdam in Holland, and finally Bruges in Belgiu. The residents had a fantastic trip and departed the ship tired, but very happy.
Roald Dahl Day
We had a great time celebrating the British novelist, short-story writer, poet, screenwriter and wartime fighter pilot Roald Dahl.
During the day, our residents got involved in a variety of fun-filled activities. Our fabulous staff dressed up for the occasion.
We all watched a short video on ‘The Life of Roald Dahl’ and took part in a themed quiz.
Throughout the day, there were a number of refreshments and delicious treats, plus, we watch the Charlie and The chocolate Factory film.
Euros 2020
We saw the start of the much awaited European championships; what better way to kick off that with a curry and a nice cold beer?
We decided it would be a gentleman’s afternoon, but quickly realised the ladies weren't too keen on the football, but liked the idea that we had beer and curry.
The curry looked and tasted amazing the residents really enjoyed it, with compliments to the chef.
Once lunch was finished, we sat down to watch the match and were surprised that all the ladies stayed to cheer on the Scots. Unfortunately, the match ended in defeat for the Tartan Army, but everyone still enjoyed their afternoon.
