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
VE Day
We took part in the celebration of VE Day to mark the 75th anniversary of victory in Europe at the end of WW2.
We decided to have a garden party, as the weather was lovely. The garden was decorated with bunting & VE day flags. In these strange times, we had to do social distancing, and because we couldn’t have an entertainer, our maintenance man, Andy, brought in his DJ equipment & played all the music from the '40s, '50s & '60s. Residents had a really good time; some even got up to do the jive.
It was a strange day, as we couldn’t celebrate with the families, so we decided we are going to put on another party when lockdown is relaxed & families can return to Derham House.
Postcards of Kindness
We received a postcard of kindness from a lovely lady from Bristol. She wrote about camp coffee and explained that her father had it during the second world war and asked if the residents remembered it and what hot drink they enjoyed.
We didn’t have postcards, so as a group activity, we made an Easter card thanking her for thinking of us at Derham House and wishing her a very happy Easter.
Milly the Shetland Pony
We welcomed Jenny from Scooty Wootys & her Shetland pony, Milly. She was absolutely adorable! The residents were over the moon to see her; they enjoyed petting and brushing Milly. We're looking forward to bringing here in again!
Spring Has Sprung
We made daffodils as we decided to bring spring forward a bit earlier before the run up to Easter. Our daffodils were made from old egg boxes; once they were put together, the residents also had to paint them.
Residents really enjoyed themselves, chatting to each other while they was making them. Everyone is looking forward to making Easter bonnets & bunnies.
This Little Pygmy
We welcomed back Claire & Glen from Blackwater Alpacas & Pygmy Goats. Residents, staff & families really enjoyed seeing the baby goats. Even the little human kids turned up to see them whooping with delight at the sight of them. One lady didn’t want to give the fur baby back!
Open Day
We started our open day with a visit from the Covenant Women’s UK gospel choir, who belted out hymns, which got the whole room rocking. We half expected to see Whoopi Goldberg jump out & conduct us all!
Our Head Chef provided a lovely platter of fresh cream cakes & loads of tea & coffee flowing for the visitors that were streaming through our door.
Derham welcomed our afternoon entertainer, Tim Arthur, with his first visit to our home, and boy he didn’t disappoint us, playing an electric guitar & singing classics. Residents, staff and guests really enjoyed his set.
