Activities at Harton Grange 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.
Marius Sidoriuc
Hi, my name is Marius, I am the activities coordinator here at Harton Grange. I joined Barchester's family in 2021, as I found their approach and standards on dementia very interesting. Since early 2022 I work for Barchester as both activities coordinator and care assistant. In 2018, I started my journey in health and social care as a care assistant and very soon after, I completed courses on dementia and activities (NAPA, level 2) and I worked as both activities coordinator and care assistant in Kent. I'm also an apprentice in health and social care. I've met some amazing people that have guided my understanding of dementia.
The most important thing for me is to see our residents achieving a meaningful raison d'etre, living as they like and to benefit from a range of activities starting from Namaste to reminiscing and spiritual needs (such as praying or listening to hymns), art and craft, armchair exercises, music therapy or finger nail pamper sessions.
I like to acknowledge that I am working as a part of a whole team, including the fantastic management, hospitality and maintenance departments, promoting a person centred approach for each resident and we are glad to know each persons preferences and abilities in order to plan how the day will look with them. One way we are able to do this is through our residents' and family' meetings where we try to let everyone have their say about the way they want to live and the activities they take part in.
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 Harton Grange Care Home
Inside the Factory
We had a brilliant time across our services with Harrogate Skills 4 Living as they took us on a wonderful virtual visit to their Harrogate Chocolate Factory.
Residents were thrilled to discover details about the chocolate-making process and the fascinating journey from bean to bar, all while enjoying some delicious sweet treats.
The Factory aims to employ people with learning disabilities and autism, involving them in all parts of the process, from sorting and roasting the beans to packaging and sales. The experience was truly enjoyed by all who joined this event.
Beat the Clock
We continue to celebrate a varied life enrichment programme and across our services we linked up with other Barchester care homes and hospitals up and down the country for some interactive Beat the Clock games.
Our residents truly enjoyed solving word puzzles, conundrums and mathematical problems as part of Barchester’s very own game show series.
Everyone who joined had a fantastic time and enjoyed some friendly competition.
A Visit from Tails 'n' Snails
Georgia from Tails ‘N Snails put a lot of smiles on our residents' faces with her wonderful pets, some of them rescued. One of the most attraction was Gizmo, still a hoglet (the African hedgehog), so cute and full of energy. Norma and Dot loved to touch the Royal Python and for Maureen it brought back lovely memories. Nancy and Teresa just adored the hoglet and enjoyed to touch the rabbit and Ruby, the tortoise.
Jean was so thrilled to see the Guinea pigs. As these pets were just taken in Tails ‘N Snails care, they didn't have a name yet and jean decided to give them names: Brian and Jimmy. Alice was happy to see them again as they visited us last year.
International Women's Day
International Women's Day is a very important event to celebrate every women for their fantastic achievements, legacy and courage to fight for a fairer and better world. Audrey, Dot and our kitchen team Joy and Liz (helped by Matthew and myself) went to the Sutton Hall in South Shields to mark the International Women's Day together with a very warm community gathered by Bright Future Charity. It was a beautiful evening to see our team sharing their skills (knitting, crocheting) with the new generations. Audrey and Dot spent days knitting, sometimes together. We didn't dance as others did, but we enjoyed to have a great time together celebrating this wonderful day, International Women's Day.
Visiting the Garden Centre
Ammina asked to have an afternoon out, in a garden centre, and invited her friend Moira to come along.
We enjoyed an afternoon tea with chocolate gateau and cheese scone. Ammina said this is her way to celebrate Mother's day and is looking forward to see her daughters.
A trip out
What a delicious red velvet cake, said Ann, Maureen and David. After a reminiscing driving along the coast we stopped at the Stack in Whitburn where we had plenty of time to speak about the changes that took place in time in this part of South Shields. David was happy to meet, by chance, one of his neighbours as we walked towards the Stack.
Upcoming events
