Activities at Henford House Care Home

This month we hosted a very informative and interesting fall prevention workshop with occupational therapist Rob from OTTER Therapy.

Rob sat with our residents, staff and guests from the community to explain what makes us prone to falls, such as dehydration and ill-fitting shoes.

Rob then showed us some seated and standing exercises to help build up strength in order to prevent falls. He also showed everyone a safe and easy way to sit and stand.

Rob’s talk was extremely informative and provided us with valuable knowledge about fall prevention strategies.

Rob got everyone involved and made the workshop interactive, which benefited everyone!

Thank you to Rob for this workshop, to the staff who attended, our lovely residents and to those in the community who came to view it. I’m sure we will all treasure this knowledge in this new year.  

We had some music from Belle Street Entertainment on New Year’s Eve, which was brilliant. Our residents always enjoy listening to the performers come in, and it brings some fond memories back for them from their dancing days.
 
We then had a New Year’s Day Tea Party. With tea, festive sweets, and some singing of Auld Lang Syne - we had a delightful afternoon! We also enjoyed some festive drinks - a little glass of Baileys to cheers to the new year.
 
We’ve spent a lot of this week discussing our happiest memories from 2025, and what we want to achieve for 2026. As well as many fun board games, quizzes, and looking at New Year’s traditions from across the world. Fun fact: it’s tradition to literally leap into the New Year off chairs and furniture in Denmark.

We have had a phenomenal year here at Henford and wish for this to continue - thank to you anyone who has supported us, visited us, or volunteered with us! 

What a fabulous September day we've had here at Henford House! On this Autumn Equinox, while the seasons began to shift, our wonderful residents made the most of the glorious sunshine with a cheerful games afternoon on the patio.

From laughter-filled rounds of Jenga to some competitive Connect4, the air was full of joy, smiles, and plenty of vitamin D!
It might be the first day of autumn, but today felt like a warm hug from summer.

Thank you to our lovely team for making it such a special afternoon. 
 

It was one of those unforgettable days where joy filled every hallway and room. We had the absolute pleasure of welcoming two very special guests—Daisy and Sugar, the amazing Therapy Shetland Ponies from A Million Memories Pony Parties and Therapy!

At Henford House, it’s so important to us that every resident gets to experience joy, connection, and moments that enrich their lives. When our residents can’t get out to explore the world, we bring the world to them—and Daisy and Sugar were more than happy to trot right in (yes, they even took the lift upstairs like true professionals).

For our lovely resident Carol, this was a dream come true—she’d never touched a horse before and said it was something she had always wished for. Another resident was so touched by the visit that it brought back cherished memories and even a few tears. It was truly heartwarming to witness how much joy and emotion these gentle ponies brought with them.

Of course, our staff made sure Daisy and Sugar were properly thanked—with lots of cuddles and a well-deserved crunchy carrot from Chef Nathan!

A huge thank you to Daisy, Sugar and their fabulous keepers for making this day so special for everyone.
 

It has been the time of year when our residents put their green fingers to work.
With some assistance from our amazing Gardener Katharine, residents have been busy in gardening club, putting together pots and hanging baskets to add colour and beauty to Henford House.
Several residents have spoken in the past about the joy and peace which they have found in gardening, and how difficult they have found it that they cannot physically get out to do the sort of gardening which they enjoyed. But, where there is a will there is a way! So the pots and hanging baskets can come in to our residents, and be at whatever height is needed to be accessible. And for those that want to be doing even more, there are plenty of raised beds to fill.
You can see that this brings true joy to many of our residents, and when you visit you will see the wonderful work they have done.

After a fabulous year welcoming our youngest visitors for the monthly Toddlers Group, we're delighted to share that the first session for 2026 is next Monday, 12th January.

Today was about connection, creativity, and gentle presence. Together with our residents, we created meaningful quote board and dream-inspired collages — choosing words that feel like home, safety, hope, and belonging. 

There was no rush. Just hands cutting, eyes choosing, hearts remembering.

Each quote became a small mirror of a life lived, a story held, a feeling shared. Activities like this are more than crafts, they are moments of listening, self-expression, and emotional wellbeing. They remind us that creativity has no age, and that every person deserves to feel seen, valued, and included.

Thank you to our wonderful residents for their openness, smiles, and wisdom.

At Henford House, we often say that every gathering has the potential to create something meaningful—but this time, something truly magical happened. What began as a gentle afternoon activity dedicated to childhood memories and conversation around the table became a powerful, soul-stirring experience that none of us will soon forget.

Residents were so delighted and proud of the magical Mamacha. Guided by the compassionate and creative Marta Pereira, author of Mamachas Magical Dolls – An Ancestral Art of Healing, our residents were invited into a world where crafting meets connection, and where every thread has a story to tell. Together, we created a Mamacha—a traditional healing doll rooted in ancestral wisdom, where every knot, every fabric choice, and every detail is infused with memory, intention, and love. But this was more than a craft session—it was a ritual of remembrance. A circle of healing. As the residents shared stories of their childhoods, their loved ones, and the lives they'd led, something profound began to unfold. Laughter mixed with quiet reflection. Hands moved with care. Hearts opened.

The result? A new guardian spirit was born—Beatrice —a name chosen with joy and consensus, symbolising unity, care, and creativity. Beatrice is not just a handmade doll; she is a vessel of everything beautiful we witnessed that day: protection, love, happiness, health, closeness, and joy. She now lives at Henford House, not just as a keepsake, but as a tangible reminder of the strength, wisdom, and deep humanity within our community.

This extraordinary experience reminded us that the ancient arts have a timeless gift: the power to bring people together, to heal old wounds, and to spark new connections. Through Beatrice, we hold a piece of each other—and proof that even the simplest stitches can carry the weight of a lifetime. At Henford House, magic truly lives in the moments we share.

This week, our residents beat the heat with a fun and refreshing hydration tasting session! From tangy fruit juices to vibrant green smoothies, we sampled a rainbow of flavours — and had plenty of laughs along the way!

A group of our lovely residents were invited to be part of something truly special — the creation and burial of a Time Capsule at the magnificent Longleat Estate!
In the lead-up to the big day, our residents lovingly contributed personal notes, thumbprints, and even included a snippet about life at Henford House — including this week's delicious menu.
We set off on our adventure in our trusty minibus and car, full of excitement. Upon arrival, we were welcomed like royalty by the fabulous Longleat team with a surprise — a TV documentary crew was filming the whole thing.

We had the honour of meeting the mayor and several distinguished guests, and then came an exciting trip on the brand-new Longleat bus, driven by none other than Dave the Legend. Imagine our delight when we found out Dave was once the maintenance man right here at Henford House — what a reunion!
After a scenic ride and a smooth car escort, we arrived at the brand-new Hippo House where we were greeted by none other than Lord and Lady Bath themselves. The hippos were breath taking — currently just four, with hopes for a growing family through Longleat's brilliant conservation work.

We then gathered to witness the symbolic burying of the Time Capsule, filled with heartfelt messages and treasures from all attendees. 
To top it all off, we were treated to a delicious supper and a glass of bubbly to celebrate an unforgettable day.

This was a very special occasion for several of our residents who have long and personal connections with Longleat, and provided some wonderful new memories to share.

Today unfolded in many small but meaningful ways. Some residents chose quiet, personal moments — revisiting memories, sharing stories, or exploring creative interests at their own pace. 

Others expressed themselves through pottery, allowing touch, texture, and colour to guide the experience.

As the day moved on, in the afternoon. The lounge came alive with music, followed by a beautiful intergenerational exchange as students from Warminster School joined residents for conversation and board games. Laughter, curiosity, and genuine connection filled the room.

A gentle reminder that wellbeing is not one-size-fits-all 'it lives in choice, presence, creativity, and shared moments'.

We started the week off with making our very own Christmas tree decoration. We cut the shapes out, painted them and jazzled them up ready to go on our tree for display! We decorated our frames and walking aids, inspired by fellow residents whose family had put lights and tinsel round their frame! Santa Claus handed out presents on Christmas Eve, personally wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas.

Then on the big day… we enjoyed a delicious roast turkey made by our chef. Plenty of laughter and smiles filled the room. We indulged in some bubbles as we watched the King's Speech in the afternoon. And plenty of Christmas carols and music were sung throughout the day.

We then relaxed over the weekend, unwinding from a very fun-filled, festive month. We played many board games, including scrabble, and enjoyed some films!

We hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas, and we wish everyone a Happy New Year.

At Henford House, we believe that every day holds the potential for something extraordinary—and today was no exception. Residents were treated to a thrilling visit from Kris of Tropical Discovery Workshops, who brought an awe-inspiring collection of exotic creatures right into our home. From the gentle plod of Taco the tortoise to the unexpected charm of a giant millipede and even a graceful tarantula, the experience sparked wonder, curiosity, and joy in equal measure. It was a heartwarming reminder that it’s never too late to discover something new.

The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as residents gathered in anticipation, some a little nervous, others simply intrigued. But as Kris introduced each animal with fascinating facts and gentle encouragement, the room quickly filled with smiles, laughter, and even a few surprised gasps. One resident exclaimed, “I never imagined I’d be holding a snake at my age!”—a sentiment that was echoed by many throughout the day.

There was something truly special about the way Kris engaged with everyone, taking time to ensure each resident felt comfortable and involved. He shared stories about the animals' natural habitats, diets, and unique personalities, transforming the session into an immersive, educational experience. The hands-on element made it all the more memorable. Some residents were even brave enough to let the tarantula gently crawl across their hands, while others found joy simply watching from their seats, eyes wide with fascination.

These moments of connection—between people, animals, and nature—are what make life at Henford House so vibrant. Events like these aren’t just entertainment; they’re opportunities for growth, laughter, and shared memories. They spark conversations long after the day is done and help strengthen the sense of community that defines our home. A huge thank you to Kris and his amazing animal ambassadors for reminding us that a sense of wonder doesn’t fade with age—it only grows stronger when nurtured. Here's to many more wild and wonderful adventures to come at Henford House! 

Henford was filled with extra joy (and a lot more giggles!) this week as our wonderful toddler group returned — officially lowering the average age in the best way possible!

From musical instruments to toys and tiny high-fives, the room was bursting with smiles, laughter, and heartwarming connections. These little visitors brought pure sunshine to our residents’ day, and it’s safe to say the feeling was mutual. Thank you to everyone who came along — you’ve truly warmed our hearts. Until next time, little ones!

While the crowds danced in muddy fields, we brought the festival magic right here to our own beautiful gardens this weekend!

Residents and team members alike enjoyed a day full of music, memories, and sunshine — and it was truly something special. We kicked things off by sharing our all-time favourite tunes (some serious classics in the mix!), before taking to the great outdoors for our very own Henford Fest.

From tambourines to maracas, everyone had a go at making music — we even had a visiting drummer who brought the rhythm alive, and a miniature Worthy Farm Tractor rolled in to make it official!

Of course, no festival is complete without a bit of indulgence — afternoon tea, a cheeky glass of wine, and plenty of laughter made it a day to remember.

Music has such a magical way of bringing back memories and creating new ones — and this weekend, Henford House was absolutely buzzing with both.