Activities at Juniper House Care Home

Residents were invited to share personal photographs from their past, which sparked meaningful conversations and warm reflections.

One photo at a time was passed around, pictures of loved ones, holidays, hobbies people used to do and pets. The room was filled with laughter, thoughtful silence, and the soft murmur of stories being told. For our residents, it was a beautiful opportunity to reconnect with their past and with one another.

Moments like these remind us how powerful simple things like a photograph can be, enriching lives. It was a truly touching day that left smiles on our faces and warmth in our hearts.   

Our recent live music entertainment with David Mcfegan brought pure joy and energy to the home! As the music filled the room, everyone was swept up in the moment, singing along to familiar songs, clapping hands, tapping feet, and moving to the songs, even from their chairs.

Smiles lit up the faces of our residents as the songs brought back fond memories and created new ones.

Every first Thursday of the month at Juniper House, we enjoy a truly special "Move to Music" session with the wonderful Amanda, and it was nothing short of magical. Designed to be dementia-friendly, the session invites residents to join in a gentle, guided afternoon of movement and songs. With familiar songs playing and Amanda leading the way, these sessions are more than just fun, bringing measurable benefits to our residents. Social Connection: Singing together fosters community, boosts confidence, and strengthens bonds between residents and staff. 

Physical Engagement: Gentle movement improves circulation, coordination, and overall mobility in a safe, enjoyable way. Memory Stimulation: Familiar songs unlock long-term memories and support communication, especially for those living with dementia. Emotional Wellbeing: Music lifts spirits, reduces anxiety, and creates a strong sense of connection.

We believe that meaningful moments often come from the simple pleasures in life — and that’s exactly what our residents enjoyed on a recent sunny afternoon with a cheerful visit to the local pub at the top of our road.

With the sun shining and spirits high, a small group of our residents set off for a relaxing outing on Friday afternoon to one of our local pubs just down the road, Chequered Flag. Once seated comfortably inside the pub, our residents wasted no time getting into the spirit of things. Everyone decided what they would all like for a drink. The conversations flowed freely with stories of youthful adventures, favourite pub memories, and even a bit of football banter.   

There’s something truly special about working with flowers — the colours, the textures, the fragrance. At our recent flower arranging session, residents tapped into their creativity and left with more than just a beautiful bouquet — they took  a moment of calm and joy. 

With petals on the table and smiles all around, it was a gentle reminder of the beauty in slowing down and connecting — both with nature and each other. This activity also took some residents down memory lane. 

Residents were treated to an afternoon of a delightful selection of cheeses, crackers, and chilled wines and relaxed in the coffee shop. From creamy brie to sharp cheddar, there was something to suit every palate. 

This activity brought a social connection. These relaxed gatherings encourage conversation, laughter, and connection amongst residents and staff. It’s a chance to share stories, toast to memories, and enjoy companionship. 

This activity also brought Sensory Stimulation from the textures, flavours, aromas, and visual presentation of cheese and wine providing meaningful sensory experiences which are especially beneficial for individuals living with dementia or sensory impairments. 

On Monday afternoon, we made our way to the local bowls club to go enjoy a game of bowls. May and Jean used to love to play bowls in their younger years. As we got to the bowls club we were greeted by Anne, who showed us where to go. On arrival, the residents that came said they didn't want to play and wanted to watch. We got into the hall and were greeted by two other members of the bowls club, Carol and Bob. 

Residents got talking and took a trip down memory lane to where they used to play bowls. Jean then got Bobby her teddy out and told them how someone knitted it for her husband for good luck when he played bowls, and now she has it to look after. As the residents settled in, they were all eager to get on the court and have a good time sitting down on the wall to have a go. It brought so much warmth and happiness to see the smiles of the residents' faces to stepping back on a bowl court which they used to once enjoy as a hobby. Residents cheered each other on and clapped when they got close. May and Carroll were head-to-head, getting the same points. The room filled with laughter.

Once we were all bowled out, we all sat round a table and enjoyed a cup of tea and biscuits together talking. By the time it was time to head back to Juniper House's home, the residents were glowing, not just from the afternoon sun, but from the joy of revisiting a place that had shaped some of their lives. 

A wonderful sunny morning as we headed to the bus for a trip to our local canal in Banbury. We took a gentle wander down the canal in the lovely sunshine. Boats glided by, slow and steady, their reflection ripping in the water like moving paintings. Barbie commented on how nice the boats were painted and noticed some had little flower pots on top of the boats.

The ladies got to see locks being open and boats going through. We found a little café that felt a long way away from town, nice and peaceful. We all enjoyed a hot drink and a slice of cake. Watching the boats go by and even getting a wave from some people on the narrowboats.

The other highlight which brought lots of laughter was a swan that Alex was feeding, and the swan swam by us as we walked back to the bus.

All the residents commented on what a wonderful time they had and what a beautiful outing it was. Everyone left with smiles on their faces. This outing brought lots of fun and enjoyment to the residents, and they all enjoyed chatting to each other over a hot drink and a slice of cake.  

It was a cheerful afternoon at Juniper House as we celebrated international beer day. We had larger, bitters and ale to try. Each resident that came along had the choice of which beer they wished to have. We also had a selection of non-alcoholic beers for those that did not want an alcoholic drink. Once the drinks were poured and everyone was happy with the choice of drink, we got stuck in to our beer quiz, which contained 20 questions all about beer. Some questions got a lot of the residents thinking, as a lot of them thought England would have been the answer to what country consumes the most alcohol, but it wasn't. It was China.

Janet stated how she really enjoys a nice cold beer on a sunny day.  

Les was over the moon. He got most of the answers correct and won a bag of chocolates. He also enjoyed a non-alcoholic Guinness.
There was so much laughter this afternoon. Lots of discussions about what everyone had put on the quiz and even cheering each other on when they had answered a question correctly. This activity brought lots of fun and enjoyment and lots of engagement amongst all residents that attended this activity. This activity benefits our minds, social needs, lots of fun and enjoyment and has a positive impact on our wellbeing with lots of enjoyment and laughter.     

In a resident meeting Carroll had said how she would like a choir at Juniper House. So, we have fulfilled this wish and have also name the choir as Carroll’s choir.

What makes this even more special is that Carroll loves to play the piano so once a month we all met by the piano. Carroll will bring her song book and play some notes on the piano for us all to sing along too.

The blend of Carroll playing the piano, the voices of other resident’s and the setting creates a wonderful soulful atmosphere that feels uniquely ours, testament to Carroll’s musical spirit and our collective love for songs.     

When I sat with John filling in his getting to know me booklet, John told me how he used to work for aircraft traffic control. John had told me all about this and was a great interest of John's. I went away and thought about how I could maybe get John to get engaged with an activity, so the best thing was to go on an outing and think about what better place than Turweston Aerodrome. 

As we entered the grounds. John was saying some of the names of the aircrafts to us. John talked about how he was once asked to watch the flight that our late queen was on. "This was only a short flight", John said.

John sat by the window in the café and watched every aircraft take off and land. John engaged with Andrew, who came along both talking about different aircraft. We all enjoyed a nice hot drink and some lovely lemon drizzle cake. 

Celebrations were in full swing at Juniper House as Joyce marked her 102nd birthday. Joyce’s birthday 
was truly one to remember filled with joy and warm from the beginning till the end. Throughout the day Joyce has lots of visitor’s all eager to wish her a very happy birthday bringing flowers, cakes and cards.
We reached out to our sister homes from all over to ask them to join Joyce with celebrating her 102nd birthday by sending birthday cards. Cards from near and far piled up each one sending special birthday wishes and love.
Joyce enjoyed the afternoon with some of her family. As the evening rolled round the celebration continued as Joyce and another resident went to the local pub for an evening meal. Joyce enjoyed her favourite tipple which is a sherry completed with a delicious plate of scampi and Chips. Joyce said once she got her drink how she would be singing on the way home after drinking it. 
Joyce also said how times have changed as when she was younger children wouldn’t have been in pubs like they are now. 
Joyce said what a wonderful day she had, she felt thoroughly spoilt by everyone and Joyce couldn’t thank the staff enough.
Joyce has so much enjoyment that day and felt very fulfilled at the end of the day. 

Beachborough school have been working with Juniper House over the last year, by coming to Juniper House once a term. This was the last term of the year before they start their summer holidays. So beachborough invited us to the school to see how the children are in their own settings at school.

As we entered the school we were greeted with smiles and excitement from the children. We were guided to tables where we were able to participate in colouring pictures, making things out of Lego, playing with play dough. The residents were delighted to see the enthusiasm and creativity from the young children.
You could see the Joy on the residents faces as they watched the children laughing and playing.

On particular moment of Joy came when one little girl handed Joyce a hand puppet from the animal corner. This little girl took time to explain to Joyce how they look after then and was showing Joyce how she feeds then with a little bottle. The laughter between Joyce and this young girl was beautiful as they played together. Joyce was laughing so much so she had tears running down her face.
At the end of the visit reg stood up and said to the children, I would Just like to say what amazing children you all are and how well behaved you are too. Reg got very emotional and he said he looks forward to seeing them all again next time.

Carroll was very happy as one little boy gave Carroll a picture, he had coloured to bring home with her.
This outing really benefited our residents everyone social and emotional needs where met, all had fun and enjoyment, this was good for their souls also. Overall, this outing had a very positive impact of all of the resident’s wellbeing that day and all the way back home everyone was talking about our afternoon outing to Beachbrouogh school.

In a one-to-one individual chat, May said how she would like to go down to St James' Lake as she likes it down there. So a trip was arranged to go for a picnic down at the lake. The wonderful kitchen staff made us a little picnic to take down with us. The weather was glorious. The sun was shining bright. We decided to go at lunchtime. We sat on a little picnic bench and enjoyed the views and sound of wildlife down at the lake. We had ham and cheese sandwiches, fruit and a delicious selection of cakes and a lovely cold drink.

Everyone had a wonderful time at St James' lake watching the geese getting fed and the ducks swimming around the lake. Being able to enjoy the views of our local lake, and talking to some of the local community when we were down at the lake.

Hazel said how she could hear all the birds singing, and it was lovely to go out. Rita said how nice it was to hear all the birds. Rita asked Naomi to give the birds the rest of the bread she had left. Rita really enjoyed herself and said how lovely it was at the lake. May was very happy she got to go down to St James' lake. This was a wish for an outing fulfilled and May said she had a lovely time. 

Juniper House was very lucky to have wonderful weather on the 1st of May to be able to all gather in the garden to enjoy a traditional English folk dance performance with music playing and bells ringing by the local Morris Dancers.

The Morris Dances have been performing for over 400 years in our town of Brackley. 

Residents and staff enjoyed a morning in the sun watching the Morris dancers perform. Residents were clapping their hands along to music and lots of smiles were seen. The Morris Dancers got Natalia involved for the last dance.