Activities at Laurel Bank Care Home
Activities are a fundamental part of a rich and varied lifestyle here at Laurel Bank Care Home, which is why we organise both physically and mentally stimulating social events for those we support. The weekly itinerary is ever-changing, and regularly includes art lessons, chair-based exercise, trips and visits from a variety of different animals, as well as one-to-one time for residents who prefer the peace and quiet. Our team actively tries to incorporate the hobbies and interests that are meaningful to residents into the activities schedule as encouragement to continue with much-loved pastimes.
Jaimy Lee Almond
Hi, my name is Jaimy Lee, and I am the Activities Coordinator here at Laurel Bank.
I have worked in the care home industry for over nine years. I started working at Laurel Bank in 2018 as a carer, and then, I was promoted to senior carer which I thoroughly enjoyed.
I moved over to activities in 2020, as I was asked to help out and help encourage residents to join in. During this, I realised how much fun it could be and chose to stay on and got promoted to Activities Coordinator.
I love my role as every day is different and I try to make sure the residents are happy and engage in meaningful activities, this also helps support the transition for new residents.
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 Laurel Bank Care Home
National Ice Cream Day
Residents across our homes had a fantastic time during a special live virtual event in celebration on National Ice Cream Day. Wall’s team took us on a great journey through history, sharing fascinating details about the brand since its launch in 1922. We learned about major innovations such as the introduction of Mr Whippy, Cornetto, Viennetta, Twister, and Carte d'Or.
Residents were treated to a singalong to Cornetto classic ads, an interactive quiz about fun Wall’s facts and best-of-all, an ice-cream tasting session. It was a delightful experience for everyone, especially our ice-cream lovers.
Team of the Year
The whole team at Laurel Bank in Lancaster has been crowned the team of the year for North NW Division in the Barchester Care Awards 2023 and is through to the national round of judging.
The Barchester Care Awards celebrate the staff who go the extra mile for the benefit of the 13,000 residents living in Barchester’s 252 care homes and private hospitals across the country. Categories range from ‘Registered Nurse of the Year’ and ‘Carer of the Year’ to ‘Dementia Care Champion’ and ‘Activities Coordinator of the Year’.
The history of Dogs Trust
Residents across our homes had a fantastic time during a special live virtual event, led by Jennifer and Emily from Dogs Trust, the UK's largest dog welfare charity. Jennifer and Emily took us on a journey to discover the rich history of Dogs Trust and their facilities.
Using captivating video and photo footage, our residents were able to explore rehoming centres and learn more about the highest level of welfare offered there. It was a delightful experience for everyone, especially our dog lovers.
Residents enjoy Pride month
This June, staff and residents at Laurel Bank care home in Lancaster, have been creating decorations, festooning their home with rainbows and enjoying the colourful celebrations from around the world. Lots of the festivities from different parts of the UK and from around the world are available to watch online and residents have had a fantastic time experiencing the different parades and carnivals on offer. One resident even managed to attend Lancaster pride festival with some of the staff at Laurel Bank.
Home raise funds for charity
Residents and staff at Laurel Bank in Lancaster put the ‘fun’ into ‘fundraising’ with a sponsored cyclethon to raise money for Barchester’s Charitable Foundation and our resident fund. Over four days, from May 23rdth- 26thth, Laurel Bank cycled virtually 364.54 miles, with help from staff, residents, family members and even the odd handy man! Everyone pulled together and had a great time. Altogether, Laurel Bank managed to raise over £600!
Frances, a resident at Laurel Bank said: “To be able to take part in a cyclethon at 101 was wonderful. It felt great to use my legs and peddle 2.2 miles, and it was great being able to contribute. I even managed to raise £160 in sponsors to add to the final total!”
Pets at the Palaces
Residents across our services had a delightful time during a special virtual sensory storytelling event, led by Art Historian Jon Sleigh from the Historic Royal Palaces.
Jon took us on a journey to discover some of the more unusual and unexpected inhabitants of the palaces and the Tower of London, sharing fascinating stories about the pets at the palaces.
Whilst enjoying the virtual experience, our residents were treated to hot beverages, delicious biscuits, berries and cakes. It was a truly lovely time for all.
