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.
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 Laurel Bank Care Home
Keeping in touch
As lockdown continues, so does our busy weekly Skype schedule! All of our residents and their loved ones are encouraged to have a half-hour catch up over Skype at least once a week, to reassure families that we are all OK and vice versa. Pictured is Vera on her birthday, sharing a virtual afternoon tea with her son to celebrate. ‘It was a really lovely to see my family on my birthday, and the cakes were delicious!’, she said
Cheese & Wine
Our monthly Cheese & Wine evening has continued to be a success throughout lockdown, just with fewer guests than before. The kitchen prepare a different selection of artisan cheeses each month for resident’s to taste, and it is the highlight of the busy activity schedule for some- ourselves included! Cheers!
Activities Coordinator of the Year
Jamie Hodgson was crowned as the national winner in the Activities Coordinator of the Year category at the 2020 Barchester Care Awards, held virtually on 8th October.
The awards celebrate staff and volunteers who go the extra mile for the benefit of residents and patients living in Barchester care homes and independent hospitals.
More than 2,800 nominations were received from homes, residents, staff and relatives across the UK this year, which is nearly 1000 more than was received last year. Nominations were sent in by Barchester staff, but many more were also from residents and their families who have praised the fantastic care provided to their loved ones.
All entries have been of a very high standard, and Jamie is thrilled to have been declared as the national winner!
Activities Coordinator joins Trustees at Barchester Foundation
Our very own Activity Coordinator, Jamie, has recently been appointed to the Board of Trustees of the Barchester Charitable Foundation. The BCF works tirelessly to support charities involved in the stimulation and engagement of elderly and disabled people, and gave £10,000 to Kendal-based charity ‘Vision of Adventure’ in January. Jamie is looking forward to working with the Foundation to help to reduce isolation and promote an active lifestyle amongst the elderly and disabled.”
Afternoon tea with the General Manager
Lucky residents Susan and Christine enjoyed an Afternoon Tea with Manager Lyndsay and Administrator Debbie recently, after winning the prize at our Summer Fair. Our Head Chef prepared a delicious selection of cakes and sandwiches and all of the ladies really enjoyed themselves- General Manager Lyndsay said “It was so nice to take time out from my busy schedule to spend some quality time with our Christine and Susan. I’ve enjoyed it so much that we’re going to do it again next month!”
Care Practitioner celebrates 15-years service
A care practitioner at Laurel Bank in Lancaster has received a prestigious 15 Year Service Award in celebration of working at Barchester Healthcare for 15 years.
Lois Crowe, now a care practitioner, started at Barchester as a carer in September 2005 and has worked with residents and their relatives to ensure that their needs have been met over the years. Through her hard work, determination and caring nature, Lois was promoted to Senior Carer years ago and was recently promoted again after completing the Barchester Care Practitioner course, and now works alongside the nurses to support them. Lois is well-loved by staff and residents alike, and was very happy to receive a £250 gift card from Barchester in recognition of her achievement.
Upcoming events
Coffee Morning - Every Tuesday
We extend a warm invitation for you to join us and make new friends - all welcome.
