Activities at Paternoster House Care Home
Our specialist activities staff are committed to organising a mix of activities and events for residents and the local community to get involved in, including trips out to local places of interest in our minibus and visits from entertainers and musicians. It is important to us that each individual who we support can get as much from these as possible, so we try our best to arrange activities that reflect their interests and capabilities as best as possible, and encourage them to participate in any way they can. We also encourage relatives to join with activities and events as often as they can.
Sandy Phillips
Hello, my name is Sandy and I am the Activities Coordinator here at Paternoster House. I have worked at the home for just over a year starting as part of the hospitality team, but when the opportunity to work as part of the activities team I jumped at the chance. I have a background in working as an activities coordinator for children's activities at the local leisure centres, along with craft clubs after school and Messy play for toddlers.
I am creative and working wit the team we are all bringing new ideas for activities and events as well as still running firm favourites! My passion is about enhancing the lives of the residents from individual time through to big celebratory events. We ensure we plan a varied and interesting programme of activities and events.
As a team we are committed to Barchester's Life Enrichment programme ensuring we work with mind, body and soul.
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 Paternoster House Care Home
Rescue Ponies Bring Big Smiles!
Paternoster House was full of animal magic on Thursday 11th April, 2024 when Toy Horse ‘Ted’ and American Miniature ‘Bryn’ trotted in to surprise the residents. Our residents were super excited to see their new little pony friends roaming around as the team from Idyllic Celebration Ponies paid a visit.
Resident Brenda said; “My granddaughter Lauren is best friends with Hollie at the stables who care for these beautiful creatures. She organised today's surprise visit and it's been fabulous to get up close to these precious little ponies.”
Activities Coordinator; Sandy Phillips said: “Today has been so very special for all our residents, the ponies put a spring in all our steps! My activities colleague and Waltham Abbey Town Mayor Shane Yerrell Bca was on hand to give them the star treatment welcome they deserved.”
General Manager Corina Popescu said: “Our residents have really enjoyed their unusual visitors today. It was a wonderful surprise and such a generous gift from Hollie and the team. Our residents loved all animals, the enjoyment and therapeutic influence animals can have on people is immediate, meeting Ted and Bryn today put the biggest of smiles on all our faces.”
Everyone at Paternoster House Care Centre - Barchester Healthcare would like to thank our lovely resident; Brenda, Lauran, Hollie and the team at Idyllic Celebration Ponies for bringing the little ponies to visit.
Happy Birthday Brilliant 'Bill'
Yesterday, we celebrated a rather big birthday, as one of our much loved residents; Bill turned 96!
It was all go from the moment he woke up, with cards and presents to open and staff singing happy birthday to him throughout the day. Bill finds it difficult to verbalise his thoughts but the one thing we can all set our watches to is at 12 noon, Bill, without fail makes his way to lunch.
Today his schedule had an extra special surprise; a private dining experience for him and his family. The hospitality and care team arranged a VIP section where the family could join Bill for his 3-course birthday meal. It was a thumbs up from birthday boy Bill as his daughter Christine, and granddaughter Gemma sat with him to enjoy the dinner together.
The smiles continued when staff delivered chef’s scrumptious strawberry jam and cream sponge birthday cake, it certainly was the cherry on the top of a wonderful day!
Corina Popescu, General Manager at Paternoster House said: “We’re delighted to play our part in making Bill’s 96th birthday celebrations extra special with the private dining experience. Spending quality time together and making more memories is so important to our residents and their families. Bill is one of the sweetest gentlemen I know, his smile today brightened the whole home.”
Best birthday wishes Bill from all at Paternoster House Care Centre - Barchester Healthcare
Namaste Care
“Namaste” is a Hindu greeting meaning ‘to honour the spirit within’. Our residents love to be pampered 'Namaste Care' combines physical, sensory and emotional care that offers people a true sense of wellbeing. Together with Lee Hewitt from LH Massage & Fitness our activities coordinator Sandy created the first of many relaxing Namaste sessions for our residents to try.
Brenda enjoyed the foot massage experience so much she commented “This is absolutely wonderful, I didn’t think it would be this relaxing… can you start again... please.”
Polly & Pocket Piglets
This little piggy went to Paternoster, this little piggy's name was 'Polly', she brought along her brother 'Pocket' to make our residents as happy as they could possibly be! At just 4 weeks old these little piglets from Performing Pets brightened our day with each snuffle and nose snuggle in our residents’ arms. Animal therapy of all types can by so magical, Polly & Pocket although still very small certainly made a big impression!
Intergenerational Play
Our Easter celebrations culminated in a fun packed visit from the children of Wishing Well preschool nursery - Waltham Abbey. From drumming to arts & crafts, and puzzles our residents loved every moment interacting with these wonderful young children. Learning through play and intergenerational activities benefits all involved.
Easter Sunday
What a lovely Easter craft afternoon had by all to end our Easter festivities. Residents were joined by family members including grandchildren to make some fabulous crafts and gift treats to the young folk.
Happy Easter 2024 from all at Paternoster House!
Upcoming events
Open Day - All Welcome
Join us on Saturday 20th April come and spend time with our residents, meet the Manager and take a tour of our beautiful home. Complimentary refreshments available throughout.
