Activities at Upton Bay Care Home

Activities are an integral part of life at our care home. We want to ensure that the people we support have as much fun as possible during their time with us, so it’s important that our activities programme is created with the interests of residents in mind. Our skilled Activities Coordinators bring a certain uniqueness to the home that can’t be found anywhere else, and which is reflected in the activities they organise.

Enriching life
Watch our video on life enrichment in our homes.

Karen Grant

Activities Lead, Dementia Champion

I first worked in the care sector in 2010, starting in domiciliary care and progressing to Care Coordinator. I have since gained a wealth of experience in dedicated dementia and residential activities, working as a peripatetic activities coordinator in 16 out of 20 homes within a group, and then in 2018, I was part of a team that commissioned a new luxury care home, where I was an Activities Team Leader.

I enjoy making wishes come true for residents: in February 2015, I organised my first wedding in a care home. The lady resident who was living with dementia was unable to travel to Hertfordshire for her granddaughters wedding, so I brought the wedding to her. I organised a wedding blessing at the home; we had a vicar, a choir, all of the bridal party, the flowers, a buffet, a wedding cake, champagne—the full works.

In 2017, I organised a smaller wedding in the garden, and this was a special wish for a gentleman resident to see his granddaughter married. Organising these special moments gives me a lot of pleasure, knowing I have made them feel special and to give families that happiness and see them smile.

I cannot wait to welcome our residents into their wonderful new home and help to bring smiles, joy and laughter to each day.

Karen is also one of our dementia champions

Life-encriching activities booklet

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 Upton Bay Care Home

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Remembrance Day

It was an honor to pay our respects to the service men and women who gave their today, so that we may have our tomorrow, this Remembrance Sunday. We shared in a beautiful service with Reverend Tess of St Michael's Church, accompanied by hymns with residents, staff, and friends of Upton Bay. Remembrance Sunday is such a deeply meaningful and personal time for our residents, many whom themselves lived and served through conflict over the last century, or have family in active service.

And a special thanks to The Land Girls for bringing that feeling of togetherness during difficult times, with their 1940's songs which we sang our hearts out to.

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them."

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Remember Remember the 5th of November… 🎆

At Upton Bay we delighted in our second bonfire night this weekend! Our community came together for a cosy evening of music and magic, thanks to a night of music from Mark Bussell, and a wonderful display of garden fireworks!

Singing along to greatest hits from ABBA, Elvis and Sinatra, the children (and some of us adults!) revelled in the melancholic joy of sparklers

And of course, nothing tops off bonfire night quite like a toffee apple!

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Kisses from a Very Caring Canine

Did you know, that animal-assisted therapy is scientifically proven to lower blood pressure! Not that we need an excuse to welcome our beloved Jenny the Terrier and Jan from Caring Canines to Upton Bay

Visits from furry companions are a great way to bring back good memories that residents have of the past. Whether cats or dogs remind them of previous household pets they’ve had or simply help evoke feelings of joy, happiness, or playfulness, these animals can have a positive impact on their memory.

With regular visits from little Jenny and Caring Canines, we see first hand how deeply animals can enrich the lives of our residents, especially those who have had furry friends in the past. Plus, it’s hard not to smile when a pup is so eager to give you a kiss on the nose!

At Upton Bay, we understand the importance of taking care of mind, body and soul. With a variety of enriching activities and exciting social opportunities, a winter respite break with us could be just the ticket for a cosy and enjoyable festive season!

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A Spot of Retail Therapy!

A little bit of shopping...

We've been getting out and about at Upton Bay, enjoying a perusal around our local garden centre to do a spot of window shopping ahead of Christmas. Our ladies and gents picked out some beautiful potted plants to brighten up the gardens this winter too And nothing goes down better than a natter and pot of tea with friends after an afternoon your feet!

There's something for everybody at Upton Bay. Whether that be rekindling passion for lifelong interests, discovering new ones, or simply being surrounded by friends, let us help you truly love life again with a respite break at Upton Bay.

 

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The Recipe for Happiness - Cake!

You know what they say: if you want to bake a cake, you have to break some eggs!

this weekend Memory Lane was filled with the delicious smells of melted butter and hot-out-the-oven cakes! We whisked, folded, and sifted the afternoon away, whipping up a tasty tray of sweet shortbread biscuits, followed by a homemade classic, the fairy cake!

Oh, and every last crumb was devoured before tea time!

Fancy a taste of the good life? at Upton Bay we have endless activities to keep your loved one busy this winter! Why not stop by for a chat with our friendly team (and a slice of our famous cakes of course), and let’s see how we can help you with a spot of cosy respite

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Music and Motors at Upton Bay!

This weekend, our residents and community enjoyed an afternoon of tunes with the excellent Frayed Strings ukulele ensemble, who dazzled with a selection of Rock n Roll, swinging 60's, and even smooth 70's tracks! It was the prefect accompaniment to perusing a lovely selection of Poole Bay Classics best vintage automobiles, plus tasty homemade burgers, and a visit from Big Chief Ices for 99's all round!

It was a pleasure to welcome The Mayor of Poole & The Charter Trustees Councilor Tony Trent, and Mayoress Anne Trent, to Upton Bay, who crowed the beautiful burgundy Austin Best In Show! 

Upcoming events

Pamper and Wellness community event - 8th May

Mini handical or facials, Reflexology, Free spine checks, Reiki, Indian head massage and Hypnosis.  Refreshments available 

Networking Breakfast - Monday 13th April 2024

Join us for a fun breakfast meeting like minded business colleagues. Make new contacts and important business connections.

Knit and Knatter community group

Join us for a fun morning with residents and community in our coffee shop. Bring your knitting and have a good knatter. Every Thursday. 10.30-12.00