Activities at Upton Bay Care Home

In beautiful Britain, we are fortunate to live in a democracy, vote for what we want, and have our voices heard by our government.

Often, people living with dementia are forgotten about at the polling station. However, no one can be prevented from voting just because they have dementia.

Upton Bay proudly held our first ‘Register to Vote’ station today. We empowered each and every resident to exercise their rights, and make sure their voice is heard in the May 2022 elections.

Registering to vote is simple: “I just forgot about it the last few years I suppose. But it took 5 minutes, and now I can have my say in our local elections next year,” commented John, resident.

The values of freedom, respect for human rights and the principle of holding periodic and genuine elections by universal suffrage are essential elements of democracy. 

It is important we send this message far and wide to ensure that people with dementia have an equal voice in their communities up and down the country.

13th September marks ‘Roald Dahl Story Day’, and at Upton Bay we had a tremendous time telling tales from one of our most beloved authors.

In the morning, our residents reminisced over old Roald Dahl book covers, with their iconic illustrations, as well as learning about the authors history; from attending school with real-life Miss Trunchball’s, to surviving a plane crash as an RAF pilot in WW1.

One of his best books, Roald Dahls Cookbook, was a particular favourite among our residents, who enjoyed learning of the ‘glorious years of the chocolate revolution’ during his lifetime.

And how could we not enjoy watching one of his best works – Matilda – on the big screen! Faces lit up at the moment Bruce Bogtrotter devoured the chocolate cake, to which resident, Barbara, said, “I wouldn’t mind a slice of that!”

Staff and residents at Upton Bay were treated to a unique performance from English National Ballet’s Philharmonic Orchestra to celebrate Last Night of the Proms. It had a big positive impact on our lovely Edna, who studied ballet and other forms of dance such as tap dancing at Italia Conti School of Performing Arts- she showed others her moves which they all enjoyed!

Residents joined members of English National Ballet’s Philharmonic Orchestra, led by Music Director, Gavin Sutherland, to celebrate Last Night of the Proms. They listened and danced along as members of the orchestra took them on a magical, musical journey. English National Ballet Philharmonic is made up of many of the country’s top musicians, and boasts considerable experience in all forms of music-making. With insights and anecdotes into what it takes to conduct an orchestra for a world-class ballet company, this special concert for Barchester Care Homes got everyone’s feet tapping, arms waving and hearts singing!

Yesterday, Upton Bay held our first Summer Sports Day, featuring celebrity appearances from resident’s favourite Caring Canines, in celebration of National Dog Day.

With the spirit of the Olympics and Paralympics fresh, families, staff, and residents all took part in a fun-packed afternoon of competitive games, including hula hoop, floor darts, penalty shootout, and a good old egg and spoon race – no boiled eggs included!

Over afternoon tea and home-baked cakes, everyone watched a great display of tricks from pooches Albert, Basil, Jenny, and Peggy. People and pups alike awarded for their successes! Well done to care assistant Kirsty for a triumphant win of the egg and spoon!

Thanks to safe and gradual easing of restrictions, it was wonderful for our residents to be surrounded by generations of family for such a brilliant day in the sun!

A picture says a thousand words… and our residents at Upton Bay certainly have many stories to tell through their photographs!

Top professional photographer, Damian Bailey, guided our residents through a live streaming photography masterclass, explaining how he captures special moments and what makes a great photo in terms of technique and composition, from landscapes to portrait photos.

Damian has won Wedding Photographer of the Year and is listed as one of London’s top wedding photographers.

Damian said: “We all love looking at photos of all different types of occasions, they help us to remember events and help preserve them – a good photo is like a slice of life and can bring joy to people for years to come."

This week, our residents have been tasked with putting into practice the tips learned from Damien, and take a unique photograph from their own perspective. We look forward to sharing with you their personal photos, and the stories that accompany them!

Green Thumbs at Upton Bay!

With the promise of a heatwave on the horizon, our Residents at Upton Bay took the opportunity to do a little gardening, in celebration of Allotment Week.

Aprons and gloves on to protect us from the soil, we had a selection of herbs and veggies to plant, including parsley, carrots, onions, and radishes, which (fingers crossed) will thrive in our raised planters.

Starting off in pots so that our residents can keep a close eye on the seeds, once sprouted they will be transferred to various spots in our lovely gardens for year round TLC!

Resident, Ken, is an experienced agriculturalist, and had some words of wisdom for us – “Somewhere sunny and warm, and they’ll be sprouting in no time!”

Allotment Week raises awareness of the importance of growing and sourcing locally, and there really is something satisfying about eating your own produce!