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.
Karen Grant
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
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
Staff Christmas Party
The Upton Bay Team's commitment to providing exceptional service, ensuring the happiness of our residents, and maintaining the highest standards has not gone unnoticed. Your unwavering dedication and tireless efforts have contributed significantly to the success and reputation of Upton Bay.
To express our gratitude and celebrate your achievements, we recently organised a well-deserved Christmas party exclusively for the Upton Bay Team. It was a memorable evening filled with laughter, delicious food, and delightful conversations. The party provided an opportunity for us to come together, relax, and enjoy each other's company after a challenging but rewarding year.
Winnie the Pooh day with Muddy Boots nursery
Upton Bay celebrated Winnie the Pooh Day with our residents and some very special guests. Thirteen preschool children from Muddy Boots joined us for a delightful intergenerational gathering, creating cherished memories for all involved.
The day began with the residents and children coming together to watch a short Winnie the Pooh story. The joy and excitement in the room were palpable as everyone immersed themselves in the enchanting tales of the lovable bear and his friends. The shared laughter and smiles bridged the generational gap, creating a beautiful sense of connection and unity.
Christmas cake and trip to the garden centre
The morning began with the highly anticipated Upton Baking Show, featuring the renowned baker Alain. The highlight of the show was the preparation of the beloved Upton Christmas Cake. Residents gathered around, eager to learn Alain's expert techniques and secret recipe for this cherished holiday treat.
After the baking show, it was time for a well-deserved brunch. The residents enjoyed a delicious meal together, savouring the flavours and engaging in lively conversations. Energised and ready for more holiday fun, they boarded a bus for a trip to Haskins Garden Centre.
Upon arrival at the garden centre, the residents were greeted with the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee. They took a moment to relax and enjoy a warm cup of coffee before embarking on their quest for the perfect last-minute Christmas presents. The garden centre was filled with an array of beautiful decorations, plants, and unique gift items, providing ample choices for the residents to find something special for their loved ones.
The day at Haskins Garden Centre was a delightful blend of relaxation, shopping, and festive spirit. The residents returned to Upton Bay with their arms full of carefully chosen presents, ready to spread joy and love during the holiday season.
Christmas Dog Show
The show featured eight categories, starting with the Best Christmas Belle, which was won by the sweet-natured Ruby. Maverick stole the show in the Best Christmas Beau category
Jenny, the Upton Bay Caring Canine, took home the prize for Best Rudoff the Red Nose Reindeer. Peggy, a beautiful black and white dog, won the category for the dog with the most Angelic face.
Anna and Jacob, the adorable Dachshunds, proudly claimed victory in the Best Yule Log category, which had a fun Christmas theme.
Bear, a gentle Greyhound, wowed the crowd and secured the title of Best Dressed Dog, thanks to an impressive Christmas outfit made by her owner.
Dillon won the Residents' Choice category, earning recognition from the Upton Bay community. Finally, Team Upton Bay unanimously voted for Kobi as the winner of the Team Upton Bay category.
Making gingerbread houses and Christmas church service
A virtual event was held where they learnt how to make non-baking Christmas tree decorations. This creative activity allowed residents to showcase their artistic talents and add a personal touch to their holiday decorations.
In the afternoon, Vicar Tessa led a wonderful church service centred around Jesus and the true meaning of Christmas. James, a parishioner, recited readings from the Bible, and the residents joyfully sang traditional Christmas carols such as "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" and "Away in a Manger."
The residents on Memory Lane then took part in building their own gingerbread house, a delightful and challenging task. With the guidance of Karen and Chloe from Activities, the residents mixed icing sugar and egg white to stick the house together, overcoming the challenge of keeping it from falling apart. Laughter and jokes filled the room as they decorated the gingerbread house with an assortment of sweets. To top it off, they enjoyed a piece of the gingerbread with a cup of tea, savouring the fruits of their labour.
Hobo's Christmas Morris dancing
Day 5 of the Christmas Countdown at Upton Bay, the HOBOS Morris Dancers and Band visited and delighted everyone with their incredible dance moves. The residents were thoroughly entertained with the singing of fabulous Christmas songs and enjoyed participating in the sing along. The lively performances brought much joy, and the residents showed their appreciation by clapping and cheering. The dancers' colourful costumes added to the festive ambiance of the event. The residents are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to see them again in the Spring/Summer. A big thank you to HOBOS for providing a fantastic afternoon of entertainment.
Upcoming events
Easter egg hunt - Saturday 30th March 2024
Can you help the Upton Bay Easter bunny find the eggs in the garden?
Welcome all children, community, residents and families. A few tasty treats and refreshments.
Networking Breakfast - Monday 8th April 2024
Join us for our networking event and meet other local businesses. Bacon rolls, croissants and coffee all included
Drop in to see our local community police officer - 10th April 2024
Jim Davies our local community officer will be available between 3.30 and 4.30pm on the 10th April to help with any concerns.
Knit and Knatter community group
Everyone welcome from our local community. Join us for a social morning Knitting and Knattering. Refreshments included. Every Thursday 10.30am - 12.00.
Open Day and meet the manager - 20th April
Join us on Saturday 20th April. Drop in and see us and we will show you around our beautiful home. Refreshments available. Between 10am-5pm.
Motor Bike Show - Sunday 28th April 2024
Please bring your classic or vintage bikes to our motor bike show. Hot dogs, hot cider and refreshments.
Pamper and Wellness community event - 8th May
Mini handical or facials, Reflexology, Free spine checks, Reiki, Indian head massage and Hypnosis. Refreshments available