Activities at Vecta House Care Home

What a wonderful day we've had at Vecta House! Our reception was filled with the delicious smell of homemade treats for our Macmillan cake sale. Our incredible staff baked up a storm, and the table was a sight to behold, decorated with Macmillan bunting and piled high with amazing cakes.

From rich rocky road and decadent millionaire shortbread to classic coffee and walnut cake and yummy brownies, there was something for everyone. And it was all for an amazing cause!

We're so happy to announce our running total so far is £120! A huge thank you to all our staff who baked and to everyone who bought a cake or made a donation.  

We’re incredibly proud to share a heart-warming story about one of our residents Eve, and her passion for reading. At Vecta House, we believe in supporting each person’s unique interests and helping them continue to live fulfilling lives. For Eve, that means being surrounded by books.

Eve has a lifelong love of reading, and our activities staff recently helped her rekindle that passion. They organised a trip to the library, a place Eve hadn’t been to in some time. Upon arrival, the sense of familiarity and excitement was palpable. The staff helped Eve apply and receive her very own library card, a small but significant step that made her feel connected to the community.

With her new card in hand Eve eagerly browsed the shelves, her eyes lighted up as she selected a few books to take out. The experience was more than just a simple outing, it was a deep and meaningful moment of independence and joy. For Eve, having her own library card and the ability to choose books herself was truly empowering experience. It reaffirmed her sense of identity and reminded her that her passions are valued and supported. This visit marks the beginning  of a wonderful routine. Eve and our staff have already planned regular trips to the library, ensuring she can always have a fresh supply of stories to enjoy.  

Vecta House is a care home that believes in making residents' wishes come true and helping them continue to pursue their passions. Today the activities team at Vecta House had the honour of helping resident Moira relive her love for sailing.

Moira's passion for sailing began in 2000, when she and her husband lived in West Cowes. They took a sailing holiday to Nydri, Greece, where Moira earned her RYA qualification and sailed a 28ft cruising yacht. Upon returning home, she volunteered with the Classic Boat Museum, sailing a gaff-rigged dinghy called Black Bess on the River Medina.

Over the years, Moira and her husband bought their own 6m cruising yacht, Rochelle, which they would sail to Osborne Bay for meals on summer evenings and take on trips to various harbours, including Portsmouth and Itchenor. They particularly loved sailing the Beaulieu and Hamble rivers.

Moira longed to get back out on the water, and thanks to the Vecta House activities team, she did! They organized a special boat trip with Wetwheels Solent from Yarmouth. Moira was in her element, laughing and shouting, "Go, go, faster, faster, I'm loving it!" as the powerboat sped through the waves The sun was shining, and the views of the Needles were breath-taking. We believe it's incredibly important to support our residents in making their wishes come true and to help them continue their interests and passions. What a wonderful day we had with Moira!

Vecta House care home was buzzing with excitement as residents enjoyed a spectacular tea dance, made even more special by the dazzling presence of Strictly Dance Isle of Wight.

The talented dancers from Strictly Dance, adorned in their incredible, sparkling outfits, treated everyone to a captivating demonstration of various dance styles. From elegant waltzes to lively jives, their performance brought a touch of ballroom magic right to Vecta House.

The atmosphere was electric as residents watched with delight, many tapping their feet along to the music. And the fun didn’t stop there! Towards the end of the afternoon, residents were invited to join in, and many eagerly took to the floor, showing off their own moves and enjoying a fantastic dance with the professionals.

It was a truly memorable afternoon filled with music, laughter, and plenty of sparkle, highlighting the vibrant and engaging activities we love to offer at Vecta House.

What a wonderfully relaxing "Namaste" afternoon we had today at Vecta House! Our communal room was transformed into a tranquil oasis, bathed in calming lights, diffused with soothing essential oils, and adorned with flickering candles and various sensory items. We even had adorable interactive pets bringing smiles to everyone's faces!

Residents enjoyed delicious brioche rolls and croissants, accompanied by a glass of wine and delightful French music playing softly in the background. Nurse Bex provided wonderful aromatherapy massages, offering a truly therapeutic experience that helped residents feel deeply relaxed and at ease. Tanya also brought joy by painting nails, adding to the feeling of pampering and well-being.

The benefits of this afternoon were clear to see! Residents felt incredibly relaxed and happily socialised throughout the event, fostering a strong sense of community and connection. The interactive pets were a particular hit, providing comfort and engagement. It was truly heart-warming to see everyone unwind and enjoy themselves so much!

We're already looking forward to our next calming activity! If you have loved ones who would benefit from a caring and engaging environment like ours, please don't hesitate to reach out.  

Olé! Today, Vecta House was buzzing with the vibrant energy of Mexico!

We transformed our dining rooms into a fiesta of bright, beautiful colours, setting the scene for an unforgettable Mexican-themed lunch. The lively sounds of mariachi music filled the air, getting everyone in the spirit of the day.

Our incredible kitchen team truly outdid themselves with a spectacular menu! We started with a delicious Pozole soup and refreshing Tajín cucumber with guacamole. For the main course, residents and their families had the choice of classic chili con carne or a tasty spicy sweet potato. And for dessert? A mouthwatering Mexican fruit salad and authentic churros with a kick of chilli chocolate. The fun didn't stop there! This afternoon, we embarked on a virtual journey with our "armchair travel to Mexico." We explored the country's rich and colourful history while enjoying a classic Mexican snack of nachos and dips, all paired with a refreshing glass of margarita.  

It was a truly fantastic day filled with great food, wonderful company, and a whole lot of fiestas!  

The rain certainly couldn't stop the party at Vecta House today! We brought the carnival spirit indoors with bright, vibrant tropical decorations that transformed our home into a festive paradise.

Residents were greeted with beautiful floral garlands as they arrived, and the excitement was palpable as everyone gathered for a spectacular show. We were so grateful to have members of the Isle of Wight carnival community join us, showcasing their incredible, creative costumes and putting on an unforgettable performance.

The fun didn't stop there! The afternoon was filled with fantastic music and dancing from a variety of talented performers. The parade even made its way around the home, ensuring every resident had a chance to be part of the celebration. It was truly a heartwarming day, seeing everyone singing, clapping, and having a wonderful time. The smiles on our residents' faces—and on the faces of their families—said it all! A huge thank you to everyone who made this day so special.  

At Vecta House, we believe in supporting our residents' passions and making their wishes a reality, no matter how big or small. The joy it brings is truly meaningful and makes a lasting impact. Recently, our resident Bob, a lifelong football enthusiast, shared some wonderful memories with our staff. Bob's passion for the sport started in his youth, and he even played as a centre forward for Southend United before joining the RAF, where he continued to play.

Bob expressed a wish to visit the Southend stadium again. Unfortunately, due to health and travel distance, a visit wasn't possible. However, our fantastic activities team wasn't ready to give up! They reached out to the Southend United Ex-Players Association, sharing Bob's story and his fond football memories.

The association's response was incredibly heart-warming! They kindly sent Bob a personal letter, a copy of their newsletter, and, best of all, an official Southend United scarf. This morning, we presented Bob with his special gifts. As he finished reading the letter, a huge smile spread across his face, and he simply said, "That's amazing!"

It was a truly touching moment to see the joy this thoughtful gesture brought to Bob. We are so grateful to the Southend United Ex-Players Association - SUEPA for helping us make Bob's day and reminding us all of the power of community and kindness.

Residents and staff at Vecta House care home recently tumbled down the rabbit hole for an enchanting Mad Hatters Tea Party, transforming the garden into a whimsical wonderland.

The sun-drenched garden was a spectacle of Alice in Wonderland decorations, with splashes of vibrant colours and playful props bringing the beloved story to life. A beautifully laid table took centre stage, adorned with charming details that perfectly captured the mad hatters' chaotic elegance. Delicate fine China added a touch of sophistication to the whimsical setting, making every tea cup and saucer a part of the magical scene.

Our dedicated staff fully embraced the spirit of the day, donning fantastic Alice in Wonderland costumes and delighting everyone. But the true stars of the show were our wonderful residents, who proudly showcased the ingenious hats they had crafted especially for the occasion.

The air was filled with joyous melodies thanks to the live music, which provided the perfect soundtrack for the afternoon merriment. Guests indulged in a delectable spread of classic tea party treats.

It was a truly memorable day, filled with laughter, good company, and a touch of wonderland magic.      

What a heart-warming day we had at Vecta House Care Home, as we welcomed some very special furry friends from The Donkey Sanctuary for a wonderful pet therapy session!

Even though the skies were a bit cloudy, it certainly didn't dampen our spirits! Our residents absolutely loved venturing out into the garden to meet these gentle giants. There were so many smiles as everyone got to spend time petting the donkeys and chatting with their amazing keepers.

Our residents were full of great questions, asking all about the donkeys' diets and their average lifespan. It was lovely to hear some of our residents share their own memories, with some recalling making regular donations to the sanctuary, and others reminiscing about their days working on farms with ponies and horses.

A huge thank you to the Donkey Sanctuary for bringing so much joy to Vecta House today! We can't wait for their next visit!  

At Vecta House care home, we believe in celebrating the rich tapestry of cultures that make our community so vibrant! Each year, we host a special event dedicated to culture and diversity, and this year was a truly heart-warming success.

For the second year in a row, we were honoured to be joined by members of the local Indonesian community! The air was filled with delicious aromas as our staff and guests cooked up a feast of traditional foods. The tables laid with an incredible spread, featuring everything from sweet Nastar and fragrant Pandan cake to savoury rice cakes, risoles, noodles, and spring rolls.
The celebration kicked off with a beautiful performance of traditional Indonesian dancing, with everyone mesmerized by the intricate costumes and music. After the dance, the food and conversation flowed freely. Residents loved asking questions and learning more about Indonesian culture, which truly enhanced the sense of diversity and connection within our home and the wider community.  

And of course, no celebration is complete without one last dance! After everyone had enjoyed the delicious food, we all got together for one final dance, bringing a perfect end to a wonderful day. We want to extend a huge thank you to the Indonesian community for sharing their culture and food with us. We can't wait to do it again next year!

Yesterday, we had an absolute blast celebrating World Photography Day here at Vecta House! We were so excited to welcome back the incredibly talented Michelle from Michelle Jackson Photography to help us mark the occasion with our residents, their families, and our staff.

Michelle, with her amazing creative eye, set up a fantastic photoshoot with a variety of fun props, including some vintage cameras. Our residents had a great time striking a pose and smiling for the camera. After their turn in front of the lens, Michelle gave them a quick lesson on how to use the cameras themselves. It was wonderful to see our residents enjoy being on the other side of the camera, capturing some special moments of their own!

A huge thank you to Michelle for helping us celebrate World Photography Day in such a fun and engaging way. We can't wait to see the final photos!

We were so happy to welcome back the wonderful children from Summerfield’s Primary School. This time it was Reception class for a very special games afternoon.

The room buzzed with excitement as the children, armed with their whiteboards, sat with our residents. It was beautiful to see them drawing, practising writing their names, and playing classic games like noughts and crosses together. The enthusiasm from the children was infectious, and our residents responded with such tenderness and warmth, making every child feel welcome.

There were so many heart-warming moments! Eve absolutely loved spending time with one little girl Harper, where they drew around each other's hands. Bob enjoyed a fun game of noughts and crosses and gently encouraged the children to write their names. And Rita truly lit up, surrounded by the children, clearly feeling a wonderful sense of purpose and sharing her care and love.

It was a fantastic afternoon of intergenerational connection and joy, and we can't wait to have the Reception class back again next week!       

Today, we had the immense pleasure of celebrating 50 years of Summerfield’s Primary School being open by attending their incredible "50 Fest"! From the moment we were met at the gates by their warm and welcoming staff, we knew we were in for a treat. The school had gone all out to make it a real festival – with colourful flags, charming bunting, an array of exciting stalls, pony rides, a delicious ice cream van, and even a vibrant dance floor with a fantastic DJ! The atmosphere was simply buzzing!

Our residents were so excited to join in the fun! It was heart-warming to watch the children enjoying the pony rides. Ann and Gordon, ever the sport, even challenged the children to a lively game of "splat the rat," which had Ann in fits of laughter, and Gordon proved to be a real pro at popping water balloons! Next, we ventured to the glitter art stall, where Gordon bravely chose a cool dinosaur tattoo, and Ann opted for some beautiful, colourful glitter on her face – she looked absolutely radiant! Then it was off to the music area, where Ann couldn't resist having a little dance – she's got some moves! We rounded off a perfect afternoon with a fun photo at the "50 Years of Summerfield’s" photo booth, capturing memories we'll cherish.

It was truly a fantastic afternoon, and we are so grateful to have been invited to join the school for their milestone celebrations. It was also incredibly special to see the beautiful cherry blossom tree that Vecta House donated, now proudly planted in the school field. The benefits of intergenerational projects like this for our residents are immeasurable! Spending time with the younger generation brings so much joy, energy, and a fresh perspective. It's wonderful to have such a fantastic connection with the younger generation at Summerfield’s Primary, and we genuinely look forward to many more years of making precious memories together!  

Today, they enjoyed a fabulous outing to Brading Downs, chauffeured in style by Andy from Hamilton and Marshall in his amazing limousine. Talk about feeling like VIPs!  

Upon arrival, everyone soaked in the breathtaking views while enjoying a delicious ice cream, kindly treated by Andy. Our lovely Ann particularly enjoyed reminiscing about her own drives up the downs and sitting on the bench – she said it was "absolutely lovely"!

On the way home, we took a scenic drive along the Sandown seafront, and Ann pointed out some of the hotels where she used to work! It was wonderful to see everyone having such a fantastic time.
A HUGE thank you to Hamilton and Hamilton & Marshall Funeral Directors for bringing so much joy and creating such wonderful memories for our residents today!