Celebrating life at Barchester

Spending time outdoors offers substantial physical, emotional, and cognitive benefits for people living with dementia. It can help improve mood and sleep, reduce anxiety, enhance physical fitness, and offer opportunities for social interaction and sensory stimulation. 

So, with the sun beaming and clear blue skies, we took a trip to one of our local parks nearby to us, Yeadon Tarn. Picnic in tow and a flask of tea, we sat by the lake eating our lunch and watching all the surrounding wildlife. 

Finally, we finished off with a lovely walk round and feeding the ducks, swans and geese – it was a truly wholesome afternoon.   

Our residents and kitchen team here at Mulberry Court have been busy making and decorating cakes for this year’s Easter Cake competition!

On Wednesday several residents came together to put the finishing touches to our Easter cake working together to make sure the finished cake had just the right amount of decoration, meanwhile Head chef Mark and Kath made and decorated our "Easter Bunny" cake which includes a carrot nose and the most fabulous eyelashes!

Here are some of our residents who helped to make the cake with the finished entry, I think you'll agree they have done a wonderful job.       

We enjoyed the most beautiful afternoon at Ochil as we celebrated Mother’s Day with our wonderful residents. The fantastic Idler’s Dream filled the home with music, sparking laughter, dancing, sing-a-longs and smiles in every corner. With delicious food and refreshments to enjoy, it truly became a celebration to remember.

Our Resident’s embraced every moment and the joy in the room was something special.

From all of us at Ochil, we send a heartfelt Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers, grandmothers, mother figures and to the cherished mums who are no longer with us but forever held close in our hearts.        

Residents living on Memory Lane generally enjoy a game of balloon tennis, but, today we took it to the extreme. The room was sprinkled with pastel-coloured balloons as the residents started to reach out as the balloons were unpacked.

Such a simple activity that brings such joy and laughter, the soft, slow-moving nature of a balloon makes it gentle on the joints, and it’s suitable for those with mobility or balance concerns. It can also benefit coordination and motor skills. The game requires focus and reactions, and it’s a great way to socialise. Other than the health benefits, it’s great fun.

Eady was passing by as she didn’t want to join in, but returned upon hearing the laughter coming from the lounge. Something so simple but very effective.  

The Intergenerational Games afternoon is a highlight for residents and the children from WAVE.

This month they tried magnetic chess, triominoes, scrabble and UNO was back by popular demand. The children played so kindly, with generosity and good humour. The biscuits were demolished and the smiles were broad for everyone!

Monthly Billy joins residents and our Community for a little 'Dog Therapy'.

First Friday he simply enthusiastically pulls his owner Sharon in and they have time with every resident who wishes and those members of the community who want some gentle cuddles also. 

He is simply the most popular member of our team!

Wimborne is now joined monthly by a group of parishoners from St Mary's and St Andrews, gathered by Rev Jan Fuller. Residents have another opportunity to enjoy some favourites and have the pleasure of companionship and shared voices and music.

Wimborne loves a pie and the National Pie Week created a great excuse for residents and staff alike to partake. Chefs Anthony and Hayden made some delicious tasty double crust pies for residents and staff enjoyed a couple made by Home Services advisor Nikki