Celebrating life at Barchester

Wow what an amazing day at our Dementia Disco with three of our sister homes joining us along with families and friends.

We all put our dancing shoes on and had a lot of fun 

Our home marked National Donut Week with a heartfelt gesture of appreciation for their local heroes. 

In a spirit of community and thanks, the home delivered a delicious selection of donuts to the local fire station, thanking the firefighters for their unwavering dedication and service.
The sweet treats were delivered on behalf of the residents, who wanted to show their appreciation for the bravery and commitment of the fire crew.

Today, we celebrate our very own clinical team, led by Audrene, our General Manager, and all the residents who have devoted their lives to the nursing profession. Your incredible dedication and hard work make a world of difference in the lives of those you care for. Your countless hours of compassion, along with your warm smiles, bring comfort and hope to many. Thank you for everything you do!

To find out more please contact Audrene Abrigo General Manager

01934 33072

Making the most of opportunities when they arise; this morning we joined staff member Loretta on her dog walk with Annie. Out early to avoid the heat we had a walk to the park.

Completing every day tasks can be a great therapy for many, with the added bonus of our favourite four legged friend, we had a lovely time.
 

Today, we made Jean Aplin's dream come true with a trip down Memory Lane to the Margaret Green Animal Rescue Centre which Jean and her Family has always supported Jean's love for animals, especially donkeys, led her to meet Sid and Jake, the adorable donkey duo. She listened intently as Paula Legg shared their stories, and she also got to mingle with other furry friends like goats, chickens, rabbits, and Thelma the pig

We have had some lovely weather over the past couple of weeks. Our residents have made the most of it in our beautiful gardens. There is nothing more relaxing than feeling the sun on your bones. Natures vitamin D. 

We also love our little visitors!

VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations have begun. Today we had Clare Care sing for our residents. Everyone took to a flag and hat to sing along to memorable music of the 40s! 

Tomorrow we will be marking the anniversary itself with a patriotic party with our residents, who also this week watched the parade at Buckingham Palace.

At Ashby House, we believe you're never too old for Easter eggs. 

Ashby residents enjoyed white chocolate Easter eggs & Easter mousse during the afternoon tea trolley. Some of their expressions were beautiful! And the eggs went down a treat! 

Ashby House residents enjoyed an afternoon together at Willen Lake. 

We enjoyed a lovely lunch and refreshments followed by a gentle stroll beside the lake. We can't wait to return. Bring on the summer!

On St Patrick's Day at Ashby House Care Home we had so much fun. Our residents enjoyed a treasure hunt, following the shamrocks and rainbow pots until they found the end of the rainbow, which we all enjoyed the found treasure of chocolate coins and a small Bailey's to finish off the afternoon.

Happy St Patrick's Day to everyone!

Valentine's Day was a great success at Ashby House Care Home!

Everyone had so much fun, love and laughter. We hosted arts and crafts, and decorated heart-shaped cookies for our loved ones. A few of our residents went out to Central Milton Keynes John Lewis, where they had lunch and beverages. Love is in the air!

On Friday, our male residents enjoyed an afternoon of lunch and refreshments at the local pub. The Gents had a wonderful day out!

Anthony, Ken and Michael enjoyed their day together at Furzton Lakeside pub for a good chat, food and a light beer!

Victory in Europe Day celebrated with a party for our residents! Joined by Gemma Ruby, a Professional Vocalist. Thank you so much Gemma.

Our residents enjoyed lots of dancing and a wonderful singalong all throughout.

We also enjoyed cream teas, fruit platters and Pimm's thanks to our brilliant chefs.

A very special day and one which brings a lot of reflection and memories.

The residents truly enjoy their new weekly brunch club that is held across all communities within the home.

Many of us enjoy a brunch every now and then and for the residents it is no different. It is now a weekly club that runs on a Tuesday morning on a different community each week. The Brunch club offers delicious warm pastries with tea and coffee, whilst allowing for all across the community to get to know one another better and catch up with what has been happening around the home during the week.

Tina the activities co-ordinator said: “The brunch club is a great way for all residents to get to know one another and our amazing chefs ensure that this is an all-inclusive club by catering for residents on different diets such as creating pureed food for those that require it. We even ensure that for residents that are not wanting to come out of their rooms or who are unable due to health issues that brunch is taken to them. It is a real good way of connecting communities and creating friendships.”

Marvellous Bindura, General Manager said, “It is lovely to see our residents enjoying the brunch club across all the communities in the home. Our wonderful chefs work so hard to ensure that everyone is offered something no matter their dietary requirements, no one misses out. It is a club that allows also for residents from all communities to get together, no one will say no to a warm pastry and drink. It is great that for residents who are in their rooms the brunch club is taken to them, allowing for all to be involved.”

Elm Bank marked the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day in style by throwing a 1940s afternoon of musical entertainment by the D-Dollies from Mini Concerts.  The home was alive with songs from the past, residents reminisced, and flags were flown, it was an emotional day and for some tears were shed. It was a day that meant so much to so many, with the music came a delicious tea with cakes fitting for the special occasion.

The homes talented chefs whipped up a delicious selection of freshly-baked biscuits and cakes for the occasion, all washed down with pots of tea and a celebratory glass of fizz to mark the occasion for that wished.

Some residents observed the national two minute silence and listened again to Churchill’s iconic speech accepting Germany’s surrender and an address from the Queen.  They reminisced about their memories of VE Day and watched clips of the celebrations that took place outside Buckingham Palace and all across London.

Marvellous Bindura, General Manager at Elm Bank said: “Many of our residents can remember the end of the war and we all know what it meant for our country so we wanted to celebrate the date and listen to our residents’ memories of the war and the experiences they lived through.”

One resident said: “I remember everything that happened on VE Day, I remember what I was doing from 7am that morning until the evening where I met my boyfriend. I shed a few tears during the concert today as this day means so much to me, I was only 18 years old but it seems like yesterday. I have had a beautiful day and I am very happy.”

Our amazing Home Services Advisor, Denis, took on the Ice Bucket Challenge today after being nominated by our sister home, Oaklands Care Home.

Cheered on by our lovely  residents and staff, Denis braved the cold in support of raising awareness for Mental Health – well done, Denis!

We have now passed the challenge over to our sister homes Pinetree Care Home, Bayleaf Care Home and Iris Court Care Home.

Let’s keep the momentum going!

Happy Mother’s Day to all the beautiful ladies out there, whether you are a mother, nan, aunt, stepmum, we are sending lots of love your way for the wonderful things you do. We have had a lovely afternoon here at Hollyfields. Hosting afternoon tea for the families has been an absolute pleasure. It’s been lovely to see so many of you. 

Thank you to all the staff that have given up their Mother’s Day to make sure our residents have the best care.

Thank you also to head chef Sarah for preparing the most delicious cakes and chef Sib for the sandwiches. Also to Beth, who had a lot of extra work behind the scenes in the kitchen! We appreciate you all!

We have joined the Dementia group for their weekly get-together. We learnt and talked about hearing loss and the importance of clear communication. Obviously, while sipping tea and eating biscuits! 

We decided to embrace the sunshine and stay in Bewdley for chip buttys by the river. We shared a table with a lovely local lady who chatted with us before we had to say goodbye! Hopefully, we may see the lovely Vera out and about again. 

When we arrived back at Hollyfields, the residents felt it was too nice to go back inside and had our afternoon tea in the garden with some of the other residents. It’s been a busy day and we have loved it! 

At just four weeks old, Jerry the lamb made a special visit to the residents of Ashlar and what a memorable moment it was. With his soft fleece, gentle bleats, and curious nature, Jerry brought more than just a smile; he brought connection, comfort, and calm to everyone he met.

The presence of animals like Jerry in care settings is more than just a cute experience; it’s a powerful form of therapy. Pet therapy has been shown to improve emotional well-being, reduce feelings of loneliness, and even lower blood pressure. For many of our residents, especially those living with dementia or limited mobility, the simple act of stroking an animal or sharing a moment of eye contact can unlock memories and spark meaningful interaction.

During Jerry’s visit, even those who were in the middle of their daily routines paused to enjoy the moment. Laughter echoed down the halls, conversations were sparked, and a gentle sense of calm filled the room.

Bringing animals into care homes like Ashlar isn’t just about novelty; it’s about nurturing the human spirit in ways that medicine alone cannot. And little Jerry, with his tiny hooves and big heart, reminded us of all the healing power of connection, no matter how small or fluffy it may be. Thank you #performancepets. See you next month.  

This morning, all televisions were tuned in to BBC Live to watch the VE Day 80th procession. Eighty years on from the historic announcement that brought joy, relief, and the end of conflict in Europe, we joined the nation in remembering and honouring the heroes of the past.

Residents at Ashlar House shared heartfelt memories and stories of being evacuated as children and of families who sadly did not return. Some of the recollections were incredibly moving, and there were tears during the silence as we remembered those lost. One resident proudly showed his police medals, a powerful reminder of service and sacrifice whilst working in the service.

This week is an ongoing celebration, as we continue to watch the commemorative sessions and take part in activities that bring the era to life. Adding a touch of fun and nostalgia, one of our staff dressed up as wartime housewives complete with aprons, headscarves, and brooms, bringing smiles and laughter to the home.

We are truly privileged to have such remarkable residents amongst us. Everyone at Ashlar House stands proud of their strength, resilience, and the incredible stories they carry.