Activities at Appletree Grange Care Home
Our Activities Coordinator is constantly arranging new activities to stimulate and catch the imagination of our residents. From visiting entertainers to a regular craft table to outings on the minibus, there is always something for our residents to keep them entertained. Our Activities Coordinator also takes the time to sit with each resident and go through a life history so they get to know what the likes and dislikes of each individual are and can tailor the activities to suit them. A monthly residents meeting is held to get the views of the residents and to get suggestions from them and their families about what they would like to do and everything that can be done to accommodate their requests is done.
Christina Curtis
Hi, my name is Christina and I am the activities coordinator here at Appletree Grange. I joined both Barchester and the home in July 2024. We all know that keeping active is important. We have created a wonderful culture within the home and we will work together to give residents the best possible experience.
We are here to ensure that residents enjoy an environment that is both stimulating and socially active. We ensure the team knows each residents' preferences, so that we can deliver a person-centered program of events and activities. Essential to our homely feel is the strong relationships of trust we build with residents and their families and friends
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 Appletree Grange Care Home
All aboard at Appletree
Staff and residents at Barchester’s Appletree Grange were treated to a photographic tour and talk about the era of ocean travel by V&A Dundee Curator, Charlotte Hale. The presentation forms part of a series of six talks and virtual tours that V&A Dundee is hosting for Barchester Healthcare’s care homes and private hospitals across the UK.
Easter hamper from local One Stop
Residents and colleagues at Appletree Grange were delighted to receive an Easter Hamper courtesy of their local One Stop Store in Birtley who have very kindly donated the gift to the home. The hamper was filled with mouth-watering chocolate treats for everyone to enjoy. Thank you One Stop for your kindness and Happy Easter to you.
105th Birthday celebrations
Celebrations have been in full swing at Appletree Grange as one of its residents reached her 105th in style.
Phyllis was joined by staff and other residents as she received a telegram from the Queen in recognition of her landmark birthday. Phyllis was delighted to receive cards and flowers from family and friends.
Harvest fun
Residents and staff at Appletree Grange have been busy putting their Harvest Festival display together, with lots of painting, collage work, gluing and, of course, a variety of salt dough crafts! Residents were proud of their finished results.
Carer of the Year nomination
Appletree Grange would like to say a huge CONGRATULATIONS!!! to their Senior Carer, Karen Suthern. Karen has been nominated for Carer of the Year for her hard work and dedication throughout the Pandemic. Karen has picked up lots of extra shifts covering sickness without hesitation. She has been extremely empathetic and patient with the Residents through this extremely difficult time and has been an excellent role model for all our staff. Well done Karen! A very well deserved recognition for an exceptional member of our team at Appletree Grange
Long Service Award
A Head Housekeeper at Appletree Grange in Birtley has received a prestigious 10 Year Service Award in celebration of working at Barchester Healthcare for 10 years. Julie Hewitt-Redden now Head Housekeeper started at Barchester in August 2010 and has worked with residents and their relatives to ensure that their needs have been met over the years.
Julie said: “‘I am thrilled to have just received my 10 years long service award, it was a lovely surprise! I have thoroughly enjoyed the last 10 years here at Appletree Grange, it’s been a very rewarding time. It’s a lovely place to work, very homely and friendly. In 2015 I won Housekeeper of the Year, I felt very proud. I love all the interaction with our Residents and their families. It’s a lovely feeling to know that the Residents are happy and content and to know that I go home leaving the place spotless.’
Upcoming events
November
As the leaves begin to fall we are looking forward to a fun filled month ahead. All welcome.
Blue Light Breakfast - throughout November
If you are a member of the Emergency Services personnel or a Community District Nurse, pop in each Monday throughout November and enjoy breakfast on us! 08.30 - 10.30 am.
Could you be a Volunteer?
Do you have any spare time? Could your time make a difference? For more information on Volunteering, please pop in or give us a call.
Calling all Emergency Services!
Calling all members of the emergency personnel, come and take a break with us! there will be a warm welcome and maybe a cake or two.....
