Activities at Ashcombe House Care Home

Residents spent a morning recalling school days before composing encouraging words for schoolchildren to start the new term positively.

Resident Josie Horton of Ashcombe House said: "You’ve got to be kind to others and always remember if you have any problems share them with your mum, dad or teacher."

Sally Chivers, spent many years working in the kitchen at Kings Furlong Junior School, said: "I hope you all make lots of new friends and remember to always be kind."

Respite resident Kate Andrews said: "Learn to read! If you can read you can do anything."

General manager Louise Lambert said: "It’s been a wonderful morning reminiscing and learning how much school has changed over the years.

"My residents have really enjoyed thinking of their own words of wisdom to pass down to today’s children, from everyone here at Ashcombe we hope all those starting school or going back to school have a wonderful first day back."

With the Colder Mornings arriving residents wrapped up and headed off on the homes minibus to Longacres garden centre in Bagshot. For some it was the first time they had visited Longacres and they were amazed at arriving to a huge outdoor display at the doors. Residents loved seeing all the Autumnal decorations and selected pieces for a display at the home. The Halloween decorations made everyone laugh as skeletons shook and screamed, making us all jump.  Residents enjoyed browsing the gifts and outdoor plants before a pit stop at the restaurant for lunch. The garden centre has a cut flowers shop where residents were able to find their favourite flowers and brought autumn coloured flowers for the homes dining table displays. It was a lovely day and enjoyed by all, with a promise that we will be back when the Christmas shop opens.

Residents were filled with joy during their visit Marwell Zoo. Residents were able to see animals from all round the world in person, and had a chance to glimpse the new Baby Giraffe born just two weeks ago at the Zoo, the first Baby since 2012! The zoo was only allowing visitors to the Giraffe house for a short time so that Mum and Baby could enjoy quiet time together. Residents were excited to see the Monkeys and were not disappointed as the Monkeys went swinging through trees and played together bringing much laughter to the group. The zoo has a few encounter areas meaning residents could see animals in what would be their natural habitat. In the Tropical house, residents came up close to a sloth who was chilling in the tree, staff in the enclosure educated residents all about the sloths, what they eat and how they can rest for up to three days without really moving!

Residents celebrated a senior carer’s upcoming wedding with a hen party hosted at the home.
Residents and staff all got involved with the spirit of Hen party by decorating the room with balloons and banners. Residents dressed up with hen party boppers and sashes for the’ Bride Tribe’. Senior carer of the home Mellisia Irwin was shocked as she entered the room to residents singing well-known song ‘Love and marriage’. 

The afternoon was filled with hen party games such as pin the ring on the finger, and staff and residents enjoyed snacks and drinks
Resident of Ashcombe house Joan Howes, said: “I’ve never been on a Hen night before it’s been a huge amount of fun, we all wish Mel a fantastic wedding and we are all looking forward to seeing her photos afterwards.”

Resident Jose Horton added “ What a wonderful afternoon, Mel is going to make a beautiful bride and we all wish her lots of love and luck for her wedding day”.

One of Ashcombe’s care staff is also an Ambassador for the RSPCA, Sarah dedicates herself to help animals of all shapes and sizes. Sarah recently had a lovely Dog in her care who gave birth to 8 puppies! The puppies are being very well looked after by Mum and Sarah and at 6 weeks old the Puppies came for a visit to Ashcombe. Residents and staff were overjoyed to see the tiny bundles running around the lounge, playing with toys and having cuddles on laps, it really was the highlight of the week. The puppies made visits to rooms and enjoyed getting all the attention. There are many benefits of animal therapy that go well beyond feelings of emotional support and comfort. Studies have found animal therapy has effectively helped people to relax, lower blood pressure, regulate hormones and improve interactions. Research has also shown the effectiveness of therapy animals in improving physical health conditions. 

Friends and family along with health professionals were invited to a summer party at the home. Stalls were set up with raffle prizes, a tombola, craft stall with items made by residents and bric and brac stall.

The kitchen hosted a BBQ with fresh potato salads, burgers, sausages and meat free options, before the ice cream arrived with 99’s all-round much to everyone’s delight.

The afternoon Continued with Live music from Tony Allgood of reminisce entertainment which got everyone singing and dancing along.

It was a truly wonderful day to see everyone enjoying themselves and the staff worked hard to ensure residents had the best day. Residents decided they would like any proceeds from the day to go towards a tropical fish tank for the home for all to enjoy.