Activities at Ashlar House Care Home

The session encouraged participants to explore their creativity while connecting with Scottish culture and poetry. It provided a relaxed and supportive space that boosted confidence, sparked imagination, and promoted self-expression. 

Sharing ideas and creative work helped strengthen social connections and foster a sense of community.     

We were proud to host our first networking event on New Ear New Year, welcoming Charlotte from Essex, founder of Earwax Ltd. The event was open to the local community and anyone interested in learning more about ear health. Attendees had the opportunity to network, ask questions, and gain a better understanding of how to maintain healthy ears, prevent common issues, and access safe ear care.

Due to the amazing feedback from the event, Charlotte will be visiting us again this Tuesday 3rd February.       

Creative Mojo begins with a Burns Night-inspired theme, My Heart in the Highlands.

The session encouraged participants to explore their creativity while connecting with Scottish culture and poetry. It provided a relaxed and supportive space that boosted confidence, sparked imagination, and promoted self-expression. Sharing ideas and creative work helped strengthen social connections and foster a sense of community.

Overall, the afternoon enhanced wellbeing, inspired reflection, and left participants feeling motivated and uplifted.”

We honoured a very special resident's birthday, celebrating 93 beautiful years of a life that has touched so many.

Ninety-three years filled with stories, lessons, sacrifices, and unconditional love.

This day reminds us that birthdays are not always about parties or entertainment, but about presence, connection, and feeling truly seen.

What makes this celebration special is its simplicity family gathered close, shared smiles, gentle kisses, and the sound of genuine laughter.

At 93, every moment together becomes a gift, every smile holds wisdom, and every laugh carries meaning.

Surrounded by love, family, and heartfelt togetherness, we celebrate not just another year, but a legacy of love that continues to inspire. Sometimes the most beautiful celebrations are the quiet ones, filled with warmth, gratitude, and care.

Happy 93rd Birthday. You are deeply loved and cherished.   

First-time visit to Ashlar House for The Experience duo, Jasmine & Doug, and truly, it’s in the name. The lounge was full, the room overflowing with love, laughter, hugs, and singing.

The camera was on fire, capturing so many beautiful moments. This afternoon is one Ashlar House will never forget.   

Today we honour a very special resident's birthday, celebrating 93 beautiful years of a life that has touched so many.

Ninety-three years filled with stories, lessons, sacrifices, and unconditional love.

This day reminds us that birthdays are not always about parties or entertainment, but about presence, connection, and feeling truly seen.

What makes this celebration special is its simplicity family gathered close, shared smiles, gentle kisses, and the sound of genuine laughter.

At 93, every moment together becomes a gift, every smile holds wisdom, and every laugh carries meaning.

Surrounded by love, family, and heartfelt togetherness, we celebrate not just another year, but a legacy of love that continues to inspire. Sometimes the most beautiful celebrations are the quiet ones, filled with warmth, gratitude, and care.

Happy 93rd Birthday. You are deeply loved and cherished.    

Over the past two days, we enjoyed a lovely The Boots Memory Box session! Featuring classic Boots products, booklets, and posters from earlier eras, the sessions were run 1-to-1 and in small groups, creating a quiet, peaceful space for conversation and reminiscence. 

Residents loved recalling memories, sharing stories, and connecting with others, while boosting their emotional wellbeing and reducing anxiety.  

A birthday party at Ashlar House was all about creating a little magic and giving ourselves permission to be wonderfully silly. We had it this afternoon. 

Thank you everyone for the kind messages and for celebrating this wonderful acknowledgement from NAPA, recognising my role as Activities Coordinator. I am deeply grateful and truly humbled. 

This recognition belongs to all of us. It would not be possible without the trust of our residents, the support of families, and the dedication, kindness, and teamwork of the incredible Ashlar House team. I will carry this honour with pride and continue to give my very best every day. Thank you all for your ongoing support and belief in me.  

We welcomed the New Year with the joyful return of our furry friends from Performing Pets, Budgies and Cockatiel Jack. Residents were amazed by their beautiful, vibrant colours and the delightful sounds that filled the room. 

Many found themselves engaged in what felt like meaningful conversations, while others were greeted with warm smiles. Their visit brought comfort, joy, and a wonderful sense of connection, making the start of the year truly special.     

Relaxation Friday afternoon: residents and families enjoyed singing from the heart to their favourite music requests with live entertainment. Laughter, clapping, and contagious smiles filled the room, leaving mind, body, and soul feeling uplifted.  

Sharon, Home Manager at Ashlar House, was invited to attend LinkedIn Local based in Albridge, which provided a valuable opportunity for networking with local professionals and organisations. The coffee morning format created a relaxed and welcoming environment for discussion and relationship building. 

Business cards were exchanged, supporting ongoing communication and future collaboration. Sharon found the social networking aspect particularly beneficial, with regular sessions taking place on Tuesday mornings, helping to strengthen community links and raise awareness of Ashlar House within the local area. 

It was virtual reality time. Residents stepped into their chosen destinations, fully immersed as they looked around and explored. Throughout the experience, meaningful conversations unfolded. One resident quietly shared, “I never thought I’d see Venice again.”

This session offered more than just a journey across the world. The gentle movements encouraged physical activity, supporting flexibility, coordination, and circulation. Cognitively, the experience stimulated memory recall, curiosity, and conversation, helping residents reconnect with past experiences and emotions. Socially, it fostered connection, shared storytelling, and a sense of joy and wonder.

It was a truly heart-warming experience to witness.      

A full day with our Live Entertainment, Carly Ann, brings enjoyable and meaningful music to our residents. Carly Ann plays tailored song requests that are familiar and special to each resident. She provides music for individuals as well as small or large groups, allowing everyone to enjoy the experience in a way that is comfortable for them.

This program brings the sound of well-loved songs to our residents, helping to create a positive and welcoming environment. Music helps improve your mood, reduce stress, and support emotional well-being. It can also help stimulate memories and encourage communication.

Group music sessions promote social interaction, build connections between residents, and create a sense of community. Individual music sessions provide personal attention and help residents feel valued and engaged. Overall, A Day in the Life Entertainment with Carly Ann enhances the quality of life by bringing joy, comfort, and meaningful engagement through music.      

Our cheeky Elf at Ashlar House Care Home has been feeling a little bored this festive season — and that can only mean one thing… mischief! Instead of staying put where he should, he’s been sneaking into residents’ rooms, popping up in unexpected places, and having a good nosey to see what the staff are up to.

From squeezing himself into places he definitely shouldn’t be, to making surprise appearances that leave us all smiling, this Elf is certainly keeping everyone entertained. Residents have been spotting him throughout the home, and staff have been working extra hard knowing they’re being watched by Santa’s little helper!

No one knows where he’ll appear next, but one thing’s for sure — our Elf is spreading festive cheer, laughter, and a sprinkle of Christmas magic throughout Ashlar House.

So keep your eyes peeled… because this mischievous Elf could turn up anywhere!