Activities at Ashminster House Care Home
Activities at Ashminster are based on residents' life histories. We host music workshops and encourage participation in a number of other activities, including gentle exercise, bingo and gardening. Monthly live singers entertain everyone with music from the 50s, 60s and 70s and residents are encouraged to interact with the musical instruments. Sensory sessions with fibre optic lights and touch & feel blankets are provided, which can be calming to those living with dementia. Residents participate in cooking sessions and enjoy the aromas of bread, scones and cakes - and, of course, sampling the finished product over a cuppa! We promote family values at Ashminster, and those we support can enjoy reminiscing about family events in the past, including weddings and previous occupations.
Elaine Hilden
I have worked at Ashminster House since 2003, first as a carer then progressing to activities coordinator, which has know as 'Head of Lifestyle'. I have a wealth of experience in my role, as well as NVQs in Health and Social Care, Activities in the Care Setting and Dementia.
I am passionate about fulfilling residents' lives by getting to know each individual with a person-centred approach, learning about their experiences and helping them to express themselves, such as through reminiscing with items of old.
My interests outside of work include antiques, dogs and spending time with my family.
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 Ashminster House Care Home
Trip to Town
Our residents headed off to the busy high street of Ashford to browse the shops and enjoy a lovely coffee and cake in the County Square shopping centre.
While exploring the shopping centre, our residents met with their friends and family whilst connecting to the community and enjoying the sunshine!
Reminisce
Residents enjoyed a reminiscing session with newspapers from the end of world war two describing the day of victory and how people celebrated such a momentous occasion, the crowning of the Queen, stamps from around the globe and coins from the past from various countries such as Greece, India and even Japan.
Music for Health
Residents got together for an exciting session of Music for Health, where they clapped, sang and played their instruments which ranged from rhythm sticks to plastic plates, enjoying a classic selection of musicals tunes such as George Formby, Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley as well as a fun ‘guess the music’ quiz!
Gentlemen’s Club, Hythe
The men at Ashminster House enjoyed a lovely sunny trip out to the seaside coast of Hythe for their Gentlemen’s Club. With a good hearty portion of fish and chips and getting out to enjoy the seaside air on this trip, the men had a wonderful time exploring the coast.
Carousel Theatre and BBQ
Residents enjoyed a lovely sunny day here at Ashminster House with Carousel Theatre Company performing their summer show with a number of classic tunes.
After the exciting performance the residents enjoyed a barbecue with a selection of burgers and sausages served by our fantastic catering team with a delicious Eton Mess to end the afternoon.
Mobile Library at Ashminster
Residents were visited by the home's mobile library to cozy up with a good book, a cup of tea and tasty slice of cake while exploring a variety of stories to indulge in and enjoy.
Jill says "It's so nice getting to see a large collection of books for us to choose and have a look at!"
