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
Friends at the community café
Activities team at Ashminster House set up a surprise reunion for Janet.
We visited the community café where Janet’s friend was waiting for her. Janet’s face was a picture of smiles when she noticed her friend was sitting next to her. They chatted together about old times working in the council offices.
Staff have noticed that this event has had a good impacted on Janet’s social life as she has come out of her room more to socialise.
Arts and crafts for the coronation
In Preparation for the Coronation residents got creative in an arts and crafts activity making a poster to
display in the home, great fun was had by all and everybody was really pleased with the results, commenting on
how bright and colourful the flowers around the king are! The poster now has pride of place in the home for residents and visitors alike to see.
Cakes in the community
Here at Ashminster House we like to show our appreciation to others in the community.
We visited Housing 21 and Age concern where we presented cupcakes to the staff and residents. They were very thankful for the cakes and spending time chatting about life at Ashminster House.
Nutrition and Hydration Week
Ashminster House have had a busy week of cooking, tasting and enjoying some amazing homemade produce for nutrition and hydration week.
Residents made fruit smoothies and ice-cream floats which went down very well.
Carers supported residents in making peppermint creams and rocky road bars.
International women’s day
Residents and staff celebrated international Women’s Day with homemade cupcakes made from our talented chef and a glass of bubbly.
In the afternoon residents took part in a picture quiz on famous female faces.
Fun and Games in the Winter Sunshine
A small activity of old fashion games were enjoyed by some of our residents who have been missing the fresh air outdoors. Laughter, happiness, and joy was coming from the garden with an extra boost of winter sunshine.
Bagatelle went down well as this old fashion game promoted good memory recall. Afterwards residents took a short walk around the garden.
