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
Music Workshop
Residents enjoyed taking part in a music workshop here at Ashminster House, interacting and trying out new instruments. It was lots of fun!
Coffee Morning
Ashminster House holds a Coffee Morning for residents and any visitors who wish to join us on a Wednesday morning at 11am. Our residents thoroughly enjoy this weekly event as it gives them stimulation, plenty of conversations and a selection of delicious cakes from our local bakers.
Knitter Natter Club
Knitter Natter are a community knitting club who come to Ashminster House every Thursday from 2pm to 4pm and are joined by those of our residents who take an interest in knitting.
This gives the Knitters a chance to Natter over cakes and freshly served coffee. This event is open to the public and all are welcome.
The Magic Table
We are delighted to announce that we have just had a Magic Table installed, which is an interactive light projector, designed to support residents living with dementia by keeping them engaged through specialised games.
The light projections respond to hand and arm movement, allowing residents to stay stimulated and, most of all, have fun!
You can read more about it on this page.
Fire Brigade Visit
The local fire brigade was invited to our weekly coffee morning with the residents. Together they discussed fire safety and how it has changed over the years, on a one to one basis and in groups. Afterwards residents and staff went outside to have a look at the fire engine.
Community Book Sale
Ashminster House invited the local community to a Grand Book Sale with coffee and cake served. A total of £45 was raised for our Residents' Fund.
