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
A little tipple!
After a busy morning of chatting and dancing to their favourite music and with dinner around the corner, the residents enjoyed a little glass of sherry.
Fitness for Fun
Ashminster House got into some fitness business with an excercise routine including working on the arm muscles, leg muscles neck and back to help them feel good and have a enjoyable time led by Richard our Activities Coordinator.
Once they finished their exercise, the residents had a refreshing selection of cold drinks and relaxed to classic tunes.
Stop & Chat
Residents on our Memory Lane unit were joined by staff from different departments within the home. Our residents and staff engaged in meaningful and joyous conversations and to learn about their history and their lives before coming to our exceptional home.
Our resident Patricia expressed "I love having these chats with the staff."
Historical Movie Morning
This morning the residents enjoyed watching the classic film ‘Battle of Britain’ which was released in 1969 starring Michael Caine, Christopher Plummer and Laurince Olivier. This film was shown on our wide screen Cinema TV.
In the middle of the film to help them relax from the intense and thrilling battles in the sky the residents were served delicious flavoured ice cream and a selection of cold and hot drinks.
Smoothie Magic
Residents at Ashminster House joined Elaine our fantastic Head of Lifestyle for some soothie making fun. Residents used their culinary skills to cut and blend a great assortment of fresh fruit!
Chilling & Colouring
Residents at Ashminster House came together for some relaxing colouring and conversations about what art means to them. They enjoyed teas and snacks and had music of their choice playing whilst they brought the images to life filled with creativity and colours.
One of our residents Janet explained how she did her picture, "You first picture in your head which way the sun is and colour in the lighter parts before you create the shadows, it's quite fun and people love to look at colourful drawings."
