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
Cheese & Wine Afternoon
Residents at Ashminster House had a lovely afternoon with a nice selection of cheese prepared by our catering team and some fine wine to sip and enjoy whilst listening to relaxing music and striking up conversations about their favourite types of the dairy treat.
Fun & Games with the Wii
Residents gathered together in our beautiful lounge to play fun games on the Wii Computer Console. These games include Bowling, Tennis, Golf and classic board games such as Battleships and Connect 4.
John, our resident said, "It was so fun to play bowling again and a round of battleships on the computer console. I especially love winning these games too!"
Coronation Day and afternoon tea
Denise and Helen daughters of Patricia made memories with their mum in watching the Kings Coronation on the cinema tv.
Patricia expressed she could remember watching the Queen’s coronation with her mum and it was so special to watch it with her daughters. The kitchen team made a fabulous afternoon tea with scones, jam and clotted cream, cupcakes, and fresh strawberries and ice cream.
Celebrations continued in the evening with dancing and singing with entertainer Richey Richardson.
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.
