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
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."
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.
