Activities at Austen House Care Home
Our teams are trained to enrich the lives of residents through stimulating the mind, body and soul, and taking the time to learn about each person to ensure everyone receives support that adds enrichment to their life.
Here at Austen House, we like to get to know those we support, and from the day of moving in, our activities team will spend time on an individual basis learning about interests, likes and dislikes, life history and favourite hobbies.
We provide a wide range of activities, from one-to-one time, manicures and board games, through to live entertainment, prize bingo and our ever-popular cheese & wine events. Our activities team will also tailor individual activities to ensure residents can have as much or as little involvement as they choose.
In the summer months, greater focus is given to outdoor activities, such as barbecues and garden parties. In conjunction with our Chef, themed events are planned throughout the year, bringing activities and food together.
In their pink polo shirts, our activities team are easily identifiable and embrace ideas and suggestions from residents and their relatives to ensure that the activities provided keep those we support engaged, stimulated and entertained.
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 Austen House Care Home
A Celebration of Love: Mother's Day at Austen House!
At Austen House, Mother’s Day was more than just a date on the calendar; it was a heartfelt celebration of love, connection, and treasured memories. The home came alive with colour and joy as residents, their families, and our dedicated team came together to honour the incredible women in our lives.
The day began with a charming tea party, where tables were adorned with fresh flowers and a delightful spread of cakes and sweet treats. Laughter and conversation flowed as residents enjoyed the company of loved ones and friends, surrounded by festive decorations including banners, bunting, and balloons that added to the joyful atmosphere.
A highlight of the day was a hands-on flower arranging session, allowing residents to express their creativity while crafting beautiful floral displays to take pride of place in their rooms. The activity sparked fond memories and warm conversations, with many sharing stories of gardens past and special family traditions.
As cards were read aloud and photographs passed around, the room was filled with emotion, smiles, happy tears, and heartfelt words that reminded everyone of the special place mothers hold in our hearts.
It was a day of connection and celebration, and a reminder of the enduring power of family, love, and togetherness.
A Festival of Colour and joy: Holi at Austen House!
At Austen House, we take pride in celebrating the rich diversity of our community, and our Holi celebration was a perfect example of that spirit. Residents, families, and team members came together to mark this vibrant festival of colours with joy, laughter, and a sense of unity.
The home was alive with energy as everyone joined in the festivities, embracing the tradition of throwing colourful powders and sharing stories about the meaning and origins of Holi. Known as the festival of love and renewal, Holi reminds us of the importance of togetherness, forgiveness, and the beauty found in diversity.
Laughter rang through the air as splashes of colour brightened faces and clothing alike, creating not only a visual spectacle but also an atmosphere filled with warmth and inclusion. Residents were eager to learn more about the customs and cultural significance behind the festival, making it both a joyful and enriching experience for all.
Celebrating Holi at Austen House is part of our ongoing commitment to embracing all cultures and creating meaningful moments for everyone who lives and works here. We look forward to many more such events that bring people together and honour the many stories and backgrounds that make our home so special.
More than a meal: The joy of dining together at Austen House
At Austen House, we believe that mealtimes are about so much more than just food. They’re about connection, companionship, and creating moments that matter.
Each day, our dining rooms are filled not only with the comforting aromas of home-cooked meals, but also with laughter, conversation, and a sense of community. Our staff take great pride in sharing these moments with residents, joining them at the table to enjoy not just the food, but the stories, memories, and meaningful chats that make every mealtime special.
Whether it’s a familiar favourite on the menu, a new dish to try, or simply the joy of seeing friendly faces around the table, mealtimes offer a chance to pause, connect, and enjoy the simple pleasures of good food and good company.
It’s in these small, everyday moments that we find real joy, and at Austen House, we’re proud to make every meal a celebration of life, togetherness, and well-being.
Pizza Perfection: A Slice of Joy at Austen House!
Few things bring people together quite like the joy of pizza, and at Austen House, our residents recently had the chance to become pizza chefs for the day! Thanks to our dedicated Life Enrichment team, the home was transformed into a pizzeria, filled with laughter, creativity, and, of course, the mouth-watering aroma of freshly baked pizza.
From kneading the dough to selecting their favourite toppings, our residents fully embraced the experience. Whether opting for classic pepperoni, fresh veggies, or a little bit of everything, each pizza was a unique creation—a reflection of personal taste and culinary flair!
As the pizzas baked to perfection, the anticipation grew, and when the time finally came to taste their delicious handiwork, the smiles said it all. It was a heart-warming afternoon of fun, flavour, and friendship, proving that the best meals are the ones made, and shared, with love.
A big thank you to our Life Enrichment team for making this experience so special. Here’s to many more delicious adventures in the kitchen!
A Creative and Tasty Valentine’s Celebration!
Love (and icing!) was in the air at Austen House Care Home as our residents got creative in a special Valentine’s Day decoration workshop. Led by Joy, one of Barchester’s senior head chefs, this interactive live event was the perfect way to celebrate the season of love, with a delightful mix of artistry and sweet treats!
Our residents had a fantastic time decorating cakes and biscuits, each adding their own unique flair with colourful icing, sprinkles, and plenty of imagination. Whether crafting delicate heart-shaped designs or piling on the toppings for a more indulgent masterpiece, everyone embraced the joy of the occasion. The best part? Tasting their delicious creations afterwards!
Beyond the decorating, the day was filled with laughter, conversation, and cherished memories. It was a wonderful way to bring everyone together, sparking creativity while enjoying the simple pleasure of a sweet treat shared amongst friends.
A heartfelt thank you to Joy for leading such a fantastic session and to our amazing team for making Valentine’s Day extra special. Wishing you all a day filled with love, joy, and something sweet!
Flipping Fun: A Pancake Day to Remember!
There was plenty of flipping, laughter, and delicious treats at Austen House as our residents celebrated Pancake Day in style! The sweet aroma of pancakes filled the air as everyone gathered to take part in the festivities, reminiscing about their favourite childhood traditions and, of course, indulging in some tasty treats.
From the timeless combination of lemon and sugar to the irresistible delight of chocolate and fresh fruit, our residents had a wonderful time choosing their favourite toppings. Some even got adventurous, creating their own unique pancake masterpieces! The joy was infectious, with smiles and laughter echoing through the room as our team made sure every resident felt involved in the fun.
For many, Pancake Day is more than just a treat; it’s a cherished tradition that brings back fond memories of family kitchens, friendly competitions, and the simple pleasure of sharing food with loved ones. Seeing the delight on our residents’ faces reminded us of the importance of these special moments, where connection and joy take centre stage.
A huge thank you to our dedicated team for making the day extra special, ensuring that everyone had a chance to enjoy the fun. It’s days like these that truly make Austen House a home full of warmth, laughter, and love.
Here’s to many more celebrations together!
