Activities at Austen House Care Home

This week, residents at Austen House enjoyed a wonderful day filled with simple pleasures and heartfelt memories. What began as a relaxed outing for coffee soon became something truly special, reminding us of the joy that comes from spending time together beyond the walls of the home. The morning started with a cosy stop at a local café, where warm drinks, gentle conversation, and plenty of smiles created a lovely atmosphere. Residents chatted happily over their favourite beverages, enjoying the chance to take in the surroundings and share a peaceful moment together. These small outings always bring a sense of freshness and togetherness, turning ordinary moments into cherished ones.

After coffee, the day took a meaningful and emotional turn. One of our residents expressed a wish to visit the house where she grew up, and we were delighted to make that wish come true. Standing outside the place that held so many of her childhood memories, she began to share stories from her early years. Watching her face light up as she remembered the past was a beautiful reminder of how powerful and comforting those memories can be.

The outing was simple yet deeply moving. It offered relaxation, connection, and a chance to honour personal history. Moments like these show how important it is to support residents in revisiting treasured parts of their lives while also enjoying the companionship and warmth of one another. At Austen House, we cherish these experiences, both joyful and reflective, because they bring meaning to every day and help create a true sense of home.

There’s nothing quite like the simple joy of a day spent in nature, and our recent outing to Dinton Pastures Country Park was the perfect way for residents to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air.

With blue skies overhead and a gentle breeze carrying the sound of birdsong, residents strolled by the peaceful lakes, pausing to admire the views and chat about memories of countryside walks from years gone by. The natural beauty of the park created a calm and uplifting atmosphere, encouraging both relaxation and conversation.

Laughter was shared as benches became gathering spots, where residents could rest and simply enjoy the company of friends in the warmth of the late summer sun. Of course, no trip would be complete without a well-earned cuppa and the group happily rounded off their visit with tea and treats at the park’s café.

The outing was more than just a change of scenery; it was an opportunity for connection, joy, and a sense of freedom that comes from being outdoors. Watching smiles and hearing stories flow throughout the day was a wonderful reminder of the value these shared experiences bring to life at Austen House.

At Austen House, we always strive to create meaningful moments tailored to our residents’ passions, and today, it was all about Sheila.

On a beautifully warm and sunny day, Sheila enjoyed a personal outing filled with her favourite things. Accompanied by a member of our team, she took a stroll through the local neighbourhood and nearby park, soaking in the fresh air and vibrant summer blooms. The walk brought back lovely memories, and Sheila shared stories from years gone by with a smile on her face.

One of the highlights of the outing was an unexpected but joyful encounter with a friendly dog, whom Sheila happily stroked while chatting with its equally friendly owner. A lifelong car enthusiast, Sheila also took great delight in spotting her favourite cars, especially a sleek Mercedes that truly caught her eye!

The afternoon continued with a spot of shopping at Sainsbury’s, followed by a delicious ice cream enjoyed in the park while watching children play on the swings. It was a simple but powerful reminder of the happiness found in everyday pleasures.

Sheila’s beaming smile said it all. The joy, calm, and connection she experienced today made for a truly memorable outing, one we were privileged to share with her.

This morning’s Dementia Café at Austen House was a wonderful opportunity to come together, celebrate, and create lasting memories.

The lounge was filled with laughter, conversation, and pure happiness as we started the day with a lovely array of treats, from delicious scones and cakes to a warm cup of tea or coffee. It was a perfect chance to sit back, connect, and enjoy each other’s company.

The highlight of the morning was a wonderful sing-along, where everyone raised their voices together to their favourite songs. We even had a bit of fun remembering some noughties classics alongside the well-loved tunes from years gone by.

A huge thank you to all the families who came and made the Dementia Café so special. Your presence added a wonderful warmth and a deep sense of community to the gathering. It was a truly heartening and joyful morning.  A perfect blend of treats, tunes, and treasured moments.

At Austen House, we believe that life is best enjoyed with good company and delightful flavours. Our recent Cheese and Wine Afternoon was a perfect example of that. Residents gathered to savour a carefully curated selection of fine cheeses, paired beautifully with a range of wines.

Laughter and conversation flowed as everyone explored the different flavours, reminiscing about favourite moments over a glass of red or white. The room was filled with warmth and the gentle hum of contentment—a simple reminder that the best moments are often shared around a table.

It was a wonderful afternoon that celebrated good taste, great company, and the joy of living well. Cheers to many more afternoons like this at Austen House!

At Austen House, creating enjoyable dining experiences is an important part of daily life, and this week our residents were treated to a very special afternoon. Our chef hosted a relaxed and inviting food tasting session, giving everyone the chance to sample a variety of new dishes that may soon feature on our menu.
The dining room was filled with wonderful aromas as plates of both savoury and sweet options were brought out for residents to try. Each dish offered something different, from comforting flavours to exciting new tastes, and residents took great pleasure in exploring the selection. 

The atmosphere was calm and cheerful, with plenty of conversation as everyone compared favourites and shared their thoughts. It was lovely to see how engaged residents were throughout the session. Many enjoyed discussing the flavours that reminded them of home, while others were delighted to discover something completely new. The afternoon provided not only delicious food but also a sense of involvement and choice, allowing residents to help shape the meals they will enjoy in the weeks ahead.

The feedback was incredibly valuable, and our chef is already looking forward to adding several of these dishes to the menu. Moments like these highlight the importance of food in bringing people together and creating a warm and welcoming community at Austen House. 

At Austen House, we continually explore new and meaningful ways to enrich the lives of our residents, and this week’s art therapy session proved to be a truly special experience. Led by Jonny and Cheryl, residents were introduced to the craft of making and decorating traditional Japanese dolls.

The session was much more than an afternoon of creativity; it was an opportunity for residents to slow down, focus, and let their imaginations flow. With calming music in the background, everyone carefully selected colours, fabrics, and embellishments, bringing individuality and personality to each doll. The process encouraged concentration, mindfulness, and self-expression, making it both therapeutic and rewarding.

As the dolls began to take shape, the atmosphere in the room grew lighter, filled with conversation, laughter, and admiration for one another’s work. When finished, the dolls were vibrant and beautifully unique—each one a reflection of the resident who created it.

Residents were delighted with what they had achieved, and there was a real sense of pride as the dolls were displayed and admired. This session was a wonderful reminder of the joy and calm that creative activities can bring, nurturing both emotional well-being and a sense of accomplishment.

At Austen House, moments like these highlight the power of art to connect, inspire, and uplift.

Our residents were transported to the vibrant streets of Havana this afternoon, as the sounds of classical Cuban music and the sweet aroma of guava filled Austen House.

Maria, a cherished member of our activities team and proudly Cuban, led a hands-on baking session where residents learned to make traditional Pastelitos—flaky pastries filled with delicious guava paste. With music playing, laughter flowing, and aprons tied, it was a wonderfully sensory experience that brought everyone together.

Residents took great care in folding and preparing their pastries, and the results were nothing short of impressive. As we often say, our residents are full of hidden talents—but in the words of a proud Cuban expression, “Va a la Habana y apaga fuego,” meaning “They go to Havana and put fires out!” In other words, they nailed it!

Maria was delighted to share a piece of her heritage, and the residents thoroughly enjoyed the experience, many asking if we could explore more international flavours in the weeks to come.

At Austen House, we believe in celebrating cultures and creating moments that spark joy, curiosity, and connection. And today, with the help of guava fruit and great company, we did just that.

Nurses' Day is a wonderful opportunity for us to celebrate and appreciate the remarkable team of nurses we have here at Austen House.

Every day, our nurses bring compassion, dedication, and kindness to their roles. They care for each person in our home with patience, understanding, and a deep sense of responsibility — making a world of difference to the health, happiness, and well-being of all our residents.

This Nurses' Day was made even more special by the presence of Millicent, one of our wonderful residents who was a nurse herself for many years. Millicent’s years of service and experience made her a perfect person to celebrate alongside us. She shared stories from her nursing career and reminded us of all the rich knowledge and compassion that nurses bring to their roles.

We want to say a huge THANK YOU to all our nurses, past and present, for everything you do. Your hard work, expertise, and loving care help make Austen House a warm, comfortable, and thriving community for everyone who calls it home.

We appreciate you more than words can express!

Spring was in full bloom at Austen House as we welcomed the Easter season with festive celebrations and heartfelt moments. Our residents embraced the spirit of Easter through a delightful hot cross bun tasting, where a variety of flavours-from the classic spiced favourite to exciting new twists—were enjoyed with plenty of smiles and shared stories. The aroma of fresh buns and the joy of reminiscing about past Easters filled the room with warmth and cheer.

But the celebrations didn’t stop there! Creativity blossomed during our Easter-themed arts and crafts sessions. Residents took part in card making, bunny and egg decorating, and vibrant flower colouring, each project fuelled by imagination and joy. Our community room was transformed into a hub of colour and creativity, with each decorated piece reflecting the unique spirit of its maker.

From delicious treats to artistic creations, Easter at Austen House was a time of connection, laughter, and celebration. Here’s to more shared moments, cherished traditions, and the simple joys of the season!

As the festive season begins to make its presence felt, Austen House is already glowing with Christmas spirit. This week, our residents enjoyed a wonderfully creative afternoon as they began crafting their very own Christmas cards. It is a much-loved tradition that brings joy, imagination, and a touch of sparkle to the home. With gentle music playing and plenty of festive cheer in the air, residents gathered around the craft tables, choosing colours, shapes, and designs to make each card truly unique. Some opted for classic winter scenes, while others experimented with bold colours and modern patterns. What shone through most was the thought and care put into every card, each one lovingly created with a special family member or friend in mind.

The activity encouraged residents to express themselves, reminisce about past Christmases, and share stories of the traditions they have enjoyed over the years. Laughter and conversation filled the room as everyone compared designs and admired one another's creativity. The atmosphere was warm, relaxed, and full of festive excitement.

We were delighted to welcome Cheryl and Jonny from Creative Mojo, whose guidance and enthusiasm inspired residents throughout the session. Their support helped bring out the best in everyone, resulting in a beautiful collection of handmade cards that truly capture the spirit of the season. As the tables filled with finished cards, each bright, personal, and heartfelt, it was clear how much pride residents took in their creations. Activities like these remind us of the joy that simple, meaningful moments can bring and how they help make life at Austen House feel especially magical at this time of year.  

At Austen House, we believe some of life’s greatest pleasures come from the simplest of moments. This week, our residents enjoyed a truly special afternoon outdoors, taking full advantage of the late-summer sunshine in our beautiful garden.

The highlight of the day was gathering around the plum tree, which has been growing steadily and offering up its seasonal gifts. Residents picked the ripe, juicy plums straight from the branches, delighting in the colours, the fragrance, and, of course, the taste of fruit fresh from the tree. For many, the experience brought back fond memories of childhood summers and time spent in orchards, allotments, or family gardens.

Once gathered, the plums were shared out and enjoyed together, sweet, tangy, and all the more delicious for being homegrown. Laughter and conversation flowed easily, with residents swapping stories about favourite fruits, family recipes, and the joy of nature’s harvest.

It was a gentle, joyful afternoon that captured the essence of life at Austen House: community, connection, and the appreciation of simple moments that brighten our days.

At Austen House, we recently had the honour of celebrating a truly remarkable milestone with two of our newest residents, John and Ann, who marked an incredible 67 years of marriage.

The sun shone brightly as John and Ann’s special day unfolded, a perfect setting for a beautiful celebration of enduring love. Surrounded by their close family and warmly supported by our dedicated team, the couple enjoyed a joyful afternoon filled with shared memories, laughter, and love.

Having only recently joined the Austen House family, John and Ann were deeply touched by the surprise anniversary celebration arranged in their honour. A stunning bouquet, thoughtful gifts, and a collection of heartfelt cards made the day all the more special. A highlight of the event was the ceremonial cake cutting, met with applause and happy tears from those who gathered.

“We couldn’t have asked for a warmer welcome,” Ann shared. “Everyone has been so kind—we truly feel at home.”

It was a privilege for us to witness such a moving moment in John and Ann’s lifelong journey together. Their enduring partnership is not only inspiring but also a beautiful reminder of the love, connection, and community we foster at Austen House.

From all of us here, we wish John and Ann continued happiness, good health, and many more cherished moments together.

Flowers bring happiness wherever they go and this was certainly true during our wonderful flower-arranging morning here at Austen House.

The activity filled the home with a riot of colours and a lovely buzz of conversation, as everyone chose their favourite flowers and put their creative skills to use. There’s something so special about the simple act of putting together a bouquet: it's a chance to appreciate nature’s rich colours, connect with friends, and let imagination blossom.

As we made our arrangements, we also took a moment to reflect on the meanings behind different flowers. The rich red of a rose symbolises romance, yellow sunflowers bring a feeling of happiness and warmth, and pure white lilies represent peace and purity. It added a wonderful depth to the activity and made each person’s bouquet all the more special.

Overall, it was a wonderful morning filled with creativity, conversation, and pure happiness, a perfect example of life here at Austen House.

There’s nothing quite like the joy of a sunny afternoon, where warm breezes and clear skies beckon us outdoors. Recently, we embraced the beautiful weather with a leisurely walk to one of our local favourites, The Seven Red Roses Pub. Nestled in the heart of the community, this welcoming spot provided the perfect backdrop for a bit of fresh air and good company.

With refreshing drinks in hand, we gathered around a cosy table, sharing stories and reminiscing about happy summer memories. Laughter filled the air as we sipped and savoured, enjoying the simple pleasures of good conversation and great company. It’s these moments that truly capture the spirit of community and togetherness.

The Seven Red Roses never fail to deliver that perfect blend of comfort and cheer, making it the ideal setting for moments just like these. Whether it’s a sunny afternoon stroll or a quick catch-up with friends, we always leave with smiles on our faces and memories to cherish.

Here’s to more sun-soaked afternoons, shared laughter, and the warm hospitality of our favourite local pub!