Activities at Austen House Care Home

This week at Austen House, hearts were warmed and smiles were abundant as Fraser, our beloved therapy dog, stopped by for his regular visit!

As part of the PAT (Pets as Therapy) program, Fraser has become a cherished member of our community, spreading comfort and joy with every wag of his tail. Residents eagerly awaited his arrival, and as soon as he walked in, the room lit up with excitement and affection.

Fraser’s visits are more than just moments of joy—they’re opportunities for healing and connection. Spending time with therapy dogs like Fraser has been shown to have incredible benefits for our residents, including: Reducing anxiety and stress: The soothing presence of a furry friend helps residents feel calm and content. Encouraging communication and interaction: Fraser inspires residents to share stories, reminisce, and engage with one another. Bringing back cherished memories: For those living with dementia, the simple act of petting Fraser can spark happy memories of their own pets. Boosting overall wellbeing: Fraser’s visits are a highlight of the week, lifting everyone’s spirits and creating lasting moments of happiness.

One resident shared, “Seeing Fraser reminds me of my dog from years ago. He’s such a good boy, and spending time with him always brightens my day.”

Fraser’s visits exemplify the thoughtful care and enriching experiences we provide at Austen House. By fostering meaningful interactions and promoting emotional wellbeing, we create a supportive and joyful environment where everyone can thrive.

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, brought an extra sparkle to Austen House as residents, relatives, and staff came together for a vibrant celebration filled with music, dance, and delicious food.

In honour of this special occasion, parts of Austen House were adorned with glowing lights, colourful fabrics, and decorative diyas, creating a warm and festive atmosphere. The day’s events kicked off with a mesmerizing performance of traditional Bharatanatyam, an elegant Indian dance, by the talented children of Kalakunj, led by their dedicated teacher Ananya. Residents were captivated by the graceful movements and intricate storytelling conveyed through the dance.

Adding to the celebration, Shradha’s enchanting live music filled the room, inviting everyone to join in the singing and dancing. The energy was infectious, and soon residents, family members, and staff were swaying and clapping along to the beats, creating a beautiful moment of unity and joy.

No celebration is complete without a feast, and Diwali at Austen House was no exception. Residents were treated to a delightful selection of homemade Indian dishes and sweets, offering a chance to explore the rich flavours of traditional cuisine. The taste of samosas, laddoos, and other delicacies brought smiles and sparked lively conversations about food and culture.

Some staff members embraced the spirit of Diwali by dressing in traditional Indian attire, adding an extra touch of authenticity and celebration to the day. “It was such a colourful and happy occasion,” one resident shared. “The music, the dancing, and the food—it felt like we were part of something truly special.”

Diwali at Austen House was a testament to our community's commitment to celebrating diverse cultures and creating memorable experiences for everyone.

This Halloween, Austen House was filled with the sounds of laughter, the pitter-patter of little feet, and the warmth of intergenerational joy as we welcomed our special guests: the children from Earlybird Pre-School and our friends from Butterfly Buddies Intergenerational Friendship. Together, we embarked on a festive pumpkin hunt that brought smiles to faces of all ages.

The day began with residents and children teaming up to find hidden pumpkins around the home. The excitement in the air was contagious as the little ones eagerly explored, holding hands with our residents and celebrating every pumpkin discovery. The shared enthusiasm bridged the gap between generations, creating moments of pure happiness.

After the hunt, everyone gathered for a mix of heart-warming activities. Residents and children sang cheerful songs, read spooky but friendly Halloween stories, and played games that brought out laughter and joy. To top it off, we had a lively chat about the origins of Halloween, sparking curiosity and storytelling from both the young and the young-at-heart.

The highlight of the day came when the residents handed out delicious sweets to the children. Watching the little ones’ eyes light up with delight brought immense satisfaction to our residents, who cherished the chance to connect and create special memories with their young visitors.

“This has been such a wonderful day,” one resident said. “I can’t wait to do it again!”

Our residents truly love live music, and we are proud to offer them the joy of musical performances. This week, Andy & Dave from Old Spice delivered a fantastic session filled with music and entertainment that our residents and their loved ones thoroughly enjoyed. 

At Austen House, our goal is to provide everything our residents need to feel happy and fulfilled, and we are dedicated to offering activities that align with their preferences. It’s always wonderful to see our staff joining in, listening to great music, and even dancing alongside our residents, creating a joyful atmosphere for everyone.

Our Care Home is not just a place to stay—it’s a true home for all of us. We encourage everyone to enjoy the activities, and we assure you, there will be a lot of fun!
 

Here at Austen House we marked World Mental Health Day by taking part in a range of different activities to promote good mental health.

The idea behind the day is to encourage people around the word to talk about mental health in general and how we all need to look after our mental health by talking about things and sharing our challenges.  The theme this year is ‘It is time to prioritise mental health in the workplace’. The World Federation for Mental Health has been working for over 70 years to make sure mental health is treated on a par with physical health.  World Mental Health Day is also an opportunity to ask for help if you are struggling. 

The staff, residents and family members got into the spirit of the day by taking part in a relaxation session, listening to a local healthcare professional, Anna Brooks, BACP registered Therapeutic Councellor, about mindfulness and the importance of staying positive, hosting an mindfulness session and taking the time to talk about their feelings and sharing their challenges.
 

Rhyming couplets were the order of the day at Austen House where residents were keen to get involved in National Poetry Day which took place on October 3rd. 

National Poetry Day is an annual mass celebration that encourages all to enjoy, discover and share poetry.  It generates hundreds of events nationwide all celebrating poetry’s power to start conversations and bring people together.

Staff and residents at Austen House decided to launch their very own poetry club and host a discussion about residents’ favourite poems. After that, we all enjoyed listening to the staff and residents reading poems, along with a cup of tea and some delicious cakes.