Activities at Austen House Care Home
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.
Iuliana Buican
Hi my name is Iuliana, I was a history teacher for 12 years before I joined Barchester in 2017. I am passionate about my job and love working with people. I enjoy planning and delivering meaningful activities which make a difference to our residents lives.
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 Austen House Care Home
Not one but two Celebrations on one day
Excitement levels were through the roof at Barchester’s Austen House Care Home in Lower Early as staff and residents celebrated Barchester’s 30th anniversary and the 60th Wedding anniversary of Donald and Elizabeth.
Parent company, Barchester Healthcare, who run Austen House, started out in 1992 with just one care home, Moreton Hill, in Stonehouse, Gloucestershire. Fast forward 30 years and Barchester is now the second largest care home company in the UK with 250 care homes and private hospitals all over the country.
Halloween Preparation
In preparation for this years Halloween party here at Austen House, staff and residents enjoyed a pumpkin carving day.
Once carved our pumpkins took prize position in our entrance for all to see and enjoy
Pet Therapy
Residents and Staff here at Austen House really enjoy the visits from Fraser the therapy dog.
Pet therapy is a guided interaction between a person and a trained animal. It also involves the animal’s handler. The purpose of pet therapy is to help someone recover from or cope with a health problem or mental disorder.
Dogs and cats are most commonly used in pet therapy. However, fish, guinea pigs, horses, and other animals that meet screening criteria can also be used. The type of animal chosen depends on the therapeutic goals of a person’s treatment plan.
Residents and staff shine bright for the festival of lights.
Earlier this week residents and staff thoroughly enjoyed themselves as they marked the start of the Hindu festival of Diwali, popularly known as the ‘festival of lights’.
Residents helped with making colourful patterned rangoli and lighting ‘diyas’, small oil lamps which are lit to signify the triumph of good over evil. Diwali honours Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, the lamps help Lakshmi find her way into people’s homes.
Austen House so enjoyed this special day. The kitchen and staff prepared some really special food which was so enjoyable and the atmosphere was fabulous.
Furry Friends
Furry friends are always welcome Here at Austen House.
One of our regular visitors is Luna, a lively 7 month old Sproodle.
A Sproodle is a cross between a springer spaniel and a poodle. Luna visits Austen House weekly with a residents family.
Residents and staff alike all look forward to her visits.
Young Visitor's
Earlier this week residents and staff here at Austen House received a very welcome visit from Thrive Early Years and Intergenerational Care.
Thrive Believe's the development of a child during the first three years age helps create the foundations of an individuals life. Residents and staff here at Austen House loved our interaction with the children, enjoying playing with them and reading stories.
Austen House are looking forward to Thrives next visit.
Upcoming events
Countdown to Christmas
Take a look at all of the wonderful festive events and activities throughout December. Please feel free to join our celebrations. Contacts us for more information.
