Activities at Derham House Care Home

On the 11th day of the 11th month of the 11th hour, Derham House asks that you join us in observing a two minute silence to remember those who gave their lives so we could live ours.

We have also made a remembrance wall to remember the residents & family members who thought for this country.

We took part in World Vegan Day having a taster afternoon. Residents tucked into some wonderful dishes, all freshly prepared by our chef, on the menu was mushroom pie, spinach swirl, pumpkin swirl, and stuffed peppers.

The residents were very surprised that the dishes tasted so good made of just vegetables. After they had eaten, the chef was congratulated on how well he had done.

We then had a fun afternoon with plant-based quiz, which was harder than expected, but hilariously funny.

Residents took part in carving pumpkins for Halloween. With help from the nurse on Memory Lane, they had a fantastic time enjoying the feel and texture of the pumpkins, which helps with their sensory needs. They cannot wait for night to fall so they can see what they all look like.

We took part in the 'dare to wear it pink' campaign to raise money for breast cancer awareness.

It’s never been more important than now to wear ‘it pink’ as, due to the pandemic, so many charities have lost out on the support of the public doing their fundraising just like we are doing.

Staff and residents alike dressed for the occasion in their finest pink attire the residents became fabulous pink hairdresser’s and enjoyed spraying the staff’s hair pink for the occasion and took great delight in telling us how silly we looked but we all took it in Great Spirit as it’s for a great cause.

In the afternoon we enjoyed a coffee and reminiscing with some lovely cakes, which were pink, of course.

HMS Derham’s maiden voyage was delayed for minor repairs.

The residents on Memory Lane undertook the task of repairing her, having great fun painting and reminiscing about their travels around the world.

There was so much laughter and excitement in the room, which was lovely to hear. In the afternoon, the residents boarded the ship in anticipation as to what destinations we would be going to.

Once all the passengers were on board, we set sail from Upminster docks and they waved goodbye to loved ones at the port.

We then sat down for mocktails and enjoyed watching cooking demonstrations with Chef, Paul Hawkins and Lisa Richards being the Captain and Quizmaster to guess the destinations we would be stopping at.

We stopped at Hamburg in Germany, Rotterdam in Holland, and finally Bruges in Belgiu. The residents had a fantastic trip and departed the ship tired, but very happy.

We had a great time celebrating the British novelist, short-story writer, poet, screenwriter and wartime fighter pilot Roald Dahl.

During the day, our residents got involved in a variety of fun-filled activities. Our fabulous staff dressed up for the occasion. 

We all watched a short video on ‘The Life of Roald Dahl’ and took part in a themed quiz.

Throughout the day, there were a number of refreshments and delicious treats, plus, we watch the Charlie and The chocolate Factory film.