Derham HouseBarchester Healthcare

Activities at Derham 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.

We understand that the people we support have passions and interests that could be difficult to pursue after moving into a care home – but that doesn’t mean we don’t encourage them to try! Some hobbies can define a person, so our Activities Coordinators are dedicated to ensuring that everyone we support is able to do what makes them happy to the best of their abilities. Social events are organised with individual tastes in mind and with the idea that residents have the opportunity to try new and exciting things.

Read our brochure ‘Life-enriching activities’ for more information about life in our care homes.

Read our brochure

Kay Thompson

Activities Coordinator

I have worked in the care sector for many years. I am fully trained in dementia awareness, and I have also trained as a dignity champion. I have been working here at Derham House since March 2019, and I am really enjoying my role here.

Celebrating life at Derham House Care Home

Off to the Zoo

Regular outings are just one aspect of our life enrichment program and all the trips we take are at the request of the residents. Our monthly activities calendar boasts a range of outings and entertainment.

This week Derham House Residents enjoyed a trip to the Zoo. A great time was had by all visiting the array of animals. After the trip they enjoyed an ice cream to cool down and end the perfect outing.

By taking regular feedback and requests from our residents we can enhance our life enrichment program to suit the interests of the residents.

Let's Dance

One of the cornerstones of our life enrichment program is live musical entertainment. Resident involvement in choosing genres along with feedback after each performance means that we are able to constantly improve our activities calendar.

Our Residents enjoy live entertainments on a regular basis. There was singing, toe tapping, clapping and dancing to many a favourite this week.

At Derham Lodge we love opening our home up and hosting events that friends and family can join us for. Shared experiences are the best experiences and we ensure that our residents remain connected with their loved ones whilst they live with us.

Music singing and laughter.

At Derham House supporting residents to enjoy outings, shopping, meals out and other trips is a key aspect of the weekly activities calendar.

Our Residents from Derham House enjoyed a trip out to The Dementia and Music Social Club who organise a fantastic event for those living with Dementia. These lively sessions use familiar songs to spark memories and encourage participation, often leading to singing and dancing. Crucially, these clubs also provide a vital social outlet, connecting residents with each other and staff, which helps combat isolation and boosts their overall well-being.

Furry friends

Residents at Derham House love the animal therapy sessions that our dedicated Activities Team organise. As one of the foundations of our Life Enrichment program, we know that animal therapy can help reduce blood pressure and improve overall cardiovascular health.

The Residents enjoyed a visit from Larry the Lamb and most probably one of the biggest pat dogs we have ever had visit the Home. As you can see from the smiles our Residents enjoyed getting up close and cuddling their new furry friends.

Animal therapy is one of the cornerstones of our life enrichment program and features regularly on our resident-led weekly activity planner.

A right old Knees up

Our Residents enjoyed a proper Cockney Knee up when Cockney Knights came to visit. They enjoyed singing along, tapping the toes, and even "doing the Lambeth walk" with the team at Derham.

The methods and mediums may change but the heart of live music - the communal joy, the shared emotions, the collective energy - remains untouched.

Cubs join Gardening club

Taking part in intergenerational activities such as social engagements and interactions, bring together younger and older generations for a common purpose. These activities build on the strengths that different generations have to offer, as well as nurture understanding, respect, and challenge ageism.

Our Residents enjoyed a visit from the local Cubs who enjoyed tidy and planting in the home's gardens they brought smiles and laughter and truly brightened our day.

A Trip down memory Lane

Supporting residents to enjoy outings, shopping, meals out and other trips is a key aspect of the weekly activities calendar.

Our Residents enjoyed a trip to "Proper Vintage Tea Rooms" for a trip down memory lane. At the tea rooms there was even an entertainer singing some vintage tunes from the 40s and 50s. Not only did our Residents enjoy a sumptuous afternoon tea they also joined in the fun with a sing along.

At Derham House we support and encourage our residents to continue doing the things they love whilst also making new friends and exploring new adventures.

Easter Bunny Fun

National celebrations and family-friendly events are just some of the ways that we ensure the residents at Derham House remain connected with their loved ones and the wider community.

Our Residents enjoyed a visit from the Easter Bunny with gifts of chocolate eggs Eggs and brought big smiles to our Residents. She even visited Residents in their rooms to bring some Easter cheer.

At Derham House that's what we like to do - create memories, and ensure our residents are leading full enriched lives.

Poptastic

The methods and mediums may change but the heart of live music - the communal joy, the shared emotions, the collective energy - remains untouched.

Our Residents enjoyed a visit from Brandon Ambrose who got hands clapping, toes tapping and even Kay the Activities co-ordinator jiving.