Activities at Dovedale Court Care Home
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.
Brian Sandham
My name is Brian, I’m the activities coordinator down here at Dovedale. I’m new to the care sector, I’ve been a photographer and photography tutor since 2004 dealing with different ages groups and abilities. I’m looking forward to putting my people skills to good use down here at Dovedale.
I might be new to the care sector but I’m super looking forward to spreading a bit of extra sunshine and cheer around the home.
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 Dovedale Court Care Home
Supporting Spirtutal beliefs
Here at Dovedale we support our residents different spiritual beliefs, with one of our resident’s being a retired Baptist Minister who loves reading from The Bible. He has really enjoyed reading a verse from The Bible and also The Lords’ Prayer aloud for the residents recently who also enjoyed this short service. We shall be hosting these weekly each Sunday for all residents who wish to attend.
Residents bake cake for Easter competition
Residents have been busy making in our baking masterclass as we prepare our entry to Barchester’s annual Easter cake competition. Before getting underway with this task residents and staff came together to discuss what they would like to include, what flavours and colours they felt associated with Easter. We are very happy with the end result and it was an enjoyable afternoon for everyone as we shared memories of childhood Easter memories and all the varieties of chocolate and eggs now available!
International Women's Day
Dovedale residents celebrated ‘International Women’s Day’ by wearing purple with pride, sharing positive quotes, discussing why we celebrate the day and the trail-blazing women out there who have made history! The ladies also enjoyed a little pamper with hand massages and painting their nails, with most choosing different shades of purple varnish to match their outfits.
IWD takes place on March 8 every year to celebrate women’s rights and inspire people to fight for gender equality. A United Nations-sanctioned global holiday, IWD celebrates women’s contributions to society, raises awareness about the fight for gender parity and inspires support for organisations that support women globally.
Kneading for Bread Week
Staff and residents at Dovedale Court had a fantastic time celebrating Real Bread Week, surely one of the best weeks of the year!
Over the course of the week, staff and residents have kneaded, proven and baked a selection of different breads from granary loaves and floury batches, breadsticks and enjoyed the finished results with a hearty bowl of soup. It was a great source of fun and anticipation to see the outcome of their collective baking efforts.
General Manager, Rachael Watson said: “It wasn’t just the residents that were excited when we found out there was a Real Bread Week, the eyes of the staff lit up too! Who doesn’t love freshly baked bread? We have all had a great time trying out new recipes and adding different flavours and ingredients, we’ll be applying for Bake Off next!”
Residents enjoy sensory lounge
Residents enjoy doll therapy at Dovedale and have been spending some quality time with their therapy dolls who resemble newborn babies. The home have created a sensory lounge for residents to enjoy with the therapy dolls, rummage boxes and the homes Magic Table 360.
Rachael Watson, General Manager said: “The dolls are greatly loves by all of the residents and give a nice sense of belonging and peacefulness in the home and it is great so see our residents interacting with them”
Residents enjoy virtual concert
Residents put on their blue suede shoes to enjoy a virtual performance streamed by the King himself, Elvis. Residents enjoyed watching the concert which saw them toe-tapping along too and fondly shared memories of their favourite hits by this legendary artist, which films they enjoyed watching and are looking forward to their next virtually streamed musical event.
