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
Residents enjoy Harvest fun
Residents at Dovedale have been very busy creating their Harvest Festival basket filled with lots of fruit and veg, all made from salt dough and hand painted. The residents had lots of fun bringing their design to life over the last week and are really happy with the end result which has been submitted to Barchester’s Harvest competition.
Whilst thinking of their design, they reminisced about previous experiences of harvest festivals and what they remembered most and everyone shared ideas for their fruit and veg.
Making life smooth-ie
Smoothie making was enjoyed by everyone, residents had fun creating their own smoothies. We held a competition for the best flavour. Residents voted for their favourite blend of fruits and the winner was.......Raspberry, Mango and banana with a hint of mint and a splash of whole milk!
Throughout the week Residents enjoyed various activities including painting, smoothie making & tasting, baking flapjacks and chair based exercise with ball & parachute.
Baking club
Residents from Dovedale Court enjoyed an afternoon of baking, which took them back to their younger years. Baking sessions are a popular group activity for the home and the activity had taste buds tingling as the aroma of freshly baked jam and coconut buns wafted through the home.
The homes activities coordinator, said: “The residents enjoy spending time in the kitchen, as it not only brings back memories of their childhood, but also times when they’ve baked with their own children and grandchildren. Once all the bakes were made, we all enjoyed sitting down with a cup of tea and a home-made cake.”
Games afternoon
Residents didn’t let the bad weather ruin their plans for a games afternoon, as they simply moved indoors for a fun filled afternoon of target games.
Some of our residents had a friendly game competing, playing connect 4. They had fun and enjoyed the game, remembering playing it when they were younger.
Another friendly competition for our residents, practicing their aim and using hand/eye coordination to hit the bullseye. This game was great fun and we really lifted the mood on in the lounge
Residents show their creativity
September 15th is International Dot Day - a day when people of all ages are encouraged to engage in activities to harness their creativity.
Peter H. Reynolds’ storybook, “The Dot,” is the book that started it all. Check it out for “the story of a girl who begins a journey of self-discovery after a caring teacher challenges her to ‘make her mark.
On this day teachers encourage students to get busy with writing, drawing, painting, or other creative outlets and share this with the Dot Day website to inspire others. It’s not just for students though and anyone can get involved to show their talents.
Birthday celebrations
One of the residents at Dovedale care home, celebrated a very special birthday this month 82 years young and staff presented the birthday girl with cards and gifts before everyone joined together in singing the birthday girl a rousing rendition of happy birthday.
