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
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.
Virtual dog show
Residents of Dovedale Court recently hosted a virtual dog competition and invited relatives, staff and members of the community to send in pictures of their four-legged friends into the various categories for the Residents to judge the winners.
They were delighted with the response but after much deliberations the winners were announced and will be receiving their certificates and lovely dog treats shortly. The Residents loved seeing all the pictures of the pooches large and small.
Residents enjoy pet therapy with robotic cat
Staff and residents at Barchester’s Dovedale Court enjoy their purr-fect new friend thanks to Lancashire County Council who kindly donated the robotic cat earlier this year.
Robotic cats and dogs are the latest advancement in pet therapy and have been proven to combat loneliness and relieve stress and tension. They work particularly well with elderly people who can no longer keep real animals because robotic animals don’t need feeding or cleaning up after!
Activity Coordinator, Katie Kearsley said: “Our residents absolutely love their pet who has a very calming effect, and is great for those who don’t like to get involved in our activities as much because she is always there. Her purr is particularly soothing!”
Getting crafty!
Residents of Dovedale Court enjoyed a fun filled morning getting crafty as they showed their creative sides with an arts & crafts session. Residents made leaving cards for one of the homes colleagues who is venturing to Germany to pursue her nursing career. Everyone enjoyed making the cards and put a lot of effort into them. They are very sad to be losing team member Monica as part of the team at Dovedale and all the residents are very fond of her so what better way to wish her well than homemade cards. Good luck Monica!
