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
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!
A thank you to the carers
Dovedale Court held a day of celebrations to thank care staff at the home, who make a real difference to the lives of those in their care. Staff were treated to personalised cards created by Residents in their arts and craft sessions.
Carers Week is an annual event to raise awareness of caring, highlighting the challenges carers face, and recognising the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK, which now, is more important than ever. Carers have a vital job in the care of residents throughout the home, and form very special bonds with the people they look after. They are the day-to-day face of our home, working directly with residents and families to ensure the very best quality care and support is given.
Home brews up a storm
Dovedale Court brewed up a storm for National Cream Tea day on the 26th June. Finally putting an end to the controversial debate of cream before jam for the Cornish tradition or jam before cream as part of the Devonshire tradition, residents enjoyed homemade scones both ways with a fes-tea-val of herbal and classic teas. Residents at the home enjoyed a selection of sweet and savoury treats including sandwiches, chef’s fabulous homemade scones and a choice of different teas.
Rachael Watston General Manager said: “Residents really enjoyed the sweets and savouries for National Cream Tea day, we even learnt the history of the British tradition and participated in a few traditions of our own. We are continually adapting, and finding new ways to make sure every effort is focused on creating an enjoyable environment for all of our residents, whilst adhering to social distancing advice. The cream tea has been superb and everyone has had a great day.”
Garden visit joy
For some residents at Dovedale Court care home in Preston, the long awaited reunion with family and friends became a reality recently, as garden visits have now been allowed to commence at the home. There has been much careful planning and preparation for this moment behind the scenes at Barchester Healthcare, who run Dovedale Court care home. Social distancing was still in place, and homes that are able to take part must have a large accessible garden.
Rachael Watson, General Manager at the home, said: “This has been a much welcomed development in what have been very strange times. The visits are safe and organised, and it was wonderful to see how happy it made the residents. We will of course endeavour to keep up the high standards of care, and continue with our ever evolving life enrichment programme, to keep residents engaged. But this was a lovely day.”
