Activities at Elm Bank 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.
Tina Prosho
Hello. I am Tina, I have been a team member at Elm Bank since 2023 and began my career as a Team Leader and was upskilled to Head of Care before moving my role to become Activities Coordinator.
I am passionate individual with vibrant character and my goal is all about life enriching activities that enhance the lives of our residents. I ensure that the entertainment is stimulating and is inclusive of all our residents no matter their challenges. It is important to me that our weekly calendar offers rich experiences with music from live entertainers, visits to various locations outside the home of interest, as well as arts and crafts tailored to individual abilities. We are a pet friendly home and fully support the benefits animal therapy can bring to the lives of our residents and welcome animals of all kinds to the home on a regular basis.
Getting to know our residents better is so important to me, and through regular family and friends’ meetings we can gain a greater understanding of their loved ones' interests and life prior to joining Elm Bank that will make for a richer activities program to be developed. I look forward to getting to know you, and your loved ones.
We are always open to new ideas. If you would like to get involved in any of our Life Enrichment activities or have a skill, or project you'd like to share with our residents, please click here to contact me direct. New entertainers and community links are always welcome.
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 Elm Bank Care Home
African Beats
Last week the residents enjoyed the wonderful sounds of the African Drums. Everyone learnt about the culture and traditions behind the instruments, even testing out their own musical talents. It was evident on all faces the joy this created for the afternoon.
Love is in the air for Valentine's Day
Elm Bank care home, was filled with love and friendship for St Valentine’s Day for special couple, Pam and Brian Bullous who celebrated their 65th Valentine’s Day together.
Brian and Pam first met at a dance in and Chesterfield and at the age of 22 years Pam married Brian on the 22nd of March 1958. Living in Sheffield for many years, they moved to Kettering to be closer to their daughter and are now both enjoying a new chapter in their lives, living together at Elm Bank. A romantic reception was held at the home for Pam and Brian as they dined privately, Chef Sophie delighted the couple by cooking up their favourite dishes.
Brian stated the secret to a long happy marriage for him was; "Luck" which put smiles on all our faces.
Pancake Day Fun for All!
Residents had a very busy day yesterday, marking Pancake Day with a pancake flipping afternoon of fun for both staff and residents and of course, lots of pancakes! Sharntelle, head chef at the home, flipped more than 100 pancakes, serving them up with sweet and savoury fillings for all the eager staff and residents to enjoy.
Sharntelle said: “My secret to the best pancakes is all in the whipping. Give it some elbow grease when mixing the batter and you’ll get perfect pancakes every time. I like experimenting with the fillings – the residents’ favourites are good old fashioned lemon and sugar!”
In the afternoon it was time to get decorating Valentines cupcakes, Marvellous the General Manager said "so much fun was had by all it was lovely to see all the smiles on everyone's faces , the pancakes tasted amazing and the cakes looked fabulous!"
Chinese New Year Celebrations
Staff and residents at Elm Bank welcomed in the Year of the Dragon which took place on February 10th in style, with a day of music and celebrations throughout the home.
Inspired by Chinese culture and traditions, staff exchanged their uniforms for brightly coloured red tops, symbolising luck joy and happiness. The home was adorned in Chinese decorations and crafted paper lanterns. Residents learnt all about the traditions and superstitions of the Chinese New Year, with a quiz that got all thinking.
Chefs Sophie and Jo cooked up an oriental feast for lunch that got some residents tasting Chinese food for the first time. The celebrations went on in to the night, ending with a superb violin concert performed by Jon Spinner that got feet tapping and voices singing.
Beryl a resident at Elm Bank said: “I love this, it is absolutely brilliant, I love all the songs, and I love the music, just beautiful”.
Employee of the Month - January 2024
Elm Bank care home residents and colleagues wish to congratulate our wonderful Head of Maintenance; Robert Elsey on receiving Employee of the Month for January. Robert was nominated for always having a smile on his face from the start of his shift to the end! No request is ever too much and he always does his very best to make everyone laugh.
Home administrator Anna had the pleasure of presenting Robert with his certificate and £25 gift voucher. Home Manager; Marvellous said, "Robert is such an asset to the Elm Bank team and has made a real difference since joining, we thank him for all he does and continues to do for the home and our residents."
Place Your Bets!
What a busy day our residents had yesterday with a fantastic Race Day. Drinks flowing, bets placed and the stakes high, it was all eyes to the big screen to see who would pass the finish line. 10 races completed and some lucky winners, much fun was had by all!
Mabel one of our residents said "it is nice to have a drink and relax, I just hope I win some races."
If you fancy joining our residents, did you know that we have regular events and entertainment happening at our home that are open to the community? To receive a copy of our events calendars please email Tina and the Activities team on ElmBank.Activities@barchester.com
Upcoming events
Christmas Tombola
We kindly ask for Tombola donations, these can be brought into the Care Home and left at reception or passed to any staff member.
Closing Date 9th December
Support Your Local Foodbank
Elm Bank continually strives to support the local community, we are collecting food donations for the local Food Bank. You can help by dropping of your donations at the Care Home.
Exercise Class every Fortnight
There are many health benefits to gentle exercising, strength, balance and energy. Why not come and try out at our free exercise class, every other Wednesday. All welcome.
Dementia Cafe at Elm Bank
The Dementia café is open to all, providing support, fun and friendship to those living with dementia and to their carers in a safe and relaxed entertaining environment.
