Activities at Fountains 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.
Louise Crooks
Hello I am Louise, my first role with Barchester was caring for our residents. Previously I worked in an early years environment for 17 years where I organised activities and events. I am thrilled to now be Activities Lead and being able to continue enriching the life’s of our lovely residents here at Fountains.
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 Fountains Care Home
Burns Night celebrations
Fountains residents had great fun celebrating Burns Night yesterday!
Burns Night is a Scottish celebration to honour the poet Robert Burns and is enjoyed by many, all over the world.
To begin the day our residents enjoyed an art class with our carers making colourful flags to be displayed around the home.
We then relaxed in the cinema room and listened to the Scottish Symphony Orchestra. Our residents loved singing and clapping along.
To end a wonderful day we shared a delicious Scottish spread of Haggis neeps and tatties, poached Scottish salmon, and a yummy dessert of Cranachan - a traditional pudding of raspberries, cream, toasted oats and whiskey. All prepared by our talented kitchen team
Our residents enjoyed sampling some wee drams of whiskey too.
It was a wonderful celebration for us all here at Fountains. We look forward to celebrating Burns Night again next year!
Jeanette Gill awards
We are launching three grants totalling £30,000 in the name of a former Barchester resident, Jeanette Gill, who generously donated part of her legacy to Barchester’s Charitable Foundation. The Foundation is calling for deserving local charities and community groups to apply for these special awards.
Named in her memory, the Jeanette Gill Special Awards are open to groups and individuals in need in our local community, and will be awarded to projects that enrich lives and encourage an active lifestyle through arts, music, sports and culture for older people or adults with a disability, or those that may have challenges with mental health.
There are three awards available:
• £15,000 GOLD AWARD (open to groups)
• £10,000 SILVER AWARD (open to groups)
• £5,000 BRONZE AWARD (open to individuals)
The Foundation is particularly interested in innovative initiatives that tackle isolation and loneliness, and which bring sustained outcomes and positive changes for the people benefitting.
To find out more about how to apply for a Jeanette Gill Award please visit www.bhcfoundation.org.uk. The closing date for applications for this round is 28 February 2022.
A fond farewell
This week we said goodbye to one of our residents Margaret, on her return home.
Margaret joined the Fountains family in September after a stay in hospital. Since living with us Margaret has enjoyed making friends, experiencing a wonderful dining experience with tasty and nutritious meals, receiving excellent care and taking part in a variety of fun activities.
After discussions with her family Margaret decided she was fit and ready to return to her home. A testament to the great care she has received at Fountains, supporting her back to full health so as she can return home to live independently.
Staff joined together to say a fond farewell. We presented Margaret with a beautiful Bonsai Tree which symbolises harmony, peace and balance- all of the things we wish for Margaret’s return home.
Margaret said she has had the most wonderful stay at Fountains and will miss “the friendships and the fun.”
We look forward to keeping in touch with Margaret and we hope to see her again for respite visits.
Oomph activity books
Activity books are a great way to keep our minds busy. With a variety of topics, word games, challenges and mindfulness colouring pages it’s the perfect way to relax.
Who doesn't love a great puzzle?!
Our residents had great fun socialising, enjoying a cup of tea and sharing in fun together.
Blue Monday
Today is known as ‘Blue Monday’. For some this can be a difficult day with feelings of loneliness or sadness.
Here at Fountains we ensure that we are always providing the most person centred activities for all of our residents through big activities or smaller ones.
And today we did just that… Margaret has always lived a very active lifestyle, from walking holidays with her sister to gardening and visiting local parks. Spending time in the fresh air is where Margaret is happiest.
So we relaxed in the glorious sunshine, felt the sun on our face, shared stories and enjoyed our time together.
Mindfulness Art Class
Fountains residents had a wonderfully relaxing morning taking part in a Mindfulness Art Class.
Our residents love any opportunity to be artistic so this was a perfect activity for them.
This weeks session was all about ‘The Seasons’. We began with a discussion of our favourite time of year and we started from there.
Whilst listening to some classical piano music our residents created their beautiful designs, I think you will all agree they are fantastic!
Upcoming events
Reminiscence Cafe
Please join us for our monthly Reminiscence Cafe where we will pick a topic and talk about our memories, whilst making new friends and enjoying some refreshments.
July
Hello July! - we have another month filled with activities for our Residents and community to enjoy. Please come along.
Don't Dine Alone
We know meal times can be a lonely time for some people, that's why we're inviting local older people to join us for lunch every Friday from 12.30pm.
Room for Hire
Looking for somewhere to hold your meeting or event? We have a meeting room that is available for free to members of the local community and professionals.
