Activities at Harton Grange 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.
Marius Sidoriuc
Hi, my name is Marius, I am the activities coordinator here at Harton Grange. I joined Barchester's family in 2021, as I found their approach and standards on dementia very interesting. Since early 2022 I work for Barchester as both activities coordinator and care assistant. In 2018, I started my journey in health and social care as a care assistant and very soon after, I completed courses on dementia and activities (NAPA, level 2) and I worked as both activities coordinator and care assistant in Kent. I'm also an apprentice in health and social care. I've met some amazing people that have guided my understanding of dementia.
The most important thing for me is to see our residents achieving a meaningful raison d'etre, living as they like and to benefit from a range of activities starting from Namaste to reminiscing and spiritual needs (such as praying or listening to hymns), art and craft, armchair exercises, music therapy or finger nail pamper sessions.
I like to acknowledge that I am working as a part of a whole team, including the fantastic management, hospitality and maintenance departments, promoting a person centred approach for each resident and we are glad to know each persons preferences and abilities in order to plan how the day will look with them. One way we are able to do this is through our residents' and family' meetings where we try to let everyone have their say about the way they want to live and the activities they take part in.
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 Harton Grange Care Home
Local children meet our residents
We had very special visitors: a group of young mothers with their children. Their visit brought so much happiness to our residents, as they love so much to see children around. Our home was transformed for nearly two hours into the house of joy. The young mothers have been so friendly and kind with our residents and their children just been fantastic, sweet angels. Their visit was facilitated by Bright Future Charity and they had the pleasure to donate to everyone from our home a care bag. It was so beautiful the entire atmosphere they created here, in our home.
Thank you to Lindsey and Bridie from Bright Future Charity for leading the group and for their generous donations to our residents.
London 'Herstory'
Residents across our services had a fantastic time joining Mandy Morrow for a virtual walking tour to learn about the ‘Herstory’ of Mayfair. The Mayfair of Nightingales may be long gone but it still holds a 20th century charm. Birthplace to the late Queen Elizabeth II, home to one of WWII's most decorated female war heroes and a tale of a wealthy Aristocrat and one of France's favourite designers.
We were delighted to take a walk down memory lane and discover stories from one of London's most iconic areas. The experience was truly enjoyed by all.
Visiting the Amusements Arcade
We went to the Dunes Amusement in South Shields and tried our luck. Audrey remembered she used to come here years and years ago. Together with Dorothy, Marguerite and Dennis with less money we had a lot of fun. We played at 2 pence machines and won some sweets but the most important is that we had a great time as Dennis said.
We enjoyed a packed lunch and a stroll along the pleasure park.
On the way back, we took a long road along the coast, through Sunderland, just to admire the North Sea.
National Ice Cream Day
Residents across our homes had a fantastic time during a special live virtual event in celebration on National Ice Cream Day. Wall’s team took us on a great journey through history, sharing fascinating details about the brand since its launch in 1922. We learned about major innovations such as the introduction of Mr Whippy, Cornetto, Viennetta, Twister, and Carte d'Or.
Residents were treated to a singalong to Cornetto classic ads, an interactive quiz about fun Wall’s facts and best-of-all, an ice-cream tasting session. It was a delightful experience for everyone, especially our ice-cream lovers.
Dogs Trust
Residents across our homes had a fantastic time during a special live virtual event, led by Jennifer and Emily from Dogs Trust, the UK's largest dog welfare charity. Jennifer and Emily took us on a journey to discover the rich history of Dogs Trust and their facilities.
Using captivating video and photo footage, our residents were able to explore rehoming centres and learn more about the highest level of welfare offered there. It was a delightful experience for everyone, especially our dog lovers.
A visit from the Ice Cream Van
As somebody said, recently, "what's a portion of fish and chips without being followed by a very nice portion of ice cream? Not much, really." So, Judith did everything to have the ice cream van today, after we finished a very tasty pack of fish and chips. Joan, the ice cream lady, was happy to visit us again.
To be honest, I never saw so many happy white moustaches around... I think I had one too. When I went to take some pictures of our residents who preferred to remain in their rooms, they said: "Oh, too late, all gone, it was very tasty." And it was a matter of a very few minutes...
It was so great to see all the teams from our home (including the management one, our seniors in charge, and from the kitchen) helping to deliver the ice creams.
