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
Special Visitors
We had two special visitors today Mr. Maurice, a 16 year-old larger donkey and Mr. Teddy, a 6 year-old miniature Mediterranean donkey. We enjoyed their company as they are docile and were just inviting us to touch them. Marie from Blackberry donkeys therapy explained to us their habits, their communication, what's a healthy diet for them and how they live in a hierarchical group. Even Kitty and Edna enjoyed seeing them and Gladys, Joan, Hilda and Moira were over the moon to see and touch them. Noel was visited by Teddy and Maurice in the garden.
Releasing Butterflies
We had a wonderful time today with our friends from year 8 class from Park View School, who came to visit us at Harton Grange. They brought some beautiful butterflies that they had raised from caterpillars, and we helped them release them into our garden.
It was such a joy to see the colourful wings fluttering in the air, and to hear the children's laughter. Sarah and Abby, their teachers, were very kind and helpful. Joseph, one of the students, read a lovely poem about peace. We are so grateful for this opportunity to connect with the younger generation and share our stories and experiences. Thank you for brightening our day!
P.S. I spotted some Painted Lady Butterflies in our garden this morning... maybe they liked it here and decided to stay...
RAF Hendon
Across our services we had a lovely time joining Rhiannon Watkinson from the RAF Museum London for an interactive talk exploring the exciting and innovative aviation history of Hendon.
Our residents were able to learn about the first flights from the fields at Hendon, the creation of the London Aerodrome and Battle of Britain pilots who flew from RAF Hendon.
The talk also included photographic and film material from the Museum’s archive. Residents across our homes had a fantastic time and we truly enjoyed the virtual experience.
Pets at the Palaces
Residents across our services had a delightful time during a special virtual sensory storytelling event, led by Art Historian Jon Sleigh from the Historic Royal Palaces.
Jon took us on a journey to discover some of the more unusual and unexpected inhabitants of the palaces and the Tower of London, sharing fascinating stories about the pets at the palaces.
Whilst enjoying the virtual experience, our residents were treated to hot beverages, delicious biscuits, berries and cakes. It was a truly lovely time for all.
A trip to the National Glass Centre in Sunderland
We had a great time at the National Glass Centre in Sunderland! It was a perfect sunny day, with no clouds in sight. We felt like we were in summer, even though it was spring. We got to watch a glass making demonstration and learn about the history of glass making in Sunderland.
We were amazed by the Pyrex story and how it became a household name across the British Empire. We also saw some beautiful glass art being made by talented artists. It was mesmerizing to see how they shaped and colored the glass.
We ended our day with a picnic by the shore, enjoying the calm sea and the blue sky. It was a wonderful day out with friends!
Celebrating the Coronation with Elvis!
What a fantastic night it was! We had the privilege of watching Elvis perform live in a special tribute show to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Elvis was amazing, he sang all his classic hits and made us feel like we were back in the 50s and 60s. He even invited Anne to join him on stage and sing a duet with him. She was over the moon! Winifred couldn't stop dancing to his rock and roll tunes, and Irene got a special birthday surprise when Elvis gave her his scarf and sang Happy Birthday to her. We all got a kiss from the King of Rock and Roll and felt his charisma and charm. It was more than wonderful, it was unforgettable!
