Activities at Juniper House Care Home

We were very happy to enjoy our last visit this year with Rhythm time, with the young children and babies bringing lots of festive cheer and smiles. This visit was extra special as one little girl, Florence, had made a thoughtful gift for each resident; a small handmade star that could be hung on their door or placed on their Christmas tree.

Each star carried a heartfelt Christmas wish, and residents were truly touched by the kindness behind them. The simple but meaningful gesture brought so much happiness, with many residents smiling, laughing, and proudly holding their stars.  

Moments like these remind us how powerful small acts of kindness can be. The visit filled the home with warmth, joy, and Christmas spirit, creating beautiful connections across generations and leaving our residents feeling valued.

We were delighted to welcome a very special visitor to Juniper House this Christmas season. One of our resident’s daughters kindly came in with her choir to sing a selection of beautiful Christmas carols for everyone to enjoy. It was a truly magical afternoon that filled the home with festive cheer.

The proudest moment of all was seeing Hilary watching her daughter sing. Her face lit up with pride and joy as she listened, clearly moved by the moment. It was a touching reminder of the strong family bonds that mean so much, especially at this time of year.
Residents joined in by singing along to the well-known carols, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere throughout the room.

Smiles, gentle swaying, and quiet humming showed just how much everyone was enjoying being part of the experience.
 

This morning’s bingo session brought lots of fun, laughter, and friendly competition among the residents. Everyone was keen to join in, showing great enthusiasm as the numbers were called. 

The room was filled with excitement, chatter, and plenty of encouragement as residents supported one another throughout the game. Residents played three games of bingo and lots of winners along the way. There was a wonderful atmosphere, residents clapping and cheering whenever someone won. A family member who joined the session also took part and even won a line, which brought extra smiles and laughter from everyone.  

Residents were invited to share personal photographs from their past, which sparked meaningful conversations and warm reflections.

One photo at a time was passed around, pictures of loved ones, holidays, hobbies people used to do and pets. The room was filled with laughter, thoughtful silence, and the soft murmur of stories being told. For our residents, it was a beautiful opportunity to reconnect with their past and with one another.

Moments like these remind us how powerful simple things like a photograph can be, enriching lives. It was a truly touching day that left smiles on our faces and warmth in our hearts.   

We believe that meaningful moments often come from the simple pleasures in life — and that’s exactly what our residents enjoyed on a recent sunny afternoon with a cheerful visit to the local pub at the top of our road.

With the sun shining and spirits high, a small group of our residents set off for a relaxing outing on Friday afternoon to one of our local pubs just down the road, Chequered Flag. Once seated comfortably inside the pub, our residents wasted no time getting into the spirit of things. Everyone decided what they would all like for a drink. The conversations flowed freely with stories of youthful adventures, favourite pub memories, and even a bit of football banter.   

Juniper House was filled with Christmas cheer as we enjoyed a wonderful afternoon of live music entertainment from Champagne Enterprise. The festive songs brought so much joy, with residents singing along, dancing, clapping their hands, and tapping their feet to the music. It was lovely to see so many smiling faces and to feel the happy atmosphere throughout the room.

The music created a real sense of togetherness, and everyone truly enjoyed their afternoon. One family member and staff member gathered at the front with the entertainers, singing along to much-loved Christmas songs.

Moments like these remind us how powerful music can be, especially at Christmas. It brought laughter, connection, and plenty of festive spirit, making it a memorable and joyful afternoon for residents, families, and staff.

Residents enjoyed a fun-filled afternoon starting with a general knowledge quiz before settling down for our cheese and wine celebration for International Sherry Day! Everyone joined in with the quiz — testing their memory, sharing laughs, and cheering each other on. Afterwards, residents relaxed with a lovely spread of cheeses, crackers, grapes, and a choice of wines or a Sherry.  

To celebrate International Sherry Day, residents at Juniper House enjoyed a relaxing and sociable cheese and wine afternoon. The lounge was beautifully set up with a selection of cheeses, crackers, grapes, and a choice of sherries and wines for everyone to sample and enjoy. Gentle background music and a welcoming atmosphere for all to enjoy. The afternoon was filled with laughter, conversation, and smiles as residents compared flavours and reminisced about how some used to enjoy a sherry before bed. For those who preferred a non-alcoholic option, fruit juices and soft drinks were also available, so everyone could take part.

This month, residents at Juniper House enjoyed a lively session of the Men’s Social Club, a social activity designed to bring male residents together in a relaxed and friendly environment. Residents that joined enjoyed crisps, a cold beer, and classical music, with Frank Sinatra tunes setting a wonderful atmosphere. 

The session continued with games and conversation, encouraging participation, laughter, and companionship. Activities like this support social inclusion, emotional wellbeing, and community spirit within the home, creating a fun and engaging experience for everyone involved.   

Our recent live music entertainment with David Mcfegan brought pure joy and energy to the home! As the music filled the room, everyone was swept up in the moment, singing along to familiar songs, clapping hands, tapping feet, and moving to the songs, even from their chairs.

Smiles lit up the faces of our residents as the songs brought back fond memories and created new ones.

There’s something truly special about working with flowers — the colours, the textures, the fragrance. At our recent flower arranging session, residents tapped into their creativity and left with more than just a beautiful bouquet — they took  a moment of calm and joy. 

With petals on the table and smiles all around, it was a gentle reminder of the beauty in slowing down and connecting — both with nature and each other. This activity also took some residents down memory lane. 

As Christmas approaches, we take a moment to pause, reflect, and remember those who hold a special place in our hearts. This year, our Christmas tree became something deeply meaningful: a Memory Tree created to honour residents we have sadly lost throughout the year.

The tree was placed in the heart of the home, where residents, families, and staff could gather, which was the coffee shop. For every resident who passed away this year, a star was added to the branches, each one representing a life that shaped our community and left behind cherished memories. These stars shine as a gentle reminder that although they are no longer with us, they remain part of our home.
Residents were invited to take part in a creative and emotional activity by making their own baubles.

With glitter, ribbons, feathers and careful handwriting, names of loved ones were written and lovingly placed onto the decorations. Some residents shared stories as they worked, others sat quietly with their thoughts, but every bauble carried meaning, love, and remembrance. One by one, residents were encouraged to place their baubles on the tree. There were moments of laughter, tears, and silence, each equally powerful. It was a beautiful reminder of how strong our community is, especially during times of reflection and loss.

This year, we also placed a star at the very top of the tree for a colleague we lost. Sonya was not only a valued member of our team but a friend to residents and staff alike. Her kindness, dedication, and warmth will never be forgotten, and placing a star at the top for Sonya felt like a fitting tribute watching over the home she cared for so deeply.

As the lights were switched on, the Memory Tree came to life, glowing with names, stars, and shared memories. It stands as a symbol of love, remembrance, and togetherness this Christmas. While there is sadness, there is also comfort in knowing that every life is honoured, every memory is treasured, and no one is ever forgotten.

This afternoon our residents enjoyed a fantastic Halloween-themed live music session with entertainers dressed in Halloween outfits. The room was decorated for the occasion, and residents joined in the fun by wearing witches’ hats and devil horns. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, music, and plenty of singing and dancing.

Residents were fully engaged throughout the performance — clapping, tapping their feet, and singing along to a great mix of favourite songs. A real highlight came towards the end when Paul took the show to the front for the last two songs. He sang and danced along to Sweet Caroline, one of his favourite tunes, and Val, knowing how much he loved that song, sang it especially for him. It was a lovely, heart-warming moment that had everyone smiling.     

On Tuesday 28th October, our residents enjoyed a fantastic Halloween-themed show with live music from Champagne Enterprise! 

There were plenty of smiles, laughter, and even a few dance moves as everyone joined in with some great singalong classics. The atmosphere was full of fun, laughter, and Halloween spirit — with residents clapping, singing, and having a wonderful time together.       

Every first Thursday of the month at Juniper House, we enjoy a truly special "Move to Music" session with the wonderful Amanda, and it was nothing short of magical. Designed to be dementia-friendly, the session invites residents to join in a gentle, guided afternoon of movement and songs. With familiar songs playing and Amanda leading the way, these sessions are more than just fun, bringing measurable benefits to our residents. Social Connection: Singing together fosters community, boosts confidence, and strengthens bonds between residents and staff. 

Physical Engagement: Gentle movement improves circulation, coordination, and overall mobility in a safe, enjoyable way. Memory Stimulation: Familiar songs unlock long-term memories and support communication, especially for those living with dementia. Emotional Wellbeing: Music lifts spirits, reduces anxiety, and creates a strong sense of connection.

Residents were treated to an afternoon of a delightful selection of cheeses, crackers, and chilled wines and relaxed in the coffee shop. From creamy brie to sharp cheddar, there was something to suit every palate. 

This activity brought a social connection. These relaxed gatherings encourage conversation, laughter, and connection amongst residents and staff. It’s a chance to share stories, toast to memories, and enjoy companionship. 

This activity also brought Sensory Stimulation from the textures, flavours, aromas, and visual presentation of cheese and wine providing meaningful sensory experiences which are especially beneficial for individuals living with dementia or sensory impairments.