Activities at Laurel Bank Care Home
Activities are a fundamental part of a rich and varied lifestyle here at Laurel Bank Care Home, which is why we organise both physically and mentally stimulating social events for those we support. The weekly itinerary is ever-changing, and regularly includes art lessons, chair-based exercise, trips and visits from a variety of different animals, as well as one-to-one time for residents who prefer the peace and quiet. Our team actively tries to incorporate the hobbies and interests that are meaningful to residents into the activities schedule as encouragement to continue with much-loved pastimes.
Jaimy Lee Almond
Hi, my name is Jaimy Lee, and I am the Activities Coordinator here at Laurel Bank.
I have worked in the care home industry for over nine years. I started working at Laurel Bank in 2018 as a carer, and then, I was promoted to senior carer which I thoroughly enjoyed.
I moved over to activities in 2020, as I was asked to help out and help encourage residents to join in. During this, I realised how much fun it could be and chose to stay on and got promoted to Activities Coordinator.
I love my role as every day is different and I try to make sure the residents are happy and engage in meaningful activities, this also helps support the transition for new residents.
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 Laurel Bank Care Home
Residents take trip to see the whales virtually
We took a wonderful virtual trip to Iceland and visited the SEA LIFE Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary to have an inside look into the daily care of their two resident beluga whales: Little White and Little Grey.
Our residents were introduced to the history of the Beluga Whale Sanctuary and learnt more about its mission to provide a more natural home for belugas in human care with a first-hand look at how the dedicated team are not only caring for the whales, but preparing for their future in the sea sanctuary!
It was an enjoyable event for everyone, learning more about the amazing beluga whales and how they are cared for at the sanctuary.
Residents take photography masterclass
To mark World Photography Day, staff and residents at Laurel Bank were treated to a live streaming photography masterclass courtesy of top professional photographer, Damian Bailey.
A professional photographer since 2003, Damian has won Wedding Photographer of the Year and is listed as one of London’s top wedding photographers, having photographed over 700 weddings. Damian travels all over the country shooting weddings, events and families and loves to help people create memories by capturing wonderful images that will be passed on from generation to generation.
English National Ballet dance workshop
taff and residents at Barchester’s Laurel Bank were treated to a unique performance from English National Ballet to celebrate International Youth Day on August 12.
Prior to the day itself, members of English National Ballet’s youth dance company, ENBYouthCo, and their Creative Director, Richard Bermange, asked residents to submit their memories of going to see films over the years. The cast then used these evocative descriptions, along with Arielle Smith’s digital production of Jolly Folly, as inspiration for their performance.
On the day, residents were able to watch a performance of A Comedy in Long-shot, a dance film performed by ENBYouthCo, participate in a chair-based, creative dance workshop along with the cast and observe an open rehearsal where Richard and the young dancers created a performance inspired by the residents’ childhood memories
Bronze, Silver and Pure Gold
Staff and residents have been absolutely hooked on the Tokyo 2020 #Olympics and we're all so proud of #TeamGB for their incredible achievements
We've have created a stunning display at Laurel Bank to honor Team GB noting the impressive number of medals Team GB has won this year. The piece of art also has a roll call naming each medal winner for Team GB. Congratulations to Team GB
National Allotment Day
Residents have planted basil, salad cress, chillies and pansies giving a nod to National Allotment Day 2021. Everyone is looking forward to some tasty suppers using the ingredients from the homegrown crop once the herbs and chillies are ready for harvesting!
V&A Dundee - Club culture exhibition
We had a lovely time joining V&A Dundee curator, Kirsty Hassard, as she introduced us virtually to the history and design of night clubs and the club culture from the 1960s to present day.
We explored the evolution and development of night clubs around the world, from Italy to America, and closer to home, looked at their importance as cultural venues and designed spaces.
This current exhibition celebrates night clubs at a very important moment, as we all look to a brighter future where everyone can come back together, to dance and to enjoy nights out once again.
Upcoming events
November
What's going on in November? We'll be honouring Remembrance Day, celebrating our gents on International Men's Day, and hosting our firework display on Bonfire Night.
Christmas Fayre
We'd love everyone to join us for our Christmas Fayre. There's something for everyone including festive stalls, a Gospel Choir performance and even Santa's Grotto!
Coffee Mornings - Every Tuesday
Every Tuesday from 10.30am, you're invited to come along and meet new people while enjoying a chat over a hot drink. We’ll also have a variety of great activities to take part in!
