Activities at Oak Grange Care Home
Our home is always full of life, and we can thank our wonderful Activities Coordinators for this. Dedication to creating a unique and interesting activities programme is what sets us apart from other homes. We always take into consideration that some people would prefer to pursue their own interests, which is why our team strive to incorporative activities that cater to a wide range of tastes and hobbies. Our trips out are always fun and exciting as well, and residents are guaranteed to return with stories to tell their loved ones!
Roni Paynter
Hi, My name is Roni and I am the Lead Activities coordinator here at Oak Grange, the wellbeing and happiness of each resident are at the forefront of everything we do, and I am committed to upholding these values as your activities coordinator.
Having worked in various care settings and possessing a passion for enhancing the lives of older adults. I bring a wealth of experience and creativity to the role. My primary objective is to create a vibrant and engaging activities programme that caters to the unique interests, abilities and preferences of each resident.
Together, we will embark on a journey of discovery, enjoyment and companionship. From engaging social events and group outings to stimulating cognitive exercises and creative pursuits, our goal is to ensure that there is always something for everyone to look forward to. Furthermore, I am here not only as an Activities coordinator but also as a friend and confidant, I encourage open communication, suggestions, and feedback from each resident and their families.
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 Oak Grange Care Home
Classical choir at Chester cathedral
Residents of Oak Grange enjoyed an afternoon performance at Chester cathedral recently. One of the largest choirs ever to perform at Chester cathedral conducted by the renowned opera singer Abigail Harris. Abigail who graduated with honours from the royal academy of music has performed in venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and Wigmore hall. Along with her 160 members of the choir they performed a nostalgic medley of classical songs in the heart of the cathedral. The experience was just breath-taking and residents thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon. The cathedral was full to the brim and our residents met with some old friends and made some new ones, meeting other local care homes to build our community liaisons. One of our residents said she had not heard anything so beautiful in a long time and it was so amazing to be in the cathedral to listen to the beautiful singing. We hope we are lucky enough to get to heat this wonderful choir again in the near future.
Nutrition and Hydration Week
Our residents and staff took part in this year’s Nutrition and Hydration Week.
Throughout the week, we focused on fun-filled educational activities on the value of food and drink in maintaining health and wellbeing, sensory and tasting sessions.
Members of our talented hospitality team prepared delicious mocktails and fresh nutritious dishes, containing super snacks, fruit salads and smoothies for all to enjoy.
A fabulous time was had by all. Staying hydrated is so important for our overall health and wellbeing and especially in our older generation, by encouraging a healthy diet and fluid routine can help in so many ways.
Happy International Women’s Day!
In recognition of the day, we commemorated the wonderful achievements of women around the world and celebrated with themed activities and colourful flowers.
Our residents took part in discussions about the role of many different women who have shaped history from Cleopatra and Boudicca to Florence Nightingale, Marie Curie and Queen Elizabeth II.
In the afternoon we were entertained by Sophie Murphy, one of our very talented women that comes to sing on a regular basis. She is a wonderful singer and all the residents love to hear her beautiful voice. Celebrating International women’s day was a wonderful way to celebrate all the wonderful women we know.
It’s British Pie Week
Throughout one of the most delicious weeks of the year, our residents got involved in fun-filled activities and pie tasting sessions.
Pies are considered as a British National dish and we spent some time learning about the history of pies and exploring different recipes.
After a quick vote we decided to make some cheese and onion pies, so we gathered our ingredients and started to bake. Residents really enjoyed this activity and especially enjoyed eating them afterwards, they were absolutely delicious. Ray said the onions made his eyes water but he didn’t mind as he loved baking, he used to do most of the cooking at home.
Celebrating Greek Independence
Residents at Oak Grange marked Greek Independence Day with a themed day. Independence Day is celebrated on the anniversary of the Greek War of Independence, also known as the Greek Revolution of 1821. The war led to the formation of modern Greece. Independence Day coincides with the Feast of the Annunciation and is celebrated by Greeks all over the world.
Residents travelled virtually to famous sites in Greece. Those residents who had visited Greece previously shared their experiences of their trips. Head chef Simon Burns put on a fabulous spread of delicious Greek dishes including red pepper and feta quiche, tzatziki and taramasalata, and some very tasty Baklava
Celebrating 15 Years Service
A huge CONGRATULATIONS goes to our wonderful Activities Co-ordinator, Heather Lowndes as she celebrates her 15 years service with Barchester Healthcare.
Heather started her journey with Barchester in 2008 as a Care Assistant at our Beeston View Care Home, near Tarporley where she undertook her Level 2 NVQ in Health and Social Care. When the opportunity arose to work in the activities team, Heather transferred to Oak Grange where she is today. Heather is NAPA Level 2 Qualified and brings creativity and enrichment to the lives of our Residents every day.
Heather tells us: 'I have met some amazing people along my journey with Barchester and find them a great company to work with'.
Heather, you are appreciated and we thank you for your dedication and hard work over the years, you really do make a difference and we are lucky to have you.
Upcoming events
Countdown to Christmas
Counting down the days to Christmas with a fun filled month ahead and we extend a warm invitation for you to join us as we get into the festive spirit. Merry Christmas!