Activities at Overslade House Care Home

Barchester’s Overslade House care home, in Rugby, Warwickshire, got in the Christmas spirit with various events for residents. Overslade House’s Christmas Festivities were in full swing when Residents enjoyed a wonderful visit from Brooke School in Rugby who gave us a Carol concert which was signed for them by their tutors. The students are vulnerable children and teenagers who gave us excellent renditions of Christmas songs, many residents had a lump in their throat and staff too. The students also backed wonderful gingerbread and shortbread biscuits. Thank you Brooke School. This was followed in the evening by a lovely service and music from Rugby Salvation Army everybody thoroughly enjoyed it.   Residents also enjoyed festive foods prepared by the home’s chef, Joanna Kolat-Furca.  Residents also enjoyed a Carol Service conducted by Rev Alan Hume and also Pam, Cecil and Angela from Gifts of Years. Residents were handed lovely knitted angels at the end of the service. This was followed by a local act The King and Rackham Duo on violin and piano who played some wonderful pieces including Andre Rieu and the Coventry Carol along with many classic Christmas songs.

Excitement levels were through the roof at Barchester’s Overslade House Care Home on Overslade Lane in Rugby, Warwickshire as staff and residents celebrated their 30th anniversary!  Parent company, Barchester Healthcare, who run Overslade House Care Home, started out in 1992 with just one care home, Moreton Hill, in Stonehouse, Gloucestershire. Fast forward 30 years and Barchester is now the second largest care home company in the UK with 250 care homes and private hospitals all over the country. 

To celebrate, Overslade House Care Home threw open its doors on 9th December from 11am for a fantastic musical event and everyone was invited!

Staff and residents at Barchester’s Overslade House Care in Rugby, Warwickshire, have been knitting, crocheting and creating, for a Cosy Christmas Tree situated in St. Andrew’s Church in Rugby, Warwickshire

Overslade house residents and staff have been crafting home-made decorations for the Christmas tree which they all helped to decorate.  The theme this year was Cosy Christmas in light of rising fuel costs to show ways to keep warm this Christmas.  The Festival of Trees opened at St Andrews Church at 6pm on 24th November 2022 and all money raised will go towards supporting families in need in Rugby.

Staff and residents across our services were treated to a virtual tour of The Donkey Sanctuary Manchester, hosted by Centre Manager, Melanie McComb.

Residents joined Melanie live from Manchester to get an inside look into the daily care for the herd of donkeys that live at the Sanctuary and meet some of the fantastic characters there; namely Henry and his friend Tiny Tim. They learned how the Donkey Sanctuary was first created by Dr Elisabeth Svendsen MBE back in 1969 and the first donkey that started off all of her important work and how her legacy continues today.

Melanie says: “It was wonderful to be able to show the Barchester residents around the Donkey Sanctuary here in Manchester and to share the work we do.  We were so happy to be able to show the residents our wonderful donkeys and talk about how we rescue and care for them.”

Staff and residents at Barchester’s Overslade House Care Home have been marking World Mental Health Day by taking part in a range of different activities to promote good mental health.  Martin, one of our Activities Coordinators, completed a 6K Memory Walk, Sunday 9th October 2022 in Coventry’s Memorial Park along with 700 other people across the country and raised £250 for Alzheimers UK along with Julie the Activities Lead who supported and marketed the event.

The staff and residents got into the spirit of the day by taking part in relaxation and pamper sessions in our new Namaste and Sensory room, taking the time to talk about their feelings and sharing their challenges.

General Manager, Violetta Baesu, said:  ”We are very proud of Martin and Julie for raising funds for Alzheimers Uk something very close to our hearts,  our residents have had a great day, it is so important to talk about our feelings and allow ourselves some time for self-care.  Everyone really enjoyed the relaxation session it was really interesting to learn some new techniques to help us switch off and recharge from time to time.”

Staff and residents at Barchester’s Overslade House Care Home in Rugby Warwickshire were having a whale of a time when they celebrated World Animal Day on October 4th.  World Animal Day is an annual global event to celebrate all animals across the world.  It aims to raise awareness of the importance of animal welfare and endeavours to raise standards for all animals around the globe.

Residents had a brilliant time with a visit from The Alpaca Pals.   The Alpaca Pals brought with them two young female Alpacas Caya & Gisila who went from room to room visiting all of our 85 residents.  They were impeccably behaved and brought so much joy.

General Manager, Violetta Baesu, said: “Our residents absolute favourite thing is animals, we often have visits from therapy pets because we know how much the residents love to interact with them.  I think the animals love it just as much, they get so much attention here – I don’t think they really want to leave!”

Tracey, a resident said: “I love all animals so it was such a treat to meet Caya & Gisila and have a cuddle, it actually made me cry I was so happy”