Activities at Plas-Y-Dderwen Care Home

Residents at Plas Y Dderwen Care Home recently enjoyed a wonderful afternoon at Llansteffan Beach, making the most of the beautiful summer sunshine.

Sitting back with stunning views across the sea, residents enjoyed a traditional ice cream while relaxing in the fresh coastal air. The trip provided the perfect opportunity to unwind, chat, reminisce, and spend quality time together in a peaceful setting.

Outings like these are a valuable part of life at Plas Y Dderwen, supporting wellbeing, encouraging social connection, and creating meaningful experiences. It was a simple afternoon, but one filled with smiles, laughter, and special memories that everyone will cherish.

When the temperatures rise, there's no better way to cool down than with a visit from an ice cream van!

Residents, staff, and visitors at Plas Y Dderwen Care Home were delighted when our friend, Sheena Heels, paid us a special visit with her ice cream van. Everyone enjoyed a traditional whippy ice cream, bringing plenty of smiles and helping us all stay cool during the heatwave.

The visit was a wonderful opportunity for everyone across our communities to come together, enjoy a refreshing treat, and make the most of the sunny weather. It was lovely to see so many happy faces as everyone tucked into their ice creams and shared the afternoon together.

A huge thank you to Sheena for taking the time to visit us and making our day that little bit sweeter. We hope to see you again soon!

Recently, we were honoured to accept a lovely invitation from June's family to join them for lunch at the Three Rivers Hotel in Ferryside.

June, who sadly passed away earlier this year at the incredible age of 103, was a much-loved resident and friend to so many at Plas Y Dderwen. We were privileged to support residents to attend her funeral, and it meant so much to be able to come together once again to share memories of such a wonderful lady.

We hopped on our minibus, enjoyed the beautiful countryside views, and were treated to a delicious lunch of soup, sandwiches and a very special trifle, which didn't last long! Most importantly, the afternoon gave us the chance to reminisce, laugh, and remember June. Her kindness, warmth and friendship touched many lives, and she remains very much a part of our Plas Y Dderwen family.

A huge thank you to June's family for their kindness and generosity, and for allowing us to spend such a special afternoon remembering our dear friend.      

For Geraint, farming was never simply an occupation – it was his life. Having spent over 60 years working on the land, he proudly tells us that in all that time he only ever took one week off. His dedication, commitment, and love for farming shaped the person he is today.

With this in mind, we were delighted to support Geraint on a very special visit back to Carmarthen Livestock Market, a place that held great significance for him and one he had not visited for more than ten years.     

As soon as he arrived, it was clear just how much the experience meant. Surrounded by the sights, sounds and atmosphere that had been such a big part of his life, Geraint began sharing stories from his years in farming. He enjoyed watching the livestock being traded, reconnecting with familiar faces and reminiscing about the farming community that had been at the heart of his world for so many decades.

The visit was far more than a day out. It was an opportunity for Geraint to reconnect with his identity, relive treasured memories and return to a place where he felt truly at home. Seeing the pride, joy and sense of belonging the experience brought him was a powerful reminder of the importance of person-centred care and supporting residents to continue doing the things that matter most to them.

For Geraint, this wasn't just a visit to a market — it was a journey back to his roots.   

We made the most of the beautiful weather this month with a wonderful impromptu afternoon out for some of our residents on Memory Lane. With the sun shining, it felt like the perfect opportunity to get outside and enjoy some fresh air together.

We took a trip to Abergwili Museum, where we spent time sitting in the gardens and enjoying ice creams in the sunshine. It was a relaxed and cheerful afternoon, with plenty of smiles along the way.

It was also lovely to see members of the Carmarthen Ukuleles and meet some new faces, adding to the sense of community. During our walk, we even made a couple of furry friends, Mac and Jack, who were a big hit with everyone.

We are very grateful to everyone who stopped to chat and helped make the afternoon so special. To finish, we were treated to a small, private performance from the ukulele group, which was a perfect end to a truly enjoyable day.    

At Plas Y Dderwen Care Home, we're passionate about making meaningful moments happen for our residents. Recently, we were delighted to make one resident's birthday wish come true with a special steak supper at The Caraway in Carmarthen.

A group of residents enjoyed an evening out together, sharing a delicious meal, plenty of laughter, and reminiscing over great conversation. It quickly became a "lads' night out," making the celebration even more memorable.

The evening was a wonderful reminder that it's often the simple, personal wishes that create the most meaningful memories. Seeing our resident enjoy his birthday celebration was a privilege, and we're so pleased we could help make his special wish a reality.

Residents, relatives, friends and staff at Plas Y Dderwen came together to celebrate Pride with a fun-filled afternoon of karaoke, tea and cake.

The afternoon was filled with music, laughter and plenty of singing, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for everyone to enjoy. It was wonderful to see people coming together, sharing special moments and celebrating the values of inclusion, friendship and community.

Events like these provide opportunities for residents to socialise, make meaningful connections and enjoy time with their loved ones. It was a memorable afternoon that was enjoyed by all, and we would like to thank everyone who joined us to make the celebration so special.

Residents at Plas y Dderwen enjoyed a wonderful weekend of Eurovision-themed celebrations, filled with music, laughter, and plenty of opportunities to reminisce. The festivities began on our Memory Lane community with a special Eurovision afternoon tea inspired by countries from across Europe. Residents enjoyed a delicious selection of treats, including German ham, Dutch cheese, French croissants, and traditional British favourites such as jam and cream scones. The staff team helped create a fantastic atmosphere as everyone came together to celebrate.  

Throughout the afternoon, residents sang and swayed along to Eurovision classics from artists including ABBA, Bucks Fizz, Sandie Shaw, and Cliff Richard, sharing memories and enjoying the music together. The celebrations continued the following day with a lively performance from our wonderful friend Robbie Lee. Bringing energy, entertainment, and plenty of sparkle, Robbie had residents, families, and team members singing and dancing along to a collection of much-loved Eurovision favourites.

It was wonderful to see so many people joining in throughout the weekend, creating special memories and enjoying the sense of togetherness that music brings. A fantastic time was had by all.  

We enjoyed a fantastic morning out at Xcel Bowl, where residents and staff came together for a fun and active outing in the community.

There was a great sense of excitement as the games got underway, with a little friendly competition between staff and residents adding to the enjoyment. Everyone took part in good spirits, sharing plenty of laughter and encouraging one another throughout.

After a couple of lively games, we sat down together to enjoy lunch, giving everyone time to relax, chat, and reflect in the morning. It was lovely to hear how much the residents appreciated the opportunity to get out, try something different, and enjoy a change of scenery.

Overall, it was a brilliant day filled with fun, connection, and positive memories for everyone involved.

This month, we enjoyed a lovely Mother’s Day celebration at the home, bringing together mothers and daughters for a special afternoon of tea and scones.

It was a wonderful day filled with smiles, laughter, and meaningful moments shared between loved ones. Everyone enjoyed spending time together, reminiscing, chatting, and making new memories.

Events like these are a great reminder of how important it is to celebrate the special relationships in our lives and to create opportunities for connection and joy.     

Residents at Plas Y Dderwen Care Home enjoyed a lovely day out to Abergwili Museum, making the most of the beautiful sunshine.

The museum's collections sparked plenty of conversation and fond memories, with many exhibits reminding residents of the area's rich local history. After exploring the museum, everyone enjoyed a delicious picnic prepared by the home's chef in the beautiful gardens, where they spent time relaxing, chatting, and enjoying each other's company.

The outing was a wonderful opportunity to reminisce, socialise, and enjoy the fresh air, creating special memories together.

Residents at Plas Y Dderwen Care Home enjoyed a lovely day out to Abergwili Museum, making the most of the beautiful sunshine.

The museum's collections sparked plenty of conversation and fond memories, with many exhibits reminding residents of the area's rich local history. After exploring the museum, everyone enjoyed a delicious picnic prepared by the home's chef in the beautiful gardens, where they spent time relaxing, chatting, and enjoying each other's company.

The outing was a wonderful opportunity to reminisce, socialise, and enjoy the fresh air, creating special memories together.

Residents and staff on our Memory Lane community recently came together to celebrate the 81st anniversary of VE Day in true British style.     

The afternoon was filled with music, memories, and a wonderful sense of togetherness as everyone proudly waved their flags and enjoyed fantastic entertainment from Kelly Sings. Residents fully embraced the occasion, joining in with the singing, dancing, and celebrations while sharing memories and reflecting on this important moment in history.

There was a real atmosphere of joy and community throughout the event, with smiles, laughter, and plenty of patriotic spirit on display. It was a memorable afternoon that brought people together, created meaningful moments, and highlighted the importance of celebrating special occasions with those around us.

A wonderful time was had by all, and we are proud to continue creating experiences that promote connection, reminiscence, and wellbeing for our residents.

Another sunny day gave us the perfect excuse for a little adventure, this time with a trip to Llansteffan Beach. With the sun shining and the sea stretching out before us, it was an ideal setting for a relaxing afternoon together.

We enjoyed a classic treat of chips by the sea, which everyone thoroughly appreciated as we took in the beautiful coastal views. The fresh air and sound of the waves created a calm and uplifting atmosphere for all.

There was plenty of chatter and laughter throughout the afternoon, with residents sharing stories, enjoying each other’s company, and making the most of the outing. It was wonderful to see so many smiles and such a strong sense of togetherness.

Days like these are truly special, giving everyone the chance to get out, enjoy new surroundings, and create meaningful memories that will be cherished long after the day is over.      

This month, the Barchester community came together to create something truly magical. Plas Y Dderwen was proud to host a live virtual event from our home, streaming to 149 other Barchester Healthcare homes across the country. What started as a special performance in one home quickly grew into a shared celebration, uniting residents and teams in a collective afternoon of music, connection and joy.

Behind the scenes, Brendan and Laura from our Life Enrichment Team worked tirelessly to ensure everything ran seamlessly. Thanks to their dedication, homes across the country were able to join us in real time, sharing in every note and every smile.

The highlight of the afternoon was the wonderfully talented Marion O’Toole, whose harp performance captivated everyone watching. Residents sang along to beloved classics including Sweet Caroline, Calon Lân and You Are My Sunshine, and delighted in a lively Beatles medley that proved just how uplifting and contemporary harp music can be. Voices rose in unison across homes, creating a soundtrack of togetherness that could be felt far beyond the screen.

We were also delighted to welcome residents and teams from Hafan Y Coed Care Home – Barchester Healthcare, who joined us for lunch and brought warmth and laughter to the day, as well as Llys Y Tywysog Care Home – Barchester Healthcare, whose residents filled the room with energy, dancing, clapping and radiant smiles.

There was a genuine sense of love in the air as we shared not only music, but meaningful connection. It was a powerful reminder of how live performance can spark memories, lift spirits and strengthen the bonds within our Barchester family.

It was, in every sense, a magical afternoon — one created together and treasured by all who took part.