Activities at Rivermead Care Home

Our residents absolutely love a little nail pamper session. It’s a wonderful way to spend some quality 1:1 time together, chatting, relaxing, and enjoying a bit of gentle self-care.

These moments are so much more than just painting nails. They’re about connection, building trust, and creating a calm, happy space where residents feel valued and cared for. There are always plenty of smiles, lovely conversations, and a real sense of wellbeing afterwards. Sometimes it’s the simplest activities that mean the most. 

Residents have lots of colours to choose from and some even just like to have a trim and a file, but it always means a lot to them.

Residents at Rivermead Care Home have gathered today for a well-needed Pamper Day. With our wonderful hairdresser and our activity team we have been treating our residents to hair dos, manicures and facials. Our residents enjoyed the social interaction and a little glass of something naughty but nice. Sharing stories and jokes, there has been lots of chatting and laughter. 

The gentlemen were also included in the pamper day, but they drew the line at having nail polish put on. A relaxing day all round.        

Recently, we were able to make the most of the beautiful weather and spend some quality time in our wonderful middle garden. We feel incredibly grateful to have such a peaceful outdoor space for everyone to enjoy.

The ladies had a truly lovely time sitting together in the sunshine, chatting, laughing, and sharing special memories from years gone by. It was heartwarming to see everyone so relaxed and engaged, enjoying each other’s company in such a calm and happy setting.

Moments like these remind us how important it is to spend time outdoors, especially as the days begin to brighten, and the weather becomes warmer. The sunshine really lifted everyone’s spirits and created such a positive atmosphere throughout the day.

We are so excited that the nicer weather is on its way and look forward to many more afternoons like this—filled with fresh air, friendship, and meaningful conversations.        

We are delighted to be celebrating one of our colleagues long service!  Pam Rex, now Senior Carer, started at Barchester in January 2006 and has worked with residents and their relatives to ensure that their needs have been met over the years.

Chloe Baron, Acting General Manager said: “We’re delighted to be celebrating Pam’s years of loyal service with Rivermead. She has demonstrated her dedication and loyalty to this home and its residents year after year. I speak for all of us here at Rivermead when I say that I’m looking forward to many more years of working with Pam!”

Fresh from the hairdressers with her lovely curls, Carole stepped straight into a very important role… Head Judge of Dominos, as she was glammed up for the role.

Keeping a close eye (and everyone in line), Carole made sure there was no cheating, all while casually sipping her sherry… which we’re pretty sure isn’t official judge protocol! 

The competition was on between Brian, a seasoned dominoes pro, and Jenny, our newest player, and it was game on! With Bernie cheering from the sidelines, the pressure was definitely on. Safe to say, things got competitive… but full of laughs from start to finish.

There’s been lots of fun this Easter at Rivermead, from an egg decorating competition to relaxing sessions colouring in Easter pictures. The residents and staff have enjoyed decorating eggs with paints, glitter and other decorative items. The Easter Egg competition was judged by our 2nd Chef and was won by one of our lovely ladies who was very happy to win the Cadburys Easter Egg. Her daughter who also took part was very proud of her mum. 

We’ve had company from visiting nursery children and our residents enjoyed supporting them to decorate eggs for a 2nd competition just for the children. Our manager judged the competition and presented the winner with a large bar of chocolate. 

We’ve also had a chocolate tasting weekend with a very large and varied selection of chocolate made available to residents, visitors and staff to enjoy. A chocolatey time has been had by all.           

Rivermead was filled with the sound of music and laughter as our residents let loose and had a fabulous time at our Balloon Party. With good music, some of our residents were either dancing in their chairs or dancing while others were playing balloon tennis. 

For those who were unable to attend, we took the balloons to them in their rooms, and they enjoyed one-by-one playing balloon tennis with members of staff. Whether the residents were at the party or in their rooms, they were engaging socially, chatting, building relationships with staff and each other and, without even realising it, they were also taking part in exercises. 

Taking place every Wednesday, our wonderful residents with the support of Sarah, a fantastic crafter from the community join together to create memories and items to enjoy. 

Sarah commented ‘It never ceases to amaze me the enjoyment knitting brings to the residents from the moment they pick up the needle to their end creation. Over the last 2 and a half years we have collectively made blankets, cushion covers, bags, Easter bunnies plus many more. I find the sessions so rewarding and look forward to catching up with the residents each week.’

We had a VERY unexpected visitor join us… Astrid the tarantula! 

At the special request of one of our residents, we welcomed this eight-legged guest, and wow, did she make an entrance! Let’s just say… it’s the quietest the staff have ever been (and that’s saying something!)

Some were fascinated, some were hiding, but everyone agreed… she was equal parts beautiful and TERRIFYING! We love making wishes come true here, even the ones that make us jump a little!    

It’s been a truly egg-stra special few days here at Rivermead, filled with smiles, laughter, and plenty of chocolatey surprises! 

Our very own Easter bunnies, the double trouble duo, Layla & Lola, have been hopping through the home, making sure no one was left out. With baskets full of goodies and big cheerful smiles, they hand-delivered Easter eggs to each one of our wonderful residents.

The joy on everyone’s faces said it all, from sweet treats to shared moments, it’s these little acts of kindness that make days like today so special. There’s been lots of laughter, a few cheeky bunny antics, and of course, plenty of chocolate enjoyed along the way!      

At Rivermead, we love creating moments that bring people together, and Easter has been the perfect opportunity to spread happiness, warmth, and a little seasonal magic throughout our home.

we were privileged to make our annual journey to the magnificent York Minster for the Christmas Carol Service. A tradition that means so much to us all. The beauty of the Minster, with its towering arches and peaceful glow, was breath-taking as always. As we walked through the charming streets of York, the Christmas lights shimmered brightly, reflecting off the rain-soaked cobblestones. Even though it was pouring with rain, nothing could dampen our spirits; in fact, the contrast between the wild weather outside and the warm welcome inside made the experience feel even more magical.

Together, we soaked up every moment: the stunning music, the outstanding choir, and the chance to join in with so many cherished carols. Hearing our residents’ voices blend with the choir and the congregation felt truly heartwarming.

For us, this isn’t just an outing, it’s a moment of connection, reflection, and festive joy. We are genuinely privileged to be able to share experiences like this, to witness the happiness on our residents’ faces, and to help them continue traditions that matter deeply.