Activities at Rothsay Grange Care Home

Our residents recently enjoyed a delightful trip to Dobbies Garden Centre, where they spent the day exploring the wide variety of plants, flowers, and seasonal displays. The visit provided a wonderful opportunity to get out and about, enjoy a change of scenery, and spend quality time together in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

As they strolled around the garden centre, residents enjoyed browsing the colourful displays, sharing gardening tips and memories, and taking in the vibrant surroundings. The outing also included a visit to the café, where everyone enjoyed a delicious meal and plenty of conversation with friends.

Days out like these are much more than just an enjoyable activity. They play an important role in supporting residents' wellbeing by boosting mood, encouraging social interaction, and helping to maintain confidence and independence. Exploring the community in a safe and supported way allows residents to remain connected to the world around them while creating positive experiences and lasting memories
 

To mark Carers Week, our admin team took to the corridors with a trolley overflowing with pick-me-up treats. Each staff member chose a positive affirmation card, complete with a miniature animal to keep close by as a reminder of how amazing they are.

From sweet treats to coffees and refreshing drinks, the trolley made its way around the home, playing music, bringing smiles, surprises, and a well-deserved moment of appreciation to our hardworking team. It was a simple gesture, but one that carried a big message: our carers are valued, seen, and deeply appreciated.  

Their compassion and commitment shape the heart of our home, and celebrating them is always a highlight of our month.

This month we are shining the light on our wonderful yoga sessions, which are a regular fixture in our residents' activity schedule. 

Yoga offers older adults improved flexibility, strength, balance, mental clarity, and overall well-being, making it a safe and effective practice for healthy ageing. Well done to those who regularly take part and always have a smile on their faces and a big thank you, Cerys, for her wonderful sessions.   

Our men’s club enjoyed a fantastic outing this week as two good friends headed to a much-loved local pub. One resident was especially excited to return, having spent many years visiting this pub as his regular spot. The pair enjoyed a well-earned pint, plenty of conversation, and the chance to reconnect with a place full of memories.

Our activities team take great pride in supporting residents to revisit hobbies and experiences they’ve always loved. Being able to help them get out and enjoy meaningful moments together is something we value deeply.         

Residents had a great time celebrating Nutrition and Hydration Week (16th – 22nd March) with lots of yummy, wholesome food, thirst quenching beverages and some interesting activities along the way. Nutrition and Hydration Week aims to highlight, promote and celebrate improvements in the provision of nutrition and hydration locally, nationally and globally. 

Staff at Rothsay Grange organised for the residents to delve into a week of educational activities which empowered daily living skills and promoted healthy choices. Everything was on the menu from smoothie making and baking to fruit salad preparation, there was something to every taste.

There was plenty of laughter, smiles, and a little friendly competition as our residents, their families, and staff enjoyed an afternoon of garden lawn bowls in our courtyard. Everyone got involved, cheering each other on and showing off their bowling skills!

It’s wonderful to see everyone spending quality time together, making happy memories, and enjoying the beautiful weather. Well done to all of our fantastic players – we can’t wait for the next match! 

It was a joy and an honour for our home to celebrate Arp’s incredible 100th birthday, a milestone that brought together family, friends, and staff for a truly unforgettable afternoon.

Arp’s special day included a proud moment many only dream of — his official birthday card from the King — along with a beautifully decorated cake fit for the occasion. Surrounded by his wonderful family, Arp enjoyed heartfelt cards and gifts, a delicious buffet, a glass of fizz, and a guest singer who helped make the celebration feel even more magical.

We were grateful to play a part in creating such a meaningful memory for Arp and his loved ones. Reaching 100 is an extraordinary achievement, and we couldn’t be prouder to celebrate this moment with him.

Well done, Arp, on this tremendous milestone.     

In May we welcomed Karen, a Dementia Friends Champion, who presented everybody with an educational talk about Dementia.   

The attendees learnt the five key things everyone should know about dementia and how the condition affects a person’s brain and daily life. We hope that everybody who attended enjoyed the talk and has now got the tools to help make Andover a more dementia-friendly town.   

The team took the opportunity whilst the sun was shining in the gardens to hold a much-anticipated wine tasting afternoon. 

The residents enjoyed a selection of wine, soft drinks and cheese and biscuits, whilst getting the opportunity to socialise and soak up the rays. Food and drink has a way of connecting with people in such a lovely way, and this highlighted that.                

Residents took the opportunity to take a leisurely stroll through the gardens to spot the first signs of spring. There was an array of fresh life springing into action with daffodils popping up all around. 

With our new gardener busy in the grounds, we are very much looking forward to spotting all the new pretty flowers and greenery coming to life over the next few months. 

Community Enjoy Inspiring Style Evening

Local community residents recently enjoyed a vibrant and engaging evening when they attended a fascinating presentation at Rothsay Grange exploring the influence of colour, personality, and style by Kate Jones, House of Colour Style Consultant.

The event offered guests the opportunity to discover more about the colours that best suit them through a range of interactive activities, including personality and style quizzes and hands-on colour analysis using swatches. Kate guided attendees on a whistle-stop journey through the history of colour and fashion, explaining how colour has shaped trends throughout the decades and continues to influence confidence, self-expression, and everyday choices in modern life.

Throughout the evening, guests enthusiastically compared clothing shapes and colours, shared their own individual experiences around buying clothes, and learned more about complementing their individual features and personalities. The session sparked lively discussion and encouraged everyone to look at colour in a completely new way.

The atmosphere in the room was electric, with conversation, laughter, and plenty of memorable "aha!" moments as guests discovered unexpected insights about themselves. The presentation proved that colour is about much more than clothing choices, playing an important role in confidence, mood, and personal identity.
 

This month, our home opened its doors for a special Carers’ Wellbeing Afternoon, giving those who spend their days caring for loved ones the rare chance to pause, breathe, and enjoy some well-deserved time for themselves.

The afternoon began with a gentle yoga and breathing session designed to calm both body and mind. Afterwards, guests were treated to a beautifully prepared afternoon tea, followed by soothing neck and shoulder massages that left everyone feeling refreshed and cared for. One guest captured the feeling perfectly: “That was amazing, I feel really relaxed now.”

Before heading home, each carer received a wellbeing-themed goody bag — a small gesture to recognise the compassion, patience, and dedication they show every single day. Our hope is that this event reminded them just how valued they truly are.

Rothsay Grange celebrated VE Day in style with a vibrant musician and singer alongside a specially decorated cake by the team’s wonderful chef. 

Our residents enjoyed the celebrations with lots of family visitors even popping by too. It was so lovely to see our residents sharing in their love of music and singing as we paid tribute to and remember all of our heroes who served in the war.      

Rothsay Grange is delighted to share a heart-warming moment created by our activities team for one of our married couples who recently moved to us, Arthur and Maureen Lewis. During recent conversations, the team learnt that the couple had long hoped to visit the Army Flying Museum in Middle Wallop—a trip they believed might no longer be possible. With thoughtful planning and support, the team made that wish a reality.

Arthur, who proudly served in both the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force, was especially moved during the visit. While exploring the museum’s exhibits, he recognised a uniform in one of the photographs and shared stories about the belts worn and how they signified rank. The couple enjoyed a light lunch in the café before continuing to soak up everything the museum had to offer. After a full and meaningful day, Arthur and Maureen returned to Rothsay Grange for supper and a well-earned rest.

“We were so glad to help them make such lovely memories together,” said Leah from the activities team. “It was heart-warming to see our new residents enjoy an experience they thought they wouldn’t be able to do any more. With the right support, it’s absolutely possible to continue enjoying fun and fulfilling days out.” Rothsay Grange remains committed to creating opportunities that enrich the lives of our residents and help them continue doing what they love.          

Rothsay Grange invited the ‘Ladies Who Latte’ to come and celebrate International Women’s Day alongside their regular monthly meet-up. The speakers included a talk on personal safety and women's self-defence. 

The theme of this International Women’s Day was ‘Give to Gain’, which encourages a mindset of generosity and collaboration within the community. The ladies who attended enjoyed fresh bakes from our kitchen and a small token gift to resemble the theme this year.