Activities at Spen Court Care Home

We held our own version of Grand National here at Spen Court, we set up separate race courses for residents, gave them a straw and a ping pong ball, which they decorates so they knew it was theirs.

Jean was the victorious winner, coming in first place and receiving a trophy, runners up did receive a medal.

All good fun.

Both the residents and children love a visit.

Our friends from the Co-op nursery in Dewsbury visit the home on a monthly basis.

They spread so much joy, they play games in the lounge they also visit residents in rooms, we have a sing-a-long.

No two visits are ever the same. It’s a wonderful feeling to know that they feel comfortable being here.

Here at Spen Court our varied life enrichment programme includes group activities and residents recently enjoyed a seated exercise session - the benefits of regular exercise include muscle strength, improved balance, mental wellbeing, the feeling of being independent and social and its fun. It’s a great way to relax. Residents really enjoy joining in!

Residents across our homes and hospitals had a fantastic time with vocal coach Dan Cooper from Biiah as he led an amazing sing-a-long session for residents to enjoy.

Residents who joined the event were able to learn different techniques as they sang the famous ‘I Can See Clearly Now’ by Jimmy Cliff and ‘Here Comes the Sun’ by The Beatles.

Across our homes there were smiles and laugher all around. The session was such a success and was great for the mind, body and soul.

Residents and staff dressed to impress, donned their best hats and outfits, studied the form and had their bets at the ready for the 2024 Grand National, which ran on Saturday April 13.

Residents and staff got together to watch the races, and celebrated in style by having their own race and bets with the winners and runners up being presented with a prize. 

Paula General Manager at the home, said: “We’ve had a fantastic time celebrating The Grand National, it is such a great event to watch and we all had fun cheering on the horses and jockeys.  We all had a little flutter between ourselves even though none of us has much of a clue about odds or form!”

To celebrate Easter, staff and residents at Barchester’s Spen Court were treated to a mouth-watering virtual talk and tour of their wonderful chocolate café and factory from Hadyn and Trinity from Harrogate Skills 4 Living, a charity that provides care, support, accommodation and employment for people with learning disabilities and autism. 

Trinity and Hadyn took residents on a fantastic journey through the history of Harrogate Skills 4 Living and how the Harrogate Chocolate Factory and Café social enterprises came about.  They talked residents through the seven stages of the bean to bar chocolate making process and talked about how Harrogate itself and its iconic buildings helped to shape the brand and the packaging of the products.