Activities at St Thomas Care Home

At St. Thomas’s Care Home, we’re always looking for ways to promote well-being and create moments of relaxation and joy for our residents. Today, we hosted a calming and rejuvenating armchair yoga session that was the perfect way to stay active, improve flexibility, and, of course, share some smiles.

The room was filled with tranquillity as our residents settled into their chairs, ready to begin the session. Everyone took part in a series of gentle stretches, focusing on slow and steady movements that could be done from the comfort of their armchairs. Whether it was a deep breath to centre the mind or a simple stretch to release tension, every participant was able to go at their own pace, feeling empowered and supported throughout.

One of the highlights of the session was the emphasis on deep breathing techniques—taking slow, deep breaths not only helped relax the body, but also gave everyone a moment to reconnect with the present and let go of any stress. The smiles, shared laughter, and the soothing atmosphere filled the room with a sense of calm and positivity.

Armchair yoga is not just about physical movement—it’s about nurturing the mind, body, and spirit in a way that’s accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Today’s session was a wonderful reminder of how important it is to stay active, even in small, mindful ways, and how much fun it can be when we do it together as a community.

A heartfelt thank you to our residents for their enthusiasm and the entire team for creating an environment of support and care. We look forward to more armchair yoga sessions and other activities that help keep our residents feeling relaxed, refreshed, and ready to take on the world.

At St. Thomas’s, every day is an opportunity to nurture our bodies and minds in new ways.

At St. Thomas’s Care Home, we love embracing the seasons and celebrating every opportunity to create joyful moments. This afternoon, we got into the Halloween spirit with a fun-filled pumpkin carving event that brought out the artist in all of us!

Our residents eagerly gathered in the dining room, each with a pumpkin in front of them, ready to transform their blank canvases into spooky masterpieces. The atmosphere was full of excitement and laughter as the creative juices flowed. Some chose to carve classic jack-o’-lantern faces with mischievous grins and glowing eyes, while others let their imaginations run wild with intricate designs—ghosts, bats, witches, and even cats made appearances in pumpkin form.

It was more than just carving; it was about coming together as a community to share a creative experience and celebrate the festive season. Staff members and residents worked side by side, offering tips, sharing stories of past Halloweens, and most importantly, enjoying each other’s company.

As the pumpkins took shape, the room filled with smiles, pride, and plenty of playful banter. The final results were a delightful display of spooky, whimsical, and creative designs that brightened up the room and added to the festive atmosphere.

We can’t wait to see these pumpkins glowing on Halloween night, adding a little extra magic to the season. A huge thank you to all our residents for their creativity and enthusiasm, and to our wonderful staff for making the day even more special.

At St. Thomas’s Care Home, we believe in making the most of every season, and today was a perfect example of how celebrating together can bring so much joy. Here’s to more fun, more creativity, and more reasons to smile this Halloween!

At St. Thomas's Care Home, we believe in creating moments of joy, excitement, and learning for our residents, and last week, we had the perfect opportunity to do just that. Our care home was buzzing with anticipation as we welcomed the incredible team from Zoolab for a truly special visit.

The day was filled with excitement and wonder as our residents were introduced to a range of fascinating exotic creatures. From the moment the doors opened, everyone’s eyes lit up as they encountered these incredible animals up close. A gentle African land snail, with its slow and deliberate movements, captured hearts with its surprisingly delicate presence. Residents marvelled at its size and unique texture, learning all about its habitat and habits.

Then came the mesmerizing corn snake, its beautiful patterns and calm demeanour sparking curiosity in everyone. Many residents had the chance to hold the snake, feeling the smooth scales as they listened to Zoolab’s experts explain the fascinating world of reptiles. The room was filled with awe as they learned about the corn snake’s diet, behaviour, and role in the ecosystem.

Next up was the giant millipede, a creature so large that its many legs seemed to move in perfect harmony as it scurried across the hands of our residents. Its fascinating appearance and the way it moved in fluid motion left everyone in awe. Zoolab’s team made sure each resident had the opportunity to touch, learn, and ask questions about these fascinating creatures, and the smiles and laughter were contagious.

It was a day filled with not only new discoveries but also plenty of shared moments of joy. Our residents, staff, and even family members who joined in the fun, enjoyed the experience of learning together and connecting with these extraordinary animals. The event not only brought us closer to nature but also brought our community closer together, as we shared in the magic of the animal kingdom.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Zoolab team for their wonderful visit. Their expertise, enthusiasm, and care brought a spark of excitement to our home, and we can’t wait to welcome them back for more adventures like this one.

At St. Thomas's, every day is an opportunity for something new—and with Zoolab’s visit, we were reminded of just how much joy and learning can come from simply opening our hearts to the world around us.

Recently, our residents had the pleasure of visiting Conkers Garden Centre, and what a wonderful day it turned out to be! As we arrived, the lush greenery and vibrant flowers welcomed us, setting the stage for a delightful adventure filled with nature’s beauty.

As we strolled through the garden displays, the air was fragrant with the scents of blooming flowers and fresh foliage. Our residents wandered from one display to the next, marvelling at the stunning array of plants in every colour imaginable. It was heart-warming to see their faces light up as they reminisced about their own gardens and shared tips about their favourite blooms.

After our explorations, we treated ourselves to a cosy afternoon tea at the café. The delicious aroma of freshly baked cakes and pastries filled the air as we settled in for a well-deserved break. Sipping our tea and indulging in delightful treats, the joy of the day lingered in our conversations. Each bite was a reminder of the simple pleasures that make life sweet.

As we wrapped up our visit, the warmth of the day and the beauty of our surroundings left us feeling rejuvenated and connected.

We had a magical morning at our care home, as we welcomed the talented performers from Tickled Pink Productions for a morning filled with music and joy. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as residents gathered, ready to experience the enchanting world of The Jersey Pack.

As the curtains rose, the vibrant energy in the room was palpable. The performers captivated us with their dazzling costumes and infectious enthusiasm, instantly transporting us to a time when music filled the air with joy and nostalgia. Our residents couldn’t help but smile as the first notes echoed through the hall, their faces lighting up with recognition.

The performance was a delightful mix of timeless tunes, each one sparking memories and inviting everyone to sing along. Laughter rang out as the performers engaged with the audience, encouraging us to join in and dance. It was heart-warming to see residents tapping their feet, swaying in their seats, and even rising to dance—reminders of the joy that music can bring, no matter the age.

A huge thank you to Tickled Pink Productions for their incredible performance and the joy they brought into our lives today. It was a celebration of not just music, but of community and the cherished memories that will continue to resonate in our hearts long after the curtain has fallen.

Here’s to more magical mornings filled with laughter, song, and the joy of togetherness!

Last week at St. Thomas Care Home was filled with joy and excitement as we took our residents on a series of delightful outings. The adventure began with a visit to Basingstoke town centre, where our residents enjoyed a day of leisurely shopping and exploring the vibrant streets. The charming shops and bustling atmosphere provided the perfect setting for picking up a few treats and indulging in a bit of retail therapy.

We then made a visit to Conkers Garden Centre, where we transitioned from the hustle and bustle of the town centre to a more serene and relaxing environment. The garden centre, with its lush greenery and inviting ambiance, offered a perfect spot for a coffee break. As we sipped our drinks and enjoyed the peaceful surroundings, it was clear that the trip had been a refreshing and pleasant experience for everyone.

These outings were not just about visiting new places; they were about creating memorable moments and enjoying each other’s company. The days were filled with laughter, good conversation, and the simple pleasure of being out and about. It was heart-warming to see our residents' faces light up with smiles and their spirits lifted by the change of scenery.

From browsing shops to relaxing in the garden centre, these outings provided a wonderful mix of activities that brought happiness and a sense of adventure to our community. We are grateful for these moments of connection and joy, and we look forward to more opportunities to create such special experiences for our residents.

Thank you to everyone who joined us on these fun-filled days. Your enthusiasm and happiness made the outings truly memorable. Here’s to many more adventures and moments of shared joy!