Activities at Upton Bay Care Home

Our teams are trained to enrich the lives of residents through stimulating the mind, body and soul, and taking the time to learn about each person to ensure everyone receives support that adds enrichment to their life.

Activities are an integral part of life at our care home. We want to ensure that the people we support have as much fun as possible during their time with us, so it’s important that our activities programme is created with the interests of residents in mind. Our skilled Activities Coordinators bring a certain uniqueness to the home that can’t be found anywhere else, and which is reflected in the activities they organise.

Enriching life
Watch our video on life enrichment in our homes.

Karen Grant

Activities Lead, Dementia Champion

I first worked in the care sector in 2010, starting in domiciliary care and progressing to Care Coordinator. I have since gained a wealth of experience in dedicated dementia and residential activities, working as a peripatetic activities coordinator in 16 out of 20 homes within a group, and then in 2018, I was part of a team that commissioned a new luxury care home, where I was an Activities Team Leader.

I enjoy making wishes come true for residents: in February 2015, I organised my first wedding in a care home. The lady resident who was living with dementia was unable to travel to Hertfordshire for her granddaughters wedding, so I brought the wedding to her. I organised a wedding blessing at the home; we had a vicar, a choir, all of the bridal party, the flowers, a buffet, a wedding cake, champagne—the full works.

In 2017, I organised a smaller wedding in the garden, and this was a special wish for a gentleman resident to see his granddaughter married. Organising these special moments gives me a lot of pleasure, knowing I have made them feel special and to give families that happiness and see them smile.

I cannot wait to welcome our residents into their wonderful new home and help to bring smiles, joy and laughter to each day.

Karen is also one of our dementia champions

Life-encriching activities booklet Read our brochure 'Life-enriching activities' for more information about life in our care homes.

Activities and Events Partnerships

As part of our bespoke life-enrichment programmes, we host a number of live virtual events in the home on a regular basis through a number of partnerships with places of interest and world class performance companies

Life at Upton Bay Care Home

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Scam Prevention Talk

We were thrilled to see such fantastic engagement and feedback from our local community. A big thank you to our incredible speakers who shared their expertise and insights: Richard Walker from Comms UK Ltd enlightened us on IT security, providing valuable tips to stay safe online. Jeremy Lawson from Alfa Menswear, a volunteer Specials officer for Dorset Police, shared his expertise on scam prevention strategies. Jim Davies and Matt, Community Officers from Dorset Police, discussed ways to protect ourselves from scams and fraud.Thank you to everyone who attended and participated in this important event. Let's continue to stay vigilant and spread awareness to keep our community safe and secure
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Forest Holme spring fair at Upton Bay

We are overwhelmed by the support and love shown at our spring fair, where we came together to raise funds for the Forest Holme Hospice. With over 150 attendees, including our residents, families, and staff, we had a fantastic time filled with joy and togetherness.
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Crafty corner with flower arranging

Today was buzzing with vibrant conversations, knitting needles clicking, and beautiful flower arranging. Our residents poured their hearts into creating stunning flower posies for their dining tables and charming corsages to wear.A huge thank you to Asda Poole Community for generously donating these wonderful flowers. Our residents had an absolutely delightful morning, filled with creativity and joy
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A Special Wish for Christine Blake - 40 years Service Certificate at RNLI

Today was a day filled with joy, nostalgia, and heartfelt connections as Christine and Karen, the Activities Lead, were warmly welcomed at the RNLI reception by Ali Murphy, the Volunteer Experience Manager, and four of Christine's closest work colleagues and friends - Joyce, Carol, Caroline, and Kay. These incredible women had worked together in various departments within the RNLI from 1976 to 2001, forming lifelong friendships that have lasted over 40 yearsAs they enjoyed a delightful afternoon tea and shared cherished memories, Jayne George, the Head of Fundraising, presented Christine with a Long Service Certificate, and Ali Murphy gifted her with an RNLI Teddybear named Milly. The afternoon was filled with laughter, stories, and the warmth of old friendships, with Christine also reconnecting with familiar faces such as Heidi, a volunteer working in the gift shop
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Fun Day Out at the Ark Café in Poole Park

At the café, we shared stories and memories of Valentine's Day, reminiscing about how each of us met our partners back in the day. It was a beautiful opportunity to connect, share love stories, and celebrate the joy of companionshipAfter our delightful time at the café, we strolled over to see the birds and had a wonderful time feeding them. The colorful feathers, chirping melodies, and playful interactions with the birds brought smiles to our faces and warmed our heartsThank you to everyone who joined us for this memorable day out at the Ark Café. It was a perfect blend of friendship, nostalgia, and nature's beauty. Stay tuned for more adventures and heartwarming moments with the Upton Bay Community
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Celebrating Maureen's wish come true with a day of ice skating nostalgia

Joined by Chloe and Lizzy, Maureen faced her initial fears on the ice and glided around with newfound confidence. As she shared stories of her past skating and skiing adventures, memories of cold icy weather flooded backWhile taking a coffee break, Maureen joyfully watched everyone skate by. Even Lizzy's tumble brought laughter and fond memories of Maureen's skiing beginnings A heartfelt thanks to the Upton Bay Team, Chloe, and Lizzy for creating a memorable day filled with laughter and friendshipHere's to more shared adventures ahead

Upcoming events

Crafty Corner - Every Thursday 10.30-12.00

Everyone welcome. Join us for this social morning with coffee and cake plus art, crafts, card making or knitting 

More information

Financial and Legal Drop in clinic - Every 1st Tuesday of the month

Drop in for a half hour consultation offering free legal or financial advice. Anyone welcome.

More information