Activities at Upton Bay Care Home

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.
Read our brochure

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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Macmillan coffee afternoon and Corfe Mullen Womens Institute

Residents, family, friends, and the community from St. Michael's Church gathered for a special social afternoon in support of The Big Coffee Macmillan Event at Upton Bay. The ladies from The Women's Institute in Corfe Mullen joined us, adding their warmth and generosity to the occasionThe event kicked off with an enlightening talk by Gail, the President of the Corfe Mullen Women's Institute, setting a positive tone for the afternoon. Following this, The Land Girls charmed us with their renditions of beloved songs from the 50s, 60s, and 70s, filling the room with nostalgia and joy  
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Canford school students help residents with gardening club

 During this special gardening session, residents had the opportunity to plant Dianthus, Cyclamen, and Tete daffodils, adding beauty and color to our outdoor spaces. The presence of two students, Anna and Keira from Canford School, added a touch of youthful energy and enthusiasm to the activity, creating a multi-generational bond that was truly special.
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Holmes Garden Centre

 Once at Holmes Garden Centre, our residents explored the vibrant displays of flowers, browsed the gift shop, and savored a delightful cup of tea while basking in the autumn sunshine. They even had the pleasure of overlooking the goldfish pond and admiring the Coy Carp as they elegantly swam to the surface
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Boat trip around Poole harbour

What a glorious sunny afternoon it was for our boat trip around Poole Harbour with residents Bob, June, Mary, and Edna. Today was especially memorable for Edna as her lovely niece Paula, our Residents Ambassador, and nephew John joined us for this spectacular journey We had the pleasure of visiting Round Island, Furzy Island, Arne, and Brownsea Island. The skipper of the Dolphin 111 surprised us by mentioning a special treat - the Waveley Steam Ship visiting Poole for a few days. We were delighted to witness its majestic arrival through Poole Harbour and docking on the Quay
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Basket ball on memory lane

Upton Bay Community BasketballAt Upton Bay, the community plays basketball with a unique twist - the game comes to you! Who said you have to go out and play when Upton Bay brings the basketball game right to your doorstepJoin the fun and excitement as we bring the joy of basketball directly to our community members. Stay tuned for upcoming games and events right here at Upton Bay
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Alzheimer's residents memory walk

Residents on Memory Lane took part in The Alzheimer's Memory Walk today, walking a total of 5km to Hamworthy Park and around Upton Bay despite the cloudy weather and drizzling rainEdna, Christine, Karen, and Melody engaged the residents in the walk, with Karen (Activities Lead) leading the way for their participation in the upcoming Bournemouth Memory WalkEdna and Christine had a great time socializing with Edna's niece, Paula, and her husband, John, during the event. A special thank you to Hamworthy Cafe for providing a wonderful cup of tea to all participant

Upcoming events

Knit and Knatter - weekly group

Open to the community. This fun, social group meet every Thursday 10.30-12.00 to knit and chat. Refreshments included

Christmas Fair - Saturday 7th December

 Join us for a fun, Christmas event with a variety of stalls including candles, cards, gifts for all your family and friends. Join santa in his grotto