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.
Karen Grant
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
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
Ukulele band has resident's singing in the garden
Upton Bay residents had a wonderful time this week, enjoying the entertainment provided by the Freyed Strings Ukulele Band in the beautiful garden setting. The band's lively performance brought smiles to everyone's faces and added a delightful atmosphere to the gathering. The residents soaked up the sunshine, savoring the joyful tunes while indulging in refreshing beverages. It was a perfect way to spend a day, combining great music, the beauty of nature, and a chance to connect with neighbors and friends. The event left a lasting impression, creating cherished memories for all who attended.
Memory walk for Alzheimers society
The Upton Bay community organised the Alzheimer's Residents Memory Walk, where they walked around Hamworthy Park to raise awareness for Alzheimer's disease. Our dedicated Activity Lead, Karen, successfully completed the Memory Walk today in Bournemouth.
Our Activity Lead Karen Grant-A'Court is fundraising for Alzheimer's Society. Here’s their Just Giving page, if you’d like to donate: https://www.justgiving.com/page/karen-grant-acourt-1694620295514?utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=page%2Fkaren-grant-acourt-1694620295514&utm_source=whatsapp&utm_campaign=pfp-whatsapp
Blue light visit from Poole fire station
Today we were delighted when our local fire crew from Poole station (Dorset and Wiltshire division) visited and enjoyed bacon baps, croissants and freshly brewed coffee. Some of our residents chatted to the watch which was made up of Jo, Steve, Matt and Lewis. They also enjoyed a tour of the fire engine.
We have opened our doors to welcome the emergency services personnel in our local area. As a way of saying thank you to the paramedics, firefighters, nurses, police officers and other emergency services workers who don’t always have time to go home or back to their workplace on their break, the team and the residents of Upton Bay Care Home will provide free continental breakfast every Monday in September and October (9am-10.30am) to all emergency service staff.
Special wish comes true on resident's 67th wedding anniversary
We are overjoyed to gather together to celebrate the remarkable 67th wedding anniversary of Ted and Dulcie. Their enduring love for each other and their cherished town of Wareham has been an inspiration to us all.
Throughout their incredible journey, there was one dream that had remained unfulfilled for Ted and Dulcie - a scenic river trip through the beautiful town of Wareham. Both Ted and Dulcie, along with their dear friend June, had always longed for this experience but never had the opportunity to make it a reality.
Today, however, we are thrilled to share that the Upton Bay team, in collaboration with the Friends of Dolphin Boats, has made this dream a reality for our beloved couple. Through their dedication and unwavering support, they have orchestrated an unforgettable Wareham River Trip for Ted, Dulcie, and June .
Spiritual Sunday
Spiritual Sunday Service at Upton Bay was a beautiful and meaningful experience. Our lovely resident, Dorothy, took the initiative to arrange the prayers and hymns for the service. Her piano playing added a touch of serenity and uplifted our hearts.
During the service, Joyce led the reading of the Bible, sharing words of wisdom and inspiration with the community. Karen Activities also contributed by reading two happiness poems, spreading joy and positivity amongst us. We concluded the service with the Upton Bay Prayer, bringing us closer together and fostering a sense of unity.
New resident Joseph, joins us on his birthday
We are thrilled to announce the arrival of our new resident, Joseph, at Upton Bay. Joseph made the wonderful decision to move in on his birthday, and the Upton Bay community couldn't have been more excited to welcome him with open arms.
To make Joseph's arrival even more special, the Upton Bay community organised a surprise welcome celebration. We had the pleasure of having Steve Linn who perform some of Joseph's favourite songs.
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
