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
Remember Remember the 5th of November… 🎆
At Upton Bay we delighted in our second bonfire night this weekend! Our community came together for a cosy evening of music and magic, thanks to a night of music from Mark Bussell, and a wonderful display of garden fireworks!
Singing along to greatest hits from ABBA, Elvis and Sinatra, the children (and some of us adults!) revelled in the melancholic joy of sparklers
And of course, nothing tops off bonfire night quite like a toffee apple!
Kisses from a Very Caring Canine
Did you know, that animal-assisted therapy is scientifically proven to lower blood pressure! Not that we need an excuse to welcome our beloved Jenny the Terrier and Jan from Caring Canines to Upton Bay
Visits from furry companions are a great way to bring back good memories that residents have of the past. Whether cats or dogs remind them of previous household pets they’ve had or simply help evoke feelings of joy, happiness, or playfulness, these animals can have a positive impact on their memory.
With regular visits from little Jenny and Caring Canines, we see first hand how deeply animals can enrich the lives of our residents, especially those who have had furry friends in the past. Plus, it’s hard not to smile when a pup is so eager to give you a kiss on the nose!
At Upton Bay, we understand the importance of taking care of mind, body and soul. With a variety of enriching activities and exciting social opportunities, a winter respite break with us could be just the ticket for a cosy and enjoyable festive season!
A Spot of Retail Therapy!
A little bit of shopping...
We've been getting out and about at Upton Bay, enjoying a perusal around our local garden centre to do a spot of window shopping ahead of Christmas. Our ladies and gents picked out some beautiful potted plants to brighten up the gardens this winter too And nothing goes down better than a natter and pot of tea with friends after an afternoon your feet!
There's something for everybody at Upton Bay. Whether that be rekindling passion for lifelong interests, discovering new ones, or simply being surrounded by friends, let us help you truly love life again with a respite break at Upton Bay.
The Recipe for Happiness - Cake!
You know what they say: if you want to bake a cake, you have to break some eggs!
this weekend Memory Lane was filled with the delicious smells of melted butter and hot-out-the-oven cakes! We whisked, folded, and sifted the afternoon away, whipping up a tasty tray of sweet shortbread biscuits, followed by a homemade classic, the fairy cake!
Oh, and every last crumb was devoured before tea time!
Fancy a taste of the good life? at Upton Bay we have endless activities to keep your loved one busy this winter! Why not stop by for a chat with our friendly team (and a slice of our famous cakes of course), and let’s see how we can help you with a spot of cosy respite
Music and Motors at Upton Bay!
This weekend, our residents and community enjoyed an afternoon of tunes with the excellent Frayed Strings ukulele ensemble, who dazzled with a selection of Rock n Roll, swinging 60's, and even smooth 70's tracks! It was the prefect accompaniment to perusing a lovely selection of Poole Bay Classics best vintage automobiles, plus tasty homemade burgers, and a visit from Big Chief Ices for 99's all round!
It was a pleasure to welcome The Mayor of Poole & The Charter Trustees Councilor Tony Trent, and Mayoress Anne Trent, to Upton Bay, who crowed the beautiful burgundy Austin Best In Show!
Sophie's Marathon Effort for Charity
This October, Upton Bay's Home Advisor Sophie Payne took part in the London Virtual Marathon, to raise money for Prama, our local elderly and demenita care charity in Dorset. Cheered on as she set off by all the Upton Bay Family, Sophie's route took her from Hamworthy to Hengistbury Head and back, completing all 26.2 miles in glorious sunshine in 5 hours 38 minutes - an admirable effort for a first time runner! 🏃♀️With thanks to all of the hugely generous donations and sponsorship, total funds raised reached just shy of £450! This donation will go towards the continuation of memory cafe's, carer support groups, and volunteer efforts across Prama, whos ethos is one we respect wholeheartedly at Upton Bay. 💙
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
