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
Trip out to visit Poole Quay and RNLI
Upton Bay visit today to Poole Quay Boat Haven, where we had the opportunity to take a walk through the history of maritime lifesaving, organised by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) lifeboat station.
During our visit, we were greeted by the friendly and knowledgeable staff who guided us through a captivating journey into the world of maritime rescue operations
Dementia Care Awards Finalists
Barchester’s Upton Bay care home in Poole. As we celebrate Dementia Action Week, it brings me great joy to inform you that Upton Bay has been named a finalist in two prestigious categories at the Dementia Care Awards 2024.
The care home has been recognised as a finalist in the Activity Co-ordinator and Dementia Care Team awards
World Discovery Day
World Discovery Day at Bournemouth International University
Today was an incredibly special day for our residents as they embarked on a delightful bus trip to Bournemouth University International College. The purpose of the trip was to socialise with students from various countries, and it turned out to be an unforgettable experience for all involved
Bank holiday in the garden with a game of skittles
It brings us great joy to hear that our community made the most of the beautiful sunny weather by engaging in various outdoor activities to soak up some vitamin D .
Vitamin D is essential for our bodies, as it helps maintain strong bones, supports the immune system, and contributes to overall health and well-being. By spending time outdoors and soaking up the sun's rays, you have taken a positive step towards taking care of yourselves.
Gardening Club for Memory Lane
The Garden Club at Upton Bay, Memory Lane Residents has been busy enhancing their springtime flower display. Recently, they added a variety of seasonal flowers, including pansies, primroses, foliage, and the first batch of geraniums, to their garden on the balcony .
During this sensory experience, residents have been enjoying different activities. Some take pleasure in feeling the earth between their fingers, while others prefer wearing gloves. Additionally, many residents find joy in helping to place the flower pots and appreciating the beauty they bring to the garden
Community Motor Bike Show
Residents, families, and community members were treated to a fabulous afternoon filled with nostalgia as various vintage and new motorbikes were showcased. The event featured the presence of The Top Hat Bikers and Independent Bikers, who brought along a range of motorcycles including Honda, Kawasaki, Harley Davidson, and even some vintage models.
Adding to the delightful atmosphere, Vici enchanted everyone with her lovely singing, performing various rock 'n' roll melodies that perfectly complemented the occasion. Our talented chef prepared a scrumptious spread, serving hot dogs and hot cider, along with a selection of tea, coffee, orange squash, and biscuits
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
