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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Winner of Dorset Care Awards

We are delighted to share some exciting news regarding the Upton Bay Team's recent achievements at the Dorset Care Association First Ever Award Event in Dorset.

During the event, our very own Karen, who heads our Activities Department, was recognised as a finalist for outstanding activity in care. This category was generously sponsored by Red jacket. We are extremely proud to announce that Karen emerged as the winner in this esteemed category. Her dedication, passion, and exceptional contributions to enhancing the lives of those in our care have been truly remarkable

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Trip to Rockley Sands cafe and Poole Park

Upton Bay Bus Trip to Rockley Sands Cafe and Scenic Drive around Poole Quay 

Residents of Upton Bay enjoyed a delightful bus trip to Rockley Sands Cafe and a scenic drive around Poole Quay. Upon arrival at the cafe, residents were assisted off the bus and warmly welcomed into the cafe. They had the opportunity to indulge in tea, coffee, and hot chocolate while socialising with Karen, Melody, and Mark, our friendly bus driver

Despite the slightly windy weather, residents had a lovely time engaging in conversations, watching sailboats, and admiring kite flying. Although outdoor seating was not possible, residents made the most of their time by enjoying each other's company 

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Easter hat making and afternoon tea

Upton Bay Residents' Fun-filled Afternoon at the Easter Tea Party with Games 
The festivities kicked off with the highly anticipated Easter Hat Competition. Our cherished Memory Lane Residents gracefully modeled their creatively adorned hats, showcasing their unique styles and personalities. The residents' enthusiasm and creativity truly made this event a sight to behold
Next up was the Egg and Spoon Race, a classic game that never fails to bring out the competitive spirit in young and old alike. The residents and their families took part in this exciting race, skillfully balancing eggs on spoons as they raced towards the finish line. The cheers and encouragement from the crowd added to the excitement and camaraderie

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Community and family Easter Egg Hunt

Upton Bay hosted an Easter Egg Hunt in the Lower Garden, bringing together residents, family, friends, community and children, and our very own Upton Bay Bunny. It was a delightful event filled with laughter, fun, and plenty of Easter treats.

The Easter Egg Hunt proved to be a thrilling adventure for everyone involved. Over 70 Easter eggs were cleverly hidden throughout the Lower Garden, providing a challenge for the eager participants. Children and adults alike scoured every nook and cranny, showcasing their keen observation skills in the quest for hidden treasures. The joy and excitement on their faces were truly priceless.

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Top 20 care home award

Upton Bay is absolutely thrilled to share some amazing news with all of you. Upton Bay has once again emerged as the winner of the prestigious Care Home UK Award for the third consecutive year since we first opened our doors. This remarkable achievement is a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional care and creating a nurturing environment for our residents

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Flower arranging and cream tea

We were thrilled to have the opportunity to host members of the Hamworthy community for a delightful afternoon of flower arranging and cream tea at Upton Bay. This event was organised as an additional celebration for those who couldn't attend on Mother's Day.

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Tesco Extra Manager at Lytchett Matravers and Andy, the Store Manager at Lidl, for their generous contributions of flowers, which added beauty and cheer to the occasion. Their support made this event even more memorable.

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