Waterside CourtBarchester Healthcare

Activites at Waterside Court Care Home

Our teams are trained to enrich the lives of residents through stimulating the mind, body and soul, and taking the time to learn about each person to ensure everyone receives support that adds enrichment to their life.

We understand that the people we support have passions and interests that could be difficult to pursue after moving into a care home – but that doesn’t mean we don’t encourage them to try! Some hobbies can define a person, so our Activities Coordinators are dedicated to ensuring that everyone we support is able to do what makes them happy to the best of their abilities. Social events are organised with individual tastes in mind and with the idea that residents have the opportunity to try new and exciting things.

Read our brochure ‘Life-enriching activities’ for more information about life in our care homes.

Read our brochure

Blerta Cesula

Activities Coordinator

Hi, my name is Blerta. I am the Activities Coordinator here at Waterside Court.

I absolutely love my role, and I'm passionate about creating meaningful experiences that enrich the lives of our residents.

Every day is different, and our life enrichment program brings out my creative side, which I share with everyone.

Celebrating life at Waterside Court Care Home

Carer's Week

Last week, in celebration of Carers Week, we took a moment to give back to the incredible individuals who give so much every single day.
We were truly privileged to enjoy some amazing beauty treatments, lovingly provided by our talented beautician, Kate.

From relaxing massages and rejuvenating facials to pampering nail treatments — it was a day full of smiles, self-care, and well-deserved Tender Loving Care. "The dedication and empathy shown by our carers at Waterside Court is central to the quality of care we deliver — every day, not just during Carers Week." Thank you for all that you do. You are truly appreciated.

Donkey visit!

Our community at Waterside Court was recently treated to a lovely visit from Jean, a gentle donkey from Island Farm Donkey Sanctuary. Her calm and affectionate presence quickly captured the hearts of residents and staff alike, creating moments of pure joy and comfort.

The visit held special meaning for one of our residents, Bill, who recognised members of the sanctuary team and fondly reminisced about past connections. It was a beautiful reminder of the lasting impact of shared experiences and companionship.

Animal therapy plays an important role in our commitment to enhancing residents’ well-being. Jean’s visit is just one example of how these special encounters bring smiles, spark memories, and create meaningful connections within our home.

Boat Trip

Our residents today had a 'Day to Remember' as we took a boat trip along the River Thames in Henley-on-Thames.

The weather was kind, the scenery was stunning, and the company— even better. We were overjoyed to be joined by relatives and friends who made the day even more special. The trip was planned well to coincide with the world-famous Henley Royal Regatta, which allowed our residents to have a glimpse of the rowers as they practised for their races.

It is not Waterside Court without a glass of bubbly, and we truly lived up to our habits. The feedback from all onboard was nothing short of praise and amazement and everyone wanted to do it again. Well, we will be back! A heartfelt thank you to Lucky, our wonderful captain and her assistant of the Rivertime Boat Trust for navigating us so smoothly and making the trip extra memorable.

National Cream Tea Day

What better way to honour National Cream Tea Day than with the perfect trio of scones, cream, and jam—served with smiles and steeped in tradition right here at Waterside Court.

Residents and guests were treated to a sensational afternoon featuring live entertainment from Allsorts, our much-loved local musicians, whose uplifting tunes had everyone clapping, singing, and swaying to the rhythm. The joy was contagious, and the atmosphere simply buzzed with community spirit.

Guests, including friends, families, and special visitors from the local area, gathered to enjoy an exquisite spread of scones, speciality teas, and delightful conversation.

Delightful Donkey Visit

Residents and staff at Waterside Court were filled with joy during a special visit from Jean, a gentle donkey from Island Farm Donkey Sanctuary.

The heart-warming encounter was especially meaningful for resident Bill, who recognized sanctuary staff and reminisced about fond memories.

Jean’s calm and affectionate nature quickly made her the centre of attention, offering comfort and delight to all. The visit was part of Waterside Court’s ongoing commitment to enhancing residents’ well-being through enriching animal therapy experiences.

New Art Skills

Today at Waterside Court we were very privileged to learn a new art skill with our special guest, Tracy Smith.

Tracy introduced us to the world of fibre art—an expressive form of textile art that uses materials like wool, silk, yarn, and fabric to create textured, decorative pieces.

We began by learning how to shape and layer fibres to form beautiful, three-dimensional flowers. Tracy guided everyone through techniques such as felting, layering, and embellishing with a variety of textures and colours. The residents were incredibly engaged and enthusiastic, each creating unique and vibrant flower designs that will be part of our ongoing community art project.

RoSPA Awards Celebration

We are beyond proud to announce that Waterside Court and Barchester Healthcare have won the RoSPA Fall Prevention Trophy 2025!

This amazing achievement reflects the hard work, dedication, and care our teams put into keeping our residents safe every single day.

Our residents and relatives joined us in celebrating this Amazing Award with a glass of Champagne in the garden. What a great day to celebrate as the sun was shining. And to top it all off — the incredibly talented Alan Hook lit up the celebration with a sensational saxophone performance that had everyone on their feet and swaying!

Flower arranging at Waterside Court

What a truly special end to the week it was at Waterside Court! We hosted an amazing outdoor Flower Arranging session in our beautiful garden and enjoyed the sunny weather with a drink. The session was quite uplifting and brought smiles, stories, and a touch of floral magic to our residents.

With the garden in full bloom and sunshine overhead, residents took part in a hands-on session filled with colour and creativity. They carefully selected their favourite flowers, shared cherished memories tied to certain blooms, and crafted stunning arrangements that brightened both the garden and our hearts.

Moments like these highlight the joy of connection, the power of nature, and the beauty of shared experiences. We can’t wait to host more events that bring this kind of warmth and creativity to our community!

Dementia Action Week

In celebration of Dementia Action Week, Waterside Court was transformed into a vibrant, joy - filled venue as we hosted our very own Dementia Disco!

The home came alive with dazzling decorations, twinkling lights, and a dance floor that shimmered with excitement. Residents, families, and staff were treated to a nostalgic journey through the golden era of music, with the very best disco hits from the 1960s and 70s. From Vera Lynn to the Beatles, every tune brought back memories that sparked conversations and inspired plenty of dancing!

To make the occasion even more special, guests enjoyed a refreshing glass of bubbly - with colourful outfits, classic tunes, and laughter echoing through the home. It was a truly unforgettable afternoon.
The Dementia Disco was more than just an event; it was a heart-warming reminder of how music, connection, and celebration can uplift and bring such enjoyment to us all. A huge thank you to everyone who made it such a sparkling success!