Our stories

Peace of mind

Moving into a care home made easy

Our care team are here to make sure that making the move is as easy as possible for you and your loved one. If you still need reassurance, here are some stories from our residents, their families and our care team.

Here at Abingdon Court we believe it is important to keep engaged with the local community. We have had great pleasure working with a local dementia café run by Dementia Friendly Abingdon, who do great work with those living with dementia in the local area.

Denim For Dementia Fundraising Day

Our Residents love a pamper, even some of the men do too. This was an afternoon of foot spas, sweets, manicures, Petals and a lot of Fairy Lights for the finishing touch.

Pamper and Petals

Allan Reynolds joined us to read exerts from his published books here at Troutbeck.

We have chosen a book to read called 'The Bakers Story' set in Keighley set in the run up to World War.

The Bakers Story Book

The residents got involved making cheese straws today. They all had a go at each step and encouraged each other along the way. The best part was tasting their goodies at the end.

Making Cheese Straws

Our Reminiscing Monday theme today was Schools. The residents looked at the photos and talked about their own experiences at school, bringing up some funny memories to share with the group. Some residents had similar stories to share while others were happy listening and taking it all in.

School Reminiscing

We enjoyed the sunshine today and got stuck into some word games. The residents had some anagrams to work out with a little clue. Then they found as many words as they could on the word wheel. They even beat their high score by finding 84 words!!!! Great team work!

Word Games at The Hawthorns

Our residents today enjoyed using different card making crafts to make personalised cards for friends and family.

We are sure that when the families receive the cards they will be over the moon.

Arts and Crafts

Today we used elephant based crafts because it was world elephant day. We discussed what the day was for and why its so important.

World Elephant Day

Today we celebrated the 2021 Norfolk and Norwich Beer Festival at Hawthorns with a range of Local Norfolk ales.

2021 Norfolk and Norwich Beer Festival

We have a very special addition to our flower collection here at Troutbeck care home, a double headed miniature daffodil, Grown by Muriel Allen this one has put a smile on everyone's face.

Double Headed Miniature Daffodil

Ashmead took the opportunity to take advantage of the break in the clouds on Friday 6th August 21 by hosting an Australian themed BBQ.

Australian Themed BBQ

At Coplands we have mini coffee shop inauguration ceremony held in Hawk unit dated 26th of July 2021 organised by home manager.

Residents attended the ceremony; everyone was having a great time and enjoyed the day with soft background music.

Mini Coffee Shop

One of our residents family member brought in some beautiful flowers for her. Our resident loved the colour of them and was very happy to have received such a lovely gift from family.

People born in the month of July are very optimistic. They have a tendency to be extremely positive in every situation. If you have a July-born baby, rest assured because he/she will be liked by all. July-borns focus on the bright side of life.

July Birthday Meaning

Lempen Theatre company entertained our residents with a story of 'The fisher and wife'

Theatre Comes To Troutbeck

Our activities theme for August here at Bowerfield Court is 'Summer Holidays'. We've spent time reminiscing about childhood holidays and what we enjoyed most about them. It was agreed that kite flying was fun and so we built and decorated our own.

Summer Holiday Reminiscing

Residents enjoyed a spot of baking today as we prepared a lovely biscoff flavoured cheesecake.

Baking at Manorhey

Every month Hope Green is visited by a local accordion player who fills the garden with beautiful music and encourages everyone to get involved. There is something very special about 'live' entertainment and it's definitely something to enjoy with friends.

Live Entertainment at Hope Green

River View delivered some packages to Reading Hospice, The British Heart Foundation and Age UK charity shops in Reading. We appreciate the work the volunteers are doing, especially in the recent heatwave. So please do have a cup of tea and biscuits on us.

Keep Calm and Drink Tea

In Tilehurst we are blessed to be surrounded by an amazing community which was even more apparent over the last 16 months. At River View are aware that for some people it’s been very difficult not seeing friends and family.

Sharing With The Community

What a summer of sport! We were talking recently about how everyone welcomed the European Football tournament at River View. All those living and working at Riverview were cheering England on. England may not have won the final but River View won as a team.

Summer of Sport

As soon as the essential work on the roof came to an end our team of gardeners were straight into the garden and they have returned it to the lovely calm space we all know and love. We have thrown open the doors and welcomed all those who live and work at Riverview, plus guests back into th

Riverview's Garden

Everyone at Kings Court loved Wimbledon fortnight recently and we were sad to see it come to an end.

Wimbledon Celebrations at Kings Court

Recently we celebrated the Henley Regatta at Kings Court. There was a fabulous boat to row with picnic baskets and hats for the ladies and jaunty ties for the gents.

At Ashmead recently we celebrated National France Day. The whole day was a tribute to our French neighbours. The catering team prepared traditional French food, music to match the occasion was played and every effort to wear French dress was made.

National France Day

Activities at Deepdene are always varied, from basketball games and ice cream to more sedate art and crafts during one to one sessions.

Activities at Deepdene

Val and Mary joined other people living at Brunel House for a Royal Ascot Luncheon Club Meal. 3 courses washed down with sparkling wine. It was a lovely dinner had by many.

Royal Ascot Luncheon Club Meal

Physical activity is very important part of our daily routine at Ashmead.

With a regular Yoga sessions every Monday we help manage any aches and pains, reduce stress , improve sleeping habits and strengthen bones. We also have lots of fun doing it.

Bowerfield House and The Belvedere joined together and wrote pen-pal letters to each other. Pat and Joyce from Bowerfield House and 2 residents from The Belvedere - then me Barry and Pat had a lovely walk in the sunshine to the post box to post the letter.

Here at Acorn House we've been following the Olympics closely and decided to hold some events ourselves. Our residents have so far enjoyed taking part in bean bag basketball and balloon volleyball.

Olympics at Acorn House

We spent some time in the garden today preparing some bird feeders. The residents mixed lard and bird seeds to create a little feast in a cup for the many birds who come into our garden. We placed them around the garden in a variety of areas chosen by the residents.

In preparation for Fridays Big Choir Singalong, the residents were colouring in some pictures to use when singing the songs. We had Three Little Birds and Somewhere Over The Rainbow artwork to hold up and show the choir on Friday.

Hope Green residents are enjoying keeping up to date with Olympics 2021. Discussing the newspapers together, watching the GB hockey team and making our own collages was a great way of celebrating sport across the world and prompted lots of conversations about our favourite moments.

Everyone joined to celebrate this important birthday. Residents and staff sang all together Happy Birthday to our resident, wishing him all the best in his 90th Birthday.

Happy 90th Birthday

One of our residents wanted to keep some of the flowers from a funeral that they had recently attended as a beautiful reminder of the person they had lost. The flowers were carefully pressed then gently placed inside a book along with personal photographs.

Pressed Flowers Keepsake

The manager and staff worked hard to redecorate the residents lounge so the lovely residents could relax in a vibrant coloured room.

Decorating The Lounge

We had a wonderful afternoon sat in the sunshine and singing along with Emma James. We couldn't think of a better way to spend the day than sat with friends, enjoying refreshments whilst being entertained. Just perfect.

Live Performance

The husband of one of our residents has very kindly made some trifles and a beautiful fresh fruit salad for everyone.

Trifles and Fruit Salad

Bowerfield House and Bowerfield Court joined together to do sports day , Geoffrey and Pat from House and Katie and Brian from Court , we had a great day and the sun was shining what more could we ask for , we had plenty of beverages and snacks to keep us going which was welcomed as it was so hot.

Bowerfield House V Bowerfield Court Sports Day

If there's one way to the heart of the majority here at Abingdon Court, its Chocolate! To celebrate 'World Chocolate Day' we curated a wide selection of chocolates and hosted a chocolate tasting session.

Chocolate Tasting

The biggest activity request here at Clarendon Court is music, whether karaoke, sing-a-long or a music quiz, we have lots of good voices here. On the 16th we held a karaoke session, wow great response a lovely afternoon had by all.

The good weather gave us an opportunity to use our outside space, eating and holding activities. A great way to get some lovely fresh air and shaded sunshine.

Residents enjoyed a special brunch this morning which consisted of waffles, pancakes, fresh berries, bananas, Nutella and maple syrup. Everyone chose their own toppings and washed it down with a glass of cold orange, a perfect snack for this weather.

With glorious sunshine and everything we needed to make our own Day At The Beach at Hope Green we made the most of it and enjoyed a great time together. Favourites were definitely the inflatable flamingo and monkey and of course our Duck Game was a huge success.

A Day At The Beach

Members of our team attended the recent Cranleigh Carnival June 2021. It was an amazing day and the Cedar Court stand was a busy one. We raised £120 for the Alzheimer's Society, with a tombola and an excellent selection of prizes, which was enjoyed by all the visitors to the stand.

Cranleigh Carnival

We recently celebrated the 100th Birthday of our wonderful resident Joyce with cards, presents, celebration buffet and birthday cake. One of the day’s highlights, was watching Joyce open her very special birthday card received from Her Majesty the Queen.

Happy 100th birthday Joyce

With the hottest of weather beating down upon us last week, there was only one thing to do - throw an ice cream party!

Ice Cream Party

During the national lockdowns, we've had to find new ways to deliver activities, as self-isolation and social distancing restricted many regular options in order to protect ourselves and the people around us.

Sing Along with Ellie

Residents at Wyndham Hall enjoyed an active and fun-filled fortnight during the recent Wimbledon tennis championships.

Anyone for Tennis?