At Woodland Court Residential Home, maintaining independence and a sense of purpose is a key focus for residents, especially those living with dementia. Familiar tasks such as helping with the laundry are more than just chores – they bring back fond memories of caring for their own families, offering a sense of comfort and achievement. “Doing familiar activities gives them a sense of purpose and home,” explains manager Samantha Richardson , emphasising how important these small but meaningful moments are.

In the garden, residents have been busy planting winter shrubs, with some friendly assistance from Pippa, the home’s much-loved dog.

Over at Mulberry House, the kitchen has been a hub of activity, with residents taking the lead in preparing their own meals. From making pizzas to baking buns and cakes, everyone gets involved. Pat, one of the residents, enjoys laying the table each evening, proud to contribute to the daily routine.

At Hartwell Lodge Care Home, residents celebrated American Strawberry Pie Day by baking their own strawberry turnovers, taking care to wash up before getting creative with their pastries.

Meanwhile, The Firs saw the kitchen filled with the delicious smell of Banana & Chocolate and Cherry & Almond cupcakes, as residents eagerly experimented with new recipes.

Mulberry House took things up a notch for World Food Day with an exciting bake-off. Residents baked and tasted three different creations before scoring them out of five, with Mary and Summer earning a winning score of 83 for their efforts!

Gardening also remains a favourite hobby across many of the homes, where residents enjoy planting bulbs and watching their hard work blossom in the home’s grounds.

At The Orchards Residential Home, creativity was in full swing as residents worked on painting large-scale props for an upcoming show. In many of the homes, residents have been crafting their own seasonal decorations, giving them a chance to take pride in their work and contribute to the look and feel of their living space.

At Hartwell Lodge, residents, with experience arranging flowers for local churches, have been creating beautiful table centrepieces, enabling them to reconnect with their skills and memories.

Many of the homes also participate in charitable craft projects, giving residents the opportunity to know they’re still making a positive impact in the community. Whether it’s baking, gardening, crafting, or simply helping with everyday tasks, these activities give residents a renewed sense of independence, purpose, and the reassurance that they are valued and needed, no matter their age or circumstances.