Answering Your Dementia Questions
The possibility of a dementia diagnosis can open up a whole world of questions and concerns. This is for anyone who would like to know more about dementia, and what it means for those affected and their loved ones.
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Care Home Activities at Beechcroft: What Life Looks Like Day to Day
At Beechcroft Care Homes, activities are a central part of daily life. They help residents feel at home, build meaningful connections with those around them, and find enjoyment and purpose in each new day. Across all four of our homes in Babbacombe, Beechcroft, Cary Lodge, Southbourne, and Choice, a varied and cognitively stimulating programme runs throughout the week.
Here is a closer look at what residents can expect.
Why are activities so important to us?
A good programme of care home activities does far more than fill the day. It supports memory and cognitive function, encourages gentle physical movement, builds confidence and gives structure to the week. Most importantly, it brings people together.
We believe that when residents feel engaged and connected, they feel much more settled, like they are truly at home. That sense of community, of belonging to something, is every bit as important to us as the care we provide.
Games, quizzes and fidget boards
Daily games and quizzes are a regular part of life across our homes. Jigsaws, Snakes and Ladders and light board games are all on offer, and each gives residents something to focus on, something to enjoy and, often, something to talk about with the person sitting beside them.
All games are thoughtfully tailored to the individual. For residents living with dementia, we take care to ensure activities feel manageable and enjoyable rather than frustrating.
Music, sing-alongs and movement
Music has a remarkable effect on residents across all our homes. There is something about a familiar song, particularly one from earlier in life, that brings people together in a way that is difficult to describe but easy to see.
Our musical sessions include group sing-alongs, playlists built around each resident's personal history, and gentle movement from clapping and toe-tapping through to guided dancing. For residents who may feel isolated or unsettled, music often provides real comfort and a sense of familiarity. Everyone is welcome to join in - and most do!
Fresh air, gardening and trips out around Torbay
Spending time outdoors is an important part of life at Beechcroft. Light gardening, tending to flowers and simply sitting outside in the fresh air all help to encourage gentle movement and lift the mood. Nature has a calming effect on the senses, and for those living with dementia, experiences like feeling a breeze, smelling flowers or hearing birdsong can bring back memories and moments of real connection.
Regular outings to Babbacombe Downs, Cary Park, Tessier Gardens and the local shops give residents variety, fresh air and a comforting sense of routine. All trips are planned with individual mobility and care needs in mind, so everyone can take part.
Seasonal events and celebrations
Throughout the year, we celebrate the seasons and special occasions together. Easter brings bonnet making, VE Day and Wimbledon are celebrated in each of our homes, and Christmas is always a magical time. Father Christmas visits in his handmade sleigh each year, bringing a great deal of joy and festive cheer to both our residents and staff.
These moments help residents stay connected to the wider world and give the year a warmth and a rhythm that families often tell us means a great deal.
Arts, crafts and creative sessions
Creative activities give residents a meaningful way to express themselves and spend time doing something they enjoy. Drawing sessions, particularly those inspired by the gardens and green spaces of Cary Park on our doorstep, can be especially valuable for those living with dementia.
Residents also take part in hands-on projects they can share with family and friends, including card making, scrapbooking and photo albums. These sessions are popular with those who enjoy sensory and tactile activities, and the finished pieces often become something families treasure too.
Families are always welcome
We actively encourage families to join us where they can for our activities. With no set visiting hours at any of our homes, friends and family are welcome to visit at any time and are warmly encouraged to join in. Whether that is a sing-along, a walk in the garden or an afternoon spent on a creative project together, these shared moments are among the most meaningful we see.
Family is at the heart of everything we do here. It is why our motto has always been, and will always remain: 'Your Family, Our Family.'
Come and visit us
If you would like to see life at Beechcroft for yourself, we would love to welcome you. Whether you are considering long-term residential care, exploring respite care options or simply want to find out more, our team is here to help. With four homes close to one another, there is usually availability to suit your needs.
To arrange a visit or find out more, please call us on 07867 048093 or get in touch through the website.
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