Care Home Open Week 2025
Every year, Care Home Open Week and Glad to Care arrive, giving us the chance to open our doors – and our hearts – to everyone around us, as well as reflecting on the importance of the care we give and why we are glad to offer unwavering love and support. Our wonderful community here at Amica Care celebrated (as per usual) in high spirits with some brilliant events and activities! From sing-alongs and cinema shows, to Dementia insight activities, birthday celebrations and visits from some very special guests, this week perfectly captured the compassion, openness and creativity we harness throughout our homes all year round.
Exmouth House kicked off the week on Monday with a passionate sing-along, led by the marvellous Clare, who performed an array of songs for us all to enjoy. Following a groovy start to the day, it was time to move on to celebrating Jean’s birthday! Balloons, cake and cheer filled the air, as our loving family gathered to celebrate and enjoy the warm, relaxing atmosphere.
Tuesday closely followed, where we were lucky enough to enjoy a morning visit from our friends at The Dolphin Pre-school & Nursery! After singing and dancing with unparalleled enthusiasm, the little ones settled down with our residents, enjoying a variety of stories and puzzles. In the afternoon, it was gardening time, as we flourished in the gorgeous sunshine, and later delved into a cocktail-recipe brainstorming session, sparking laughter, lively chats and (it is safe to say) a thirst for some tasty drinks!
Another celebration was in store by the time Wednesday arrived, as we honoured Joyce’s birthday, surrounded by friends and family. Alongside the exciting festivities, our dedicated team took some time to commemorate and reflect by producing a heartfelt montage explaining the many reasons we are Glad to Care. After an outstanding start to the day, we ventured on a trip into Exmouth town, spending some time in our local community to show appreciation to those who help us look after our family. In addition to enjoying a leisurely stroll and the vibrant weather, being able to show our gratitude to those who care for us was an uplifting experience, bursting with touching moments and warm hugs. It truly was an afternoon to remember!
Thursday closely followed, a day that blended creativity and movement, as our residents enjoyed a stimulating Arts & Crafts activity session during the morning hours, accompanied (of course) by a warm cuppa. Keep Fit Sally finished the day with an energetic exercise class, encouraging movement, laughter and setting us up for a well-deserved evening of tranquility. Friday arrived, and with it, a very special visitor: Ruby - the sweetest bundle of joy, joined us for International Bring Your Dog to Work Day. Tails wagged, cuddles were in abundance and the positivity was endless – a fitting furry finale to a splendid week at Exmouth House!
Ernstell House celebrated Care Home Open Week and Glad to Care in a similarly spectacular fashion. Monday was transformed into an unforgettable cinema experience, as our loving residents received their own customised tickets for the show, as well as being given a wide choice of tasty treats at the snack stand. Settling down together to enjoy, ‘The Greatest Showman’, was a tremendous experience! The gasps, applause and overall enjoyment felt by all serve as a well-suited reminder of how films can bring us together in more ways than one. On Tuesday, another day of delight was in store, as our family gathered together in our stunning garden to enjoy a diverse range of refreshing mocktails and cocktails. Swapping conversations and sipping delicious drinks under the glowing sun with friends and family served to be a truly memorable occasion.
Wednesday came next - a day of pure romance, as we celebrated David and Christine’s 65th wedding anniversary! It is lovely to be able to celebrate such an impressive milestone! With sensational live music from Rosie and a scrumptious homemade cake from our talented kitchen team, the event was not only a testament to the love and connection David and Christine share, but to the unity, care and compassion we embrace in our Amica Care community. We would like to give our profound congratulations to both David and Christine!
On Thursday, we invited everyone to our Dementia Insight Room – an immersive space designed to replicate the sensory challenges of Dementia. Sparking powerful conversations, deepened empathy and crucial insights, this activity reminded us how vital understanding and compassion are. The attendees found it to be particularly useful and informative, as they gained experience engaging with distorted vision goggles, sensory lights, aroma scenters, gloves, and even headphones with muffled talking. We wrapped up the week on Friday with a virtual World Cruise to the USA! Touring iconic landmarks, testing our knowledge on a fun-filled quiz, sampling some delectable treats and sharing travel memories. A whirlwind journey to say the least – without even having to leave our seats!
Signature House began Monday with a moving initiative, involving our hardworking team sharing why they are Glad to Care. Overflowing with gratitude and pride, it was lovely to see the endless reasons as to why we love to care for our beautiful family. A sweet treat followed as everyone enjoyed a hearty portion of ice cream, before heading to the garden to relish in the radiant sunshine and take part in some much-needed strawberry picking! A gentle chair yoga class kick started Tuesday with a peaceful yet stimulating activity, leading up to a lively musical afternoon under the glorious blue skies. The atmosphere was palpable as everyone gathered together to enjoy the music. With tapping feet and angelic singing voices, it proved to be the ideal recipe for an excellent afternoon.
Wednesday was equally jubilant, as our residents invited their loved ones to enjoy a picnic in our serene outdoor space. Honouring International Picnic Day, it was certainly an afternoon to remember as we enjoyed warm conversations with our loving community and crucially – a sumptuous lunch! The following day, we were lucky enough to receive a visit from the Rock Choir, who, despite the heat, put on an electrifying performance! On Friday, in line with the heatwave we are currently enduring, we decided to focus on hydration: cold drinks, fruity ice lollies and some time spent unwinding in the cool shade kept everyone refreshed and energized. The perfect ending to an already wonderful week in Dorchester!
St John’s Court and The Orchards joined in the fun of Care Home Open Week and Glad to Care with their own twist! Afternoons filled with singing, dancing, mouth-watering food and an inviting atmosphere made it a week to remember for both homes, as our residents and staff made the most of the thrilling visits and the exquisite weather.
We would like to give a special shoutout to Jan! Her dazzling entertainment at The Orchards on Tuesday was a fitting preview for the exciting array of activities ahead. From wine, cheese and crackers, to parachutes, gardening and a fruit & smoothie extravaganza, it undoubtedly was a week to cherish! Our exceptional teams, as always, ensured a captivating line-up of activities, garden gatherings and crafty surprises were in store for our community. Each sincere moment carried with it the warmth and unity that define Care Home Open Week and Glad to Care. We are forever grateful for the love and support that runs throughout our family.
We love to welcome visitors to our homes, not just during Care Home Open Week and Glad to Care in particular. This last week has been a fabulous time across our community here at Amica Care, and serves as a reminder of the everlasting openness, empathy and togetherness that light up our homes on a constant basis. Our doors are always open, not only to family and friends of our teams and residents, but to anyone seeking care and connection. Whether you drop by for a sing-along, a soothing cuppa, a relaxing sit-down in the garden or simply to share your smile with our loving family, you will always find a warm welcome waiting. Enjoy a home from home environment, a charming chat and have the chance to meet the friendly faces that make our family so unique.
We would like to offer a huge, heartfelt thank you to everyone involved with our community during Care Home Open Week and Glad to Care 2025. Your energy, creativity and compassion made this week a true spectacle, and one to remember for all of us in the Amica Care family. Here’s to carrying these moments of joy into every day ahead!
