Nestled between the tourist hub of Bournemouth, the coastal harbour of Lymington, with the ancient priory town of Christchurch on our doorstep, the range of things to do here is diverse.  Horse riding, flying a light aircraft, cycling in the New Forest, water skiing, and horticulture–just some of the activities that people we support have experienced.

And that’s the most incredible aspect of living where we live.  There is something for everyone, activities both active and passive.  Oceanarium, tree canopy walks and zip lining, fun fairs, picnics at music festivals such as the annual jazzy Stompin’ on the Quomps, the Air Festival with planes old and new cutting through the skies above us.  Gentle strolls through deer-filled forest or along the beach.  From achieving dreams to simply enjoying time to be, to breathe sea air and sit a while looking out over the ocean to Old Harry’s Rocks and beyond.

Perhaps nothing reveals so much about individuals as how they choose to play – how they invest their time and energy for leisure time.  Leisure is that time free from demands or activities of daily living.  Everyone needs regular recreation that develops skills, promotes good health, relieves stress, facilitates social interactions, and provides a general joy for living. ––Regina Cicci, Ph.D. [Developing Recreational Skills in Persons with Learning Disabilities]

“Yesterday, Redcroft hosted its annual summer garden party and BBQ which featured an aviary professional delivering a live display with his barn owl, ‘Biscuit.’

Both Summerwood and Apple house also attended with invitations having been sent to the families of those whom we support across the three homes.

This event offered a fantastic opportunity for residents and their families to socialise in their home in a relaxed, familiar environment and also to have the chance to meet new people and to build new friendships.  It was also a chance to show their families all the personal touches that they have added to truly make Redcroft their home.

Families also had the opportunity to view Redcroft’s new monthly activities photo board which provides a visual display of special events or activities that their relative has been involved in that month, which could be anything from recent trips to Paultons Park and Stables Summer Fayre to action shots from tennis coaching classes and pet therapy sessions.

This event really did help foster a sense of community and openness between homes and families that the company prides itself on, and to build on and further develop the close relationship that Redcroft enjoys with people who are so important to residents – their friends and families.”

–– Tom Lapham, Snr Support Worker, Redcroft Care Home, Bournemouth.

Here at Apple House Care Home, we are having non-stop fun this summer!

• Everyone is looking forward to the Great British Summer Fayre with live music and entertainment.
• D proudly showed off his fire training certificate!
• We are all off to the circus soon in sunny Bournemouth!
• D joined in a theatrical production of The Roman Gods.

With so much more planned, we really are making the most of this fine weather!

–Jayne Jackson, Registered Manager, Apple House Care Home