Our in-house activities
At Birchwood House, the wellbeing of our residents is paramount. We invest in activities on a group and one-to-one basis and have a dedicated member of staff that focuses on activities from arts and crafts and baking, to exercise, games and events.
We run a full in-house activities programme on a daily basis and have a variety of instructors that visit regularly. Although we encourage residents to take part in our activities schedule, we respect those who do not wish to.
Some of our residents’ favourite in-house activities include ‘Games Galore’, Bingo, baking, crafting, and pub quizzes. To keep up with which activities our residents are enjoying at the moment, you can visit our Facebook page for weekly posts, or subscribe to our newsletter for monthly updates using the button at the bottom of this page.
“Although initially reluctant, Mum was encouraged from her first day to be involved in the community, both at mealtimes and for activities. This enabled her to develop relationships and maintain existing skills which was reflected in her quality of life.”
E F (Daughter of resident)
Functional Fitness with Sarah Domoney
Our residents enjoy Functional Fitness with local legend Sarah Domoney. Sarah has worked alongside Age UK Tunbridge Wells for two decades. Sarah visits Birchwood House weekly, running fitness sessions that help residents improve their balance, mobility and strength. Functional Fitness classes involve mimicking everyday movements that target small muscle groups, allowing residents to remain strong and healthy while in our care.
Looking after hands and feet
We often welcome a podiatrist, Claire, into our home. Claire studied at Southampton University and has spent her career working both privately and with the NHS. She was a podiatrist with Age UK for over 15 years until their office in Tonbridge unfortunately closed. She primarily works as a Diabetes Vulnerable Foot Specialist Podiatrist with the Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust. We’re glad to be able to bring her expertise and experience to our residents here at Birchwood House, as foot care is very important.
Many residents also enjoy visits from our local reflexologist, Laura. Reflexology not only promotes a sense of calm but also has the potential to positively impact psychological well-being and boost immune function. One resident, Josephine, says that it’s just what she needs to help her relax in the morning. Resident’s also have the opportunity to have their hands pampered with a manicure at our in-house salon.
Our Lifestyle Lead, Lizzie
Our focus has always been to enrich our residents’ lives, but this has truly blossomed under Lizzie’s direction as Activities Lead. She’s been organising activities at Birchwood House since 2023, focusing on the mind and the body to better comfort the soul. And it’s safe to say, it’s been a success! Marion Wheeler, one resident’s relative, agreed that “Lizzie always puts a smile on the residents faces when she enters the room and makes them feel special.”
Lizzie prepares the weekly activities planner herself, tailoring it to the individual needs, wishes, and interests of our residents. She listens and understands their needs, making sure to plan an enriching week of entertainment. With the wide variety of activities she creates, residents’ mental wellbeing is looked after just as much as their physical needs. She is a kind and friendly face around Birchwood House, and Joan Golton, a resident, shares that Lizzie “feels like one of the girls.”
It’s not just the residents that Lizzie works hard for, but also the local community itself. She organises regular visits from community members and organisations to keep residents connected with the world. For example, in December 2023, Birchwood House had the joy of welcoming the Solefield School Chamber Choir, who performed beautifully for our residents. We’ve also had a visit from the Kent Academy of Irish Dance in celebration of St Patrick’s Day in 2024, as well as a collaboration with PVH Clothing for some special Valentines Day biscuits! Thanks to Lizzie we can bring the community to Birchwood House, creating meaningful connections as well as providing great entertainment for all.
Learn more about Birchwood House’s quarterly events.
