Morning routine
- Wake-up support: staff assist with getting up, washing, and dressing at times that suit individual preferences and needs.
- Medication rounds: morning medications given with breakfast or as prescribed, with clear documentation and double-checks.
- Breakfast: typically 8–9am, with choices (cereal, toast, cooked options), dietary requirements met, and support for those who need help eating.
- Personal care: bathing/showering schedules respect dignity and privacy; residents choose timing where possible.
Daytime activities and engagement
- Activity programmes: daily schedules include group activities (crafts, music, games, exercise) and one-to-one time for reading, conversation, or hobbies.
- Outdoor time: access to gardens, patios, or safe outdoor spaces for fresh air, gardening, or gentle walks (weather permitting).
- Social spaces: lounges and common areas encourage interaction; quiet spaces available for those who prefer solitude.
- Life skills: light tasks like setting tables, folding laundry, or helping with flower arranging maintain purpose and independence.
- Entertainment: visiting performers, pet therapy, reminiscence sessions, and themed days (e.g., seaside themes for Poole residents).
Meals and nutrition
- Lunch: typically 12–1pm, with main course options, vegetables, and dessert; special diets (diabetic, soft, pureed) catered for.
- Afternoon tea: light refreshments around 3–4pm, often with cake or biscuits and social time.
- Dinner: evening meal around 5–6pm, with lighter options available; snacks and drinks available throughout the day.
- Hydration: staff encourage regular drinks; water jugs accessible; monitoring for those at risk of dehydration.
- Dining support: assistance with cutting food, adapted utensils, and unhurried mealtimes for those who need help.
- Family meals: many homes welcome family to join for meals (often with advance notice); special occasions celebrated together.
Personal care and health
- Personal hygiene: regular support with washing, oral care, nail care, and hair styling; preferences for products and routines respected.
- Continence care: dignified, timely support; regular checks and changes; respect for privacy and independence.
- Mobility support: assistance with walking, transfers, and exercises; physiotherapy input where needed; falls prevention measures.
- Health monitoring: regular checks of blood pressure, weight, and general wellbeing; GP visits arranged as needed.
- Medication management: prescribed medications given on time; reviews with GP/pharmacy; family informed of changes.
Afternoon and evening
- Quiet time: afternoon rest periods for those who need them; reading, TV, or music in bedrooms or quiet lounges.
- Evening activities: board games, film nights, bingo, or gentle exercise classes; some homes have regular visiting entertainers.
- Supper: light evening snack or hot drink before bed; bedtime routines tailored to individual preferences.
- Night-time care: staff available overnight; regular checks balanced with sleep preservation; support for bathroom visits.
Family involvement and visiting
- Flexible visiting: most homes welcome family visits throughout the day; some prefer advance notice for mealtimes or activities.
- Shared activities: families can join activities, meals, or outings; special events (birthdays, anniversaries) celebrated together.
- Care plan reviews: regular meetings with family to discuss care, preferences, and any concerns; updates shared in writing or meetings.
- Communication: daily updates for families (if requested); phone calls or visits from key workers; open-door policy for concerns.
- Outings: some homes support family outings (with risk assessments); day trips or visits to local Poole attractions arranged.
Special events and celebrations
- Birthdays and anniversaries: celebrated with cake, cards, and family visits; decorations and special meals arranged.
- Seasonal events: Christmas, Easter, summer parties, and themed days; decorations, special meals, and entertainment.
- Local connections: visits from local schools, community groups, or churches; participation in Poole community events where possible.
- Religious observances: support for religious practices, dietary requirements, and spiritual care; visits from chaplains or faith leaders.
Individual preferences and choice
- Daily choices: what to wear, when to get up, meal preferences, activity participation—all respected within safety and care needs.
- Personal belongings: residents can bring furniture, photos, and personal items to make rooms feel like home.
- Routine flexibility: while homes have structure, individual routines (e.g., late risers, specific meal times) accommodated where possible.
- Life story work: staff learn about residents’ backgrounds, interests, and preferences to personalise care and activities.
Poole/BCP local connections
- Transport links: homes in Parkstone, Broadstone, Hamworthy benefit from good bus/rail links for family visits.
- Local amenities: some homes arrange visits to Poole Quay, beaches, parks, or local shops; community integration encouraged.
- Healthcare access: proximity to Parkstone Health Centre, Broadstone Health Centre, Hamworthy Medical Centre supports timely GP visits.
What to expect: typical day structure
- 7–9am: Wake-up, personal care, breakfast, medication rounds.
- 9–12pm: Morning activities, social time, health checks, GP visits if needed.
- 12–1pm: Lunch service with support as needed.
- 1–3pm: Afternoon activities, outdoor time, quiet rest periods.
- 3–4pm: Afternoon tea and social time.
- 4–6pm: Evening activities, family visits, personal care.
- 5–6pm: Dinner service.
- 6–9pm: Evening entertainment, quiet time, bedtime routines.
- 9pm onwards: Night-time care, regular checks, support as needed.
Questions to ask about daily life
- How flexible are wake-up and meal times for individual preferences?
- What activities are available daily, and how are they adapted for different abilities?
- Can family join for meals or activities? What's the visiting policy?
- How are personal preferences and routines documented and respected?
- What support is available for residents who prefer quieter activities or solitude?
- How are special occasions and birthdays celebrated?
- Are there opportunities for outings or community involvement?
FAQ
- What does a typical day look like in a care home? A typical day includes wake-up and personal care (7-9am), morning activities and health checks (9-12pm), lunch (12-1pm), afternoon activities and rest (1-3pm), afternoon tea (3-4pm), evening activities and family visits (4-6pm), dinner (5-6pm), and evening entertainment (6-9pm).
- Can family members visit and join activities? Yes, most homes welcome family visits throughout the day. Families can join activities, meals, or outings. Special events like birthdays and anniversaries are celebrated together.
- How flexible are routines for individual preferences? While homes have structure, individual routines are accommodated where possible. Residents can choose what to wear, when to get up, meal preferences, and activity participation within safety and care needs.
- What activities are available in care homes? Activities include group activities (crafts, music, games, exercise), one-to-one time for reading or conversation, outdoor time in gardens, life skills like setting tables, and entertainment like visiting performers or pet therapy.