Dashwood Manor Care Home

04/03/2026

Win and Adam the gardener enjoyed a lovely trip to the garden centre in search of fresh blooms. Win chose a bundle of cheerful daffodils, their bright yellow petals reminding her of the warm sunshine still to come ☺️🌿🌼

03/03/2026

PIE 'n' PINT quiz night 🥧🍺

As it’s National British Pie Week, the residents rolled up their sleeves and got busy in the kitchen, baking a hearty steak and ale pie alongside a deliciously indulgent banoffee pie for this evening’s quiz.

03/03/2026

Today is WORLD WILDLIFE DAY! This morning we got a little creative and made some “Fruity Fuel Bites” for our feathered friends! We stuffed oranges with seeds, mealworms, and bits of fruit, then tucked them into the trees. We can’t wait to see who comes to enjoy their tasty treat 🌳🍊🪱🐦

02/03/2026

'This heart was lovingly knitted by the residents at Dashwood Manor. Just a small reminder that you matter, and kindness is all around you' ❤️🧶🪡

Our Knit and Natter Circle have been busy knitting and crocheting heart keyrings to spread a little kindness. We headed into town and gifted them to members of the community, who really seemed to enjoy the surprise. In total, 52 hearts were made — most were gifted today, with a few still out there waiting to be discovered! 👀

02/03/2026

Congratulations to Rob – February’s GEM Award Winner!

A huge congratulations to Rob on receiving the most GEM nominations and winning February’s GEM Award.

Rob has been recognised for his fantastic kitchen assistance, strong teamwork, willingness to help others, and for mentoring colleagues. His consistent support and positive attitude truly make a difference to the team.

Thank you, Rob, for everything you do – very well deserved! 👏

24/02/2026

Happy birthday David!! 🥳🎂🎈

19/02/2026

Both Boston and Willis LOVED their dog friendly pancakes at yesterday's Dog Cafe 🤩🐕🥞

18/02/2026

Mavis and Ken ❤️💕

The couple met in 1944 as teenagers at an evening bookkeeping class in Suffolk, where they both grew up.

17/02/2026

There are so many ways to connect with a loved one living with dementia, but you may still have days when you experience difficult conversations.
Don’t blame yourself or the person living with dementia. They’re doing the best they can with a brain that’s working differently now. If they seem irritable or upset, it’s often a sign that they’re struggling or that something feels too much for them.

It’s also worth considering if they may be feeling overwhelmed or in pain. Even low-level aches and pains can affect our ability to connect with others.

In our national survey, we found that the three biggest challenges people faced when communicating with someone with dementia were:

Having to repeat themselves (43%)
Their loved one not knowing who they are (42%)
Understanding exactly what their loved one means (40%)
To find out more, and to get your free guide book on to one of our free informative events.

16/02/2026

Love to Move was created by the British Gymnastics Foundation (BGF) as a programme of exercises developed to have physical, emotional and cognitive benefits. The simple, repetitive seated exercises use what’s called bilaterally asymmetrical movement patterns, which simply means doing different movements with the right and left sides of the body at the same time. (Think patting your head and rubbing your stomach!)
The exercises engage the left and right hemispheres of the brain, and research has shown that they make a difference to the quality of life of older people, especially those living with dementia. Please let get in touch for more information and availability.

14/02/2026

❤️ A competitive Valentine's themed quiz
❤️ Chocolate hearts and secret letters for the Dashwood team
❤️ 'Self Love' Bingo using 100 things that bring the residents and team joy
❤️ A private 'Lovers Lunch' with entertainment for the couples at Dashwood!
❤️ Origami flower making
❤️ Pamper and a Pint!
❤️ A wonderful intergenerational session with Caterpillar Music Basingstoke
❤️ Homemade Valentine's cupcakes
❤️ A gigantic chocolate cake, mmm

13/02/2026

Congratulations to Lanka, one of Dashwood’s wonderful Team Leaders. Lanka recently received a GEM Award - a well-deserved recognition of the exceptional care, kindness, and unwavering dedication she shows her team every day. We are proud to have her leading the way ☺️❤️