The Month of May at Everwood Care Homes
May has been a month filled with music, creativity, connection, and meaningful moments across Everwood Care Homes: Little Haven in Dibden Purlieu and Heartland Manor in Brockenhurst.
From live performances and hands-on activities to thoughtful reflections during Dementia Action Week, our beloved residents have enjoyed a rich variety of experiences designed to bring joy, comfort, and companionship into everyday life.
Music, memories, and sing-alongs at Heartland Manor
At Heartland Manor, residents and families were treated to a wonderful morning of live music from Aimi. With a repertoire spanning the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, alongside much-loved musical favourites, the room quickly filled with singing, smiling and reminiscing. It was one of those sessions where the music did more than entertain: it sparked memories and brought people together.
Residents also enjoyed a lively afternoon visit from Kerry Le Bern, who performed upbeat songs that had everyone tapping their feet and joining in with tambourines and maracas. As always, the session ended on a warm note with tea, coffee, and cake shared among friends.
Creativity, conversation, and quiet enjoyment
May also brought calmer, creative moments. Residents spent a relaxing afternoon decorating pebbles with felt pens, choosing their own designs and turning simple materials into personal keepsakes. Each pebble reflected individual personality and imagination, and many were proudly taken back to rooms to be displayed.
Alongside this, a friendly game of Scrabble offered a bit of light-hearted competition, conversation, and plenty of smiles, followed, of course, by tea, coffee and cakes to round off the afternoon.
Playing games like Scrabble helps keep the brain active by encouraging spelling, vocabulary recall, and problem-solving. That kind of mental stimulation can support memory and cognitive sharpness over time. Scrabble also encourages conversation, friendly competition, and social interaction, which are just as important for well-being as the game itself.
Beyond the mental benefits, it can boost confidence and give a sense of achievement, especially when players find words they’re proud of. In group settings, it also helps reduce loneliness and creates a relaxed, enjoyable shared activity.
A special visit from Cooper
One of the highlights of the month was a visit from Cooper, the much-loved PAT dog. The Border Terrier was greeted with familiar excitement, gentle fuss, and plenty of affection from residents. Animal visits like these continue to be a treasured part of life at Everwood, offering comfort, companionship, and moments of pure joy.
Visits from dogs are good for older people because they provide comfort, reduce loneliness, and lift mood almost instantly. Gentle interaction with a calm dog can lower stress and anxiety, encourage relaxation, and bring a sense of companionship, especially for residents who may not have regular contact with pets at home.
They also help spark conversation and memories, improve social engagement in group settings, and can even encourage light movement, like stroking or reaching out, which supports motor skills and coordination. For people living with dementia, familiar, sensory experiences like touch and presence can be particularly soothing and grounding.
Reflecting during Dementia Action Week
During Dementia Action Week, we took time to reflect on the importance of person-centred dementia care. At Brock Village, thoughtful design and familiar routines help residents living with dementia feel secure, supported, and connected to their surroundings.
The week also served as a reminder of the wider community involved in dementia care: residents, families, friends, and dedicated care teams all working together to provide understanding and support.
Looking ahead
There’s always something going on at our care homes. As we wrap up May, we prepare for more fun and memorable moments for our beloved residents in June.
If you’re looking into care homes for an elderly loved one in the New Forest area, we encourage you to book a tour at one or both of our homes to see what’s on offer in person.