Activities at Balclutha Court Care Home
At Balclutha Court our resident’s happiness is extremely important to us. We all know that a large part of this is keeping active and continuing to enjoy your interests and hobbies. At Balclutha Court, we have regular activities including arts and crafts, music, entertainment, trips to local attractions such as canal trips, safari parks and many more. Our activities team are always busy organising events, entertainment and excursions with the broadest possible appeal and many of our residents see living at Balclutha Court as an opportunity to develop a new skill or interest. It is important to us that each individual who we support can get as much from these as possible, so we try our best to arrange activities that reflect their interests and capabilities as best as possible, and encourage them to participate in any way they can. We also encourage relatives to join with activities and events as often as they can.
Karen Dillon
Karen Dillon is our Head of Activities and has worked within the home since 2005, starting out as a Carer. Karen is very outgoing and full of fun. She has many hobbies, with arts & crafts being her favourite, and her passion for this can be seen in our life enrichment programme.
Karen is supported by Kay Millar and Anita Marsh, between them they ensure that residents are happy and have loads of fun.
They are very keen to involve the residents in the decision making within the home to enhance their experience. They take part in the residents' meetings, catering forums and assist the General Manager in interviewing new staff members.
Read our brochure 'Life-enriching activities' for more information about life in our care homes.
Read our brochure
Activities and Events Partnerships
As part of our bespoke life-enrichment programmes, we host a number of live virtual events in the home on a regular basis through a number of partnerships with places of interest and world class performance companies
Life at Balclutha Court Care Home
Virtual trip to the Donkey Sanctuary
Across our services, Residents enjoyed a fantastic virtual tour of the Donkey Sanctuary Manchester. Residents were thrilled to meet the lovely herd of donkeys, including Henry and his best friend Tiny Tim and to learn more about their every day care. They were introduced to the sanctuary’s work and the impact they make to the lives of donkeys in need worldwide. The virtual experience was truly enjoyed by all.
Don't be a stranger
We didn't get to say a proper goodby when she left so invited her for a cuppa. There were tears and laughter as we said our fare wells to Melissa who has been a big part of our activities team here at Balclutha but has now left to go to university. We wish you well in everything you do and hope the NHS know how lucky they will be to have you when you finish your nursing. We will miss you more than you know
Card designing
Hallmark really need to watch their back! Balcluthas craft group showing off thier skills once again and obviously making space in the craft cupboard before the Christmas rush
Christmas movies begin...
Its officially the start of the build up when you watch the first christmas movie of the year! Right? Thank you so much to Waterfront Cinema - Greenock for their amazing hospitality as always. It was also great to be able to join forces with all our friends from our local care homes again to enjoy the cinema experience together. Its been too long
Home host scrabble competition
Staff and residents from Barchester’s Balclutha Court care home, in Greenock were delighted to welcome their friends from Altna Craig Care Home back for a scrabble competition which had been postponed since before the pandemic. Everyone had a fantastic time catching up and pitting their wits against each other. Karen Dillon, Activities Co-Ordinator said: “It was great to catch up and it felt like it was only yesterday we were laughing and joking together and hopefully this is the start of many more gatherings”. General Manager, Alison Dickson said: “It was wonderful to welcome visitors back to the home and the Giant Scrabble is always a favourite with everyone. Everyone had a fabulous time catching up after so long.”
Royal Botanic Garden
Our homes enjoyed a wonderful virtual tour of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh with Community Engagement Manager, Charlotte Walker, and Botanic Cottage Operations Co-ordinator, Laura Gallagher.
The residents were thrilled to learn more about the history of the beautiful Garden, which is now a home to an impressive plant collection from around the world.
Charlotte and Laura also gave a demonstration of making fresh herbal tea and were happy to answer our questions. The virtual experience was truly enjoyed by all who joined.
Upcoming events
May
May is the gateway to summer and we have lots of fun filled things planned - all welcome.
