Activities at Drummond Grange Care Home
We understand that the people we support have passions and interests that could be difficult to pursue after moving into a care home – but that doesn’t mean we don’t encourage them to try! Some hobbies can define a person, so our Activities Coordinators are dedicated to ensuring that everyone we support is able to do what makes them happy to the best of their abilities. Social events are organised with individual tastes in mind and with the idea that residents have the opportunity to try new and exciting things.
Katie Nicolson
Katie Nicolson is our Head of activities here at Drummond since August 2023 beforehand she worked as an activity assistant in the home for two years. Before coming to Drummond Katie has worked in many care roles over the years and studied Psychology and Sociology at Queen Margaret’s University and was awarded a Degree of Bachelor of science in Psychology and Sociology at the start of 2022. Katie loves being part of the Activity department here at Drummond Grange and bringing new and exciting opportunities and experiences to the residents. When she’s not at work Katie is a local Girl Guide leader and youth leader for her churches youth group.
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 Drummond Grange Care Home
Senior Olympics
We are the Drummond Dragons and have been going to the 'Olympics' now for 4 years. Our team consists of 5 members: Ena MacKay, Anne Ward, Anya Adam, Kate Murray and Ishbel McDougal. Helping out the residents was Greig Wilson and Aljane Bangay. The event has been held in Mayfield Leisure Centre for the past 4 years. We did not win but that did not worry us as it was the taking part that we all enjoyed. This year's theme was 'Rio' and lots of us went all out to bring a carnival atmosphere to the day.
A Day of Awards
Drummond Grange celebrated an Employee of the Month award, a 15 Years of Service award, several SVQ Level 2 awards and two SVQ Level 3 awards - all on the same day! These were presented by Elvis, who entertained both residents and staff throughout the afternoon.
Third award for care hero, Julie!
Care Practitioner, Julie Wright, who works at Drummond Grange, picked up her third care award at the Edinburgh News' Local Hero Awards.
Julie won 'Carer of the Year' in both Barchester's Care Awards and the Scottish Care Awards in 2015, and has now been awarded a third accolade for the amazing work she does caring for the people who live at Drummond Grange.
The Local Hero Awards took place on Friday 27th May. Julie Wright said about the awards: “The ceremony was very glamorous, the presenter was lovely and they had some great music and entertainment during the evening.
“There were 12 of us from Drummond Grange who attended the awards ceremony. We were all made to feel very welcome – everyone there was really friendly.”
Julie was up against two other finalists in the Carer category. When it was announced that she was the winner, she couldn’t believe it.
“People keep asking me how it feels to win and it’s hard to find the words. I still can’t believe I won. I had to give a speech on the night and I tried to explain then how it feels… I’m honoured and very thankful to Eleanor for nominating me. It’s amazing to know my colleagues felt I had a chance of winning.
Julie added: “I think this achievement is largely thanks to the good mentors I have had and the amazing colleagues I’m surrounded by. I have developed a lot and hopefully there is even more learning and development to come!”
Eleanor Wilson, General Manager at Drummond Grange said: “Julie is someone who really goes the extra mile. She likes to understand people’s lives before they move into care and to help them continue with that lifestyle. She makes the transition into care so much easier. If someone likes shopping, eating out or going to the pub, she’ll help them to continue enjoying these activities.”
Everyone is over the moon for Julie who truly deserves this fantastic recognition.
Fun in the Sun
Staff Nurse, Anna, from the Buccleuch Unit, dressed up and gave out ice lollies to everyone as it was such a nice day outside.
Residents then decided to spend some time outside, so they chose to sit themselves under the big tree to get some shade.
Staff made sure that no one was bored as they had music on and played games.
Drummond Goes Incognito
Residents at Drummond Grange enjoyed an afternoon's entertainment with Incognito, who are a small group of a cappella singers with the Forth Valley Choir. Forth Valley Choir have travelled all over the world and won competitions for their singing.
The choir sang a variety of songs, including Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Climb Every Mountain and Twiddle Dee, to name but a few.
Centenarian at Drummond Grange!
The 9th April 1916 was a very special day indeed: it was the day Frank Hogg was born. Saturday the 9th April 2016 was also a very special day: it was the day we celebrated Frank's 100th birthday at Drummond Grange. The day was made very special for Frank by having family, friends and staff help him to celebrate.
The birthday celebrations began with the arrival of a couple of horses from the Kevock Riding Stables, just down the road from the Home. The centenarian, who has a great love of horses, won many competitions for his grooming and presentation of the great Shire Horses. He always tells us about all the cups and ribbons that he won.
The Lord Provost, Joe Wallace, came along and presented Frank with a silver Quaich (with his name engraved on it), along with a bottle of his favourite tipple Sherry. Major Jim Tilley, from the Argylle & Sutherland Highlanders at Stirling Castle, also came along with a Piper in full dress. Frank was given a beautiful picture of the Battle of Longstop Hill, a book to do with all of the battles during the war and a watch with his name engraved on it. He was presented with a few other gifts from the Major. Frank, however, only wanted one thing from the Major, and that was his Glen Garry Hat. The Major has said that one will be sent on to him.
