Meet our Activities Coordinator, Louisa Taylor

Hello my name is Louisa and I am one of three activity coordinators here at Highview, I have been in post since January 2016. Prior to taking the post here I held a similar role for five years, but in a smaller, privately owned nursing home.

I have a BA in ‘Health & Welfare’ which I completed on-line through the UHI while my son was in primary school. We live on the Black Isle with our two dogs. Our aim here at Highview is to provide a stimulating and relevant programme of activities that reflects the interests and aspirations of our residents. We are always looking for ideas and inspiration, working closely with the nursing and care teams, residents and their loved ones to ensure that our activities provision is relevant, and of benefit to our residents. Please do not hesitate to contact a member of the activity team if you would like further information or support in enabling your loved one to achieve their full potential.

Activities at our 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.

Life at Highview House Care Home

A breath of fresh air

Residents of Highview took to the homes beautiful garden to take advantage of the recent glorious weather. Everyone commented on how much better they felt for grabbing a breath of fresh air, feeling the sun on their faces and checking on the progress of the plants, including the colourful pots that have just been added.

A splash of colour

Residents and colleagues of the home have been showing their creative sides as they created colourful murals for the homes large picture windows for everyone to see. Everyone thinks they bring a welcome splash of colour and working on them together has helped them get through the last few challenging months of lockdown due to the covid19 pandemic.

Making friends

Residents of Highview House have been observing the wildlife in their garden over the course of the year and have had many visitors to the homes raised pond, with many visitors on hot days for a refreshing drink of water! Residents were delighted with one of this year’s fledgling gulls who put in an appearance and seemed unafraid of us.

A Breath of Fresh Air

We know how important it is to have access to fresh air and sunshine, so wherever possible our residents get the opportunity to spend time outdoors to enjoy a breath of fresh air. Each unit of the home has access to safe enclosed sheltered garden space with garden seating, enabling us to provide afternoon tea on the patio. We enjoy watching the fish coming up to the surface of our raised pond to sunbathe too! As it gets warmer we look forward to enjoying many of our regular activities outside in the fresh air and sunshine.

Keeping in Touch

Residents at Highview have been hard at work creating cards to send to their loved ones as a surprise and making use of skype and Facetime so that they can video call their relatives – although some weren’t too sure about the new technology!

Pet Therapy in Lockdown

Life under lockdown has been challenging for everyone, but Highview is very fortunate to have good friends who help keep residents' spirits lifted.

Sammy the PAT dog may not have been able to visit, but owner, Ivy, is sharing pictures and video clips of Sammy practising his ‘tricks’. These have been an invaluable support to all, reminding everyone that friends and loved ones have not ‘forgotten us’, Many people have a photo of Sammy on their wardrobe door or wall.