Activities at Lochduhar Care Home
Activities are the cornerstone of a wholesome home experience and our Activities Coordinators are always putting their creative minds to the test by organising new and exciting social events for residents to partake in. Of course, we take into account the likes and dislikes of those we support, so if someone doesn’t feel like trying something new, there will always be something on offer to reflect their personal interests. For the people who may just prefer some peace and quiet instead, we also offer one-to-one time that can be enjoyed with a nice cup of coffee or just a simple chat – whatever they desire.
Sally Gilder
Sally has been in the care sector since 1998. Sally joined the Lochduhar team in 2018 as a care assistant.
Sally is very passionate about the care she provides and the welfare of the residents. Working as a care assistant Sally was able to get to know the residents wants and needs to provide excellent person centred care to each individual. Then in 2020 Sally found the opportunity to become Head of Activities. Sally feels that she provides a different side to herself to promote an active and inclusive lifestyle through her role as Head of Activities.
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 Lochduhar Care Home
Administrator scoops coveted award
Cheryl Beeton at Lochduhar Care Home in Dumfries has been crowned Home Administration Champion of the Year for the North Division in the Barchester Care Awards 2021 and is through to the national round of judging.
The Barchester Care Awards celebrate the staff who go the extra mile for the benefit of the 12,000 residents living in Barchester’s 248 care homes and private hospitals across the country. Categories range from ‘Registered Nurse of the Year’ and ‘Carer of the Year’ to ‘Dementia Care Champion’ and ‘Activities Coordinator of the Year’.
More than 2,900 nominations were received from homes and hospitals across the UK. All entries were a very high standard and Cheryl is over the moon to have been named the winner for the North Division beating hundreds of other nominees.
Cheryl said: “I am overwhelmed that my colleagues at Lochduhar have nominated me for this award and I feel very privileged to be the winner in this category for the North Division”
Residents explore Dartmoor Zoo
We were able to virtually dive into the impressive wildlife of Dartmoor Zoo.
We explored its grounds and learnt about the unique history of the park from the zoo’s educational team. The culmination of the tour was the live tiger training demonstration, which was wonderful to see and enjoyed by all.
Our residents were delighted to see amazing photos and short videos of the animals and take a peek inside their home.
Residents enjoy virtual trip to Iceland
We took a wonderful virtual trip to Iceland’s Puffin Rescue Centre at the Beluga Whale Sanctuary.
We were able to virtually meet some of the rescued Atlantic Puffins and to learn interesting facts about their care and unique lives. We took a peek into their lives in the wild, the Puffling rescue program in the Westman Islands, and how SEA LIFE Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary’s team takes care of these charismatic little birds each day.
It was a very exciting experience, enjoyed by all.
Harvest time
Its Harvest time here at Lochduhar as Residents, David and Cameron picked their crops and inspected their potatoes, with both happy with their progress but think the potatoes still may need a few more weeks! With some ready, these were picked for the homes hospitality team to whip up a treat for tonight’s tea. Residents here at Lochduhar love their garden club and sharing stories from allotment and gardening days.
WW2 virtual event
Ahead of Armed Forces Day, we were transported back in time for a World War II themed talk and tour of Blenheim Palace, hosted by Antonia Keaney, the Palace’s social historian and author.
Entitled ‘Evacuees and Espionage,’ Antonia’s wartime themed talk focused on how the Marlborough family, estate staff and the Palace itself played a full and energetic part in the war effort.
The talk and tour told the story of how the Palace prepared for the worst, survived the onslaught of 400 boys being evacuated to Blenheim and kept the secrets of MI5.
It was a lovely experience, enjoyed by all.
Garden entertainment is back!
There were smiles all round at Lochduhar care home in Dumfries as live entertainers were allowed to perform in the garden once again. Vocalist, Susi performed a medley of hits requested by staff and residents who really enjoyed the show.
Just like the rest of the country, Government guidelines for care homes are starting to relax and performers can now entertain residents again safely in outdoor spaces.
Gillian Ward, General Manager commented: “It is great to be able to open up our gardens again and have some live entertainment for our residents. We have really missed being able to welcome performers into our home during lockdown, although we’ve had lots of virtual concerts, quizzes and talks. It’s lovely to be able to host events in the garden again now that lockdown is easing and the weather is getting warmer.”
Upcoming events
