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
Let's get sporty!
Our residents look forward to our weekly session from Let’s Get Sporty. These people provide, chair based physical activities. They do balancing skills
with a tennis rackets and a ball. There is throw a bean bag to see who can hit the highest number. Catch a ball in a cone, which is a great hit with the residents and much more.
Birthday celebrations
Celebrations have been in full swing at Lochduhar Care Home, as one of its residents reached his 80th birthday in style. Gordon Goodwin was joined by staff, friends and other residents as he celebrated his 80th birthday. When asked how he would like to mark his special birthday, Gordon shared that he would like a balloon to be put on his wheelchair, to visit the pub for a couple of drinks and he also requested to have a party with entertainment. Gordon’s wishes were granted and he enjoyed his birthday celebrations along with his fellow residents, families and staff.
Kitchen Assistant celebrates 20-years at home
A Kitchen Assistant at Lochduhar Care Home in Dumfries has received a prestigious Long Service Award in celebration of working at Barchester Healthcare for 20 years.
Rhona Hanley, kitchen assistant, started at Barchester in August 2003 and has worked with residents and their relatives to ensure that their needs have been met over the years.
Castledykes Sunken Gardens
We recently had a minibus trip to Castledykes sunken gardens. We took a picnic with us, which had been prepared by our kitchen team.
There were maps and information boards, at the entrance to Castledykes Park. There was a wooden statue of Robert the Bruce, surrounded by array of plants. We sat in the picnic area enjoying the picnic, listening to the children play while admiring the wild flowers and the lovely smells.
Happy 80th Birthday Gordon!
One of our residents asked us if we could hold him a Party for his 80th Birthday.
We asked a local man John Caskie if he could come and sing for us, and his companion William played the accordion. Gordon asked Sally if she would get him a helium balloon so he could attach it to his wheelchair when he went out.
Gordon received his presents and a large 80th badge to wear.
Two members of staff took Gordon to his fortnightly visit to the pub. While he was away we got together with staff and residents and we decorated the Bistro area, ready for Gordons return. Gordon was all smiles on his return, as we sang Happy Birthday to him.
The kitchen team made a delicious buffet, with wines and beer. Gordon said he had enjoyed the whole day and thanked us.
Mayfair of Nightingales
Residents across our services had a fantastic time joining Mandy Morrow for a virtual walking tour to learn about the ‘Herstory’ of Mayfair. The Mayfair of Nightingales may be long gone but it still holds a 20th century charm. Birthplace to the late Queen Elizabeth II, home to one of WWII's most decorated female war heroes and a tale of a wealthy Aristocrat and one of France's favourite designers.
We were delighted to take a walk down memory lane and discover stories from one of London's most iconic areas. The experience was truly enjoyed by all.
