Activities at Lochduhar Care Home

Finally the sun has arrived at Lochduhar! The residents have been making full use of the garden area and have been busy. We were lucky enough to get lovely plants donated from our local garden centres. The residents have enjoyed helping us plant these to brighten up the garden for all the residents to enjoy.

Manager, Gill Ward said “We were over whelmed by the generosity and kindness of our local community. We got such a lovely range of plants and orchids for around the home and resident’s rooms. It has certainly brightened up the home and the residents can’t wait to spend more time outside!”.

Residents and colleagues at Lochduhar were delighted to answer a call to accept a ‘special delivery’ from their local Tesco store who kindly donated a hamper of goodies to help keep our residents  occupied during the current coronavirus crisis.  residents and colleagues have been overwhelmed with their generosity with a trolley overflowing with items from DVD’S, puzzle books, games, biscuits, Easter crafts, colouring in books, pens, paper, playing cards, Easter bonnets and lots more!

Tesco’s have encouraged the home to reach out if they need anything else. On behalf of Lochduhar, residents and colleagues would like to pass on their gratitude for being considered at this time of uncertainty and hope everyone stays safe and well.  Such a nice gesture thinking of us care homes and everyone joining forces to keep the community spirit together!

To combat loneliness and isolation colleagues at Lochduhar reached out to the community as part of their extended social network to seek pen-pals of all ages reaching out to nurseries, schools and members of the community to remain connected during the current coronavirus crisis.

Residents were delighted to receive colourful pictures delivered to the home from members of  local primary school  who have visited the home regularly until the current restrictions were put in place.

Thank you for adding a little colour and sunshine to our residents day and for your heartfelt message.  One resident said “It was very touching to receive such nice letters from the children”, whilst another said “The pictures are lovely, bless them all”.

It is amazing how a simple letter, short story, poem or even a photo or drawing can brighten someone’s day. The residents of Lochduhar will then reply as part of our busy social activity sessions.

We are happy to receive things via post which can be sent to directly to the home or you can email us directly to lochduhar.activities@barchester.com.                                                                                                                                                                                  

North West nursery visited the residents at Lochduhar Nursing Home. Both generations working together has a huge benefit to both age groups. The residents and children’s confidence has grew as they work together, doing different activities. There was a wide range of activities such as parachute games, arts and crafts, planting, telling stories and sharing their favourite songs with one another. Through these fun activities, both generations were able to pass on their skills and experiences.

One resident said to the nursery teacher “This gives me a boost and new lease of life”.

The nursery teacher Lorraine Murdoch said “The children can’t wait to come back and always say “When are we going back to the big house to see the ladies and gentlemen?”. She also said “ It’s great to see their confidence grow each week and the children getting to know the residents well”.

Residents and staff of Lochduhar marked their annual shrove Tuesday tradition by hosting their annual pancake race with the children from St. Teresa’s Primary School. This popular fun-filled activity sees the children competing against the home by racing the staff round the carpark while flipping pancakes in the air.

Residents were outside, cheering everyone on! It was a great event and enjoyed by everyone! Winners of the race were presented with a prize by the homes acting General Manager Gill.

Gill said “It was a very positive and uplifting event. It was great to see the interaction between staff, children and residents. A great time had by all and we look forward to seeing the children again soon”.

Love was in the air  at Lochduhar as residents celebrated Valentine’s Day surrounded by their loved ones, flowers, cards and sweets in celebration of the most romantic day of the year.

Staff, residents and guests started their celebration of love with a family and friends valentine’s themed cocktail party and live entertainment with popular vocalist, Gary Shanks. Carer, Adam even turned waiter for the afternoon to the delight of everyone. The day was full of romance, messages of love before taking to the dance floor to sing and dance as Gary performed a medley of love songs.

Operations Manager, Farai Hanyane said: “This week has shown us all that you are never too old for love. We’ve had a whole range of treats and Valentine’s themed fun for the individuals that live here and their guests and we have enjoyed every moment of it!”