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
Pets at the Palaces with Jon Sleigh
Residents across our services had a delightful time during a special virtual sensory storytelling event, led by Art Historian Jon Sleigh from the Historic Royal Palaces.
Jon took us on a journey to discover some of the more unusual and unexpected inhabitants of the palaces and the Tower of London, sharing fascinating stories about the pets at the palaces.
Whilst enjoying the virtual experience, our residents were treated to hot beverages, delicious biscuits, berries and cakes. It was a truly lovely time for all.
Residents explore local museum
Staff and residents at Barchester’s Lochduhar care home in Dumfries took a trip to the local aviation museum to celebrate International Museum Day.
Dumfries & Galloway Aviation Museum have a fantastic collection of aircraft, dedicated displays on the Home Front, RAF Dumfries and the Bomber War and a huge collection of memorabilia. With indoor and outdoor exhibits and a small café, the museum was an excellent place for our residents to while away a few hours.
International Aviation Day
Today we visited the aviation museum in Dumfries.
Our residents really enjoyed this, one resident was reminiscing of the world wars.
The resident informed us that the inventor of the jet engine was Frank Whittle.
We took a look at a spitfire, we read some information about a group of enthusiasts who were to form Dumfries and Galloway Aviation Museum first to become aware that a spitfire had crashed into Loch Doon during the war. Our residents found this very interesting, there were talks the too. There was an old fashioned café there, so we made our way there and had some coffee and fruit biscuits.
Celebrations fit for a King
Excitement was in the air at Lochduhar Care Home in Dumfries where residents and staff have been busy making Coronation-themed decorations and baking up a storm of red, white and blue cakes and pastries with the help of Head Chef Evelyn Paterson, Second Chef, Ross Paterson and the amazing hospitality team in preparation of the King’s Coronation which took place on May 6.
Staff and residents at the home put their heads together and came up with a plan for their celebrations fit for a King. Over the bank holiday weekend the home held a party and a buffet with live entertainment which encouraged residents, families and staff to sing-a-long and dance. The whole home came together to celebrate our new King and talk about the new era the country is entering.
Coronation virtual talk
Across our services Residents had a wonderful time participating in an interactive virtual talk with Pippa Catterall, Professor of History and Policy at the University of Westminster, where we delved into the rich history of coronations.
During the talk, we explored fascinating topics such as the coronation chair, the crown, and other significant aspects related to King Charles' upcoming coronation. Our residents were thrilled to have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the memoirs of past coronations from 1937 and 1953, as well as learning about the coronation oath and what to expect from the ceremony, including the music, guests, and pageantry.
Weekly Visit from North West Nursery
Every friday morning the children from North West Nursery come in to visit our home. They call it the big house.
Their subject this week was arts and crafts with our residents. Each of the residents get such enjoyment, as do the children.
The teacher says they always talk about the big house, and always look forwardf to joining us.
