Tag: Cramond Residence

Promotion bolsters dementia care at Cramond Residence 

New Head of Lifestyle to strengthen residents’ experiences at care home 

ONE of Scotland’s leading care facilities has announced the appointment of a new specialist that will further improve its high-quality dementia services.  

Elaine Vallance has been promoted to Head of Lifestyle at Cramond Residence, bringing more than six years of expert care knowledge to the home’s lifestyle team.  

Elaine, who joined Cramond Residence 15 months ago, will organise a wide range of activities designed to bring meaningful socialisation to residents – a major factor in treating dementia patients.  

She said: “I’m passionate about delivering the best possible quality of care to our residents during their golden years. 

“I love spending time with our residents, and I am lucky to now head up an incredible team who always give their best to ensure that the standard of care we deliver is second to none. 

“When you come away from an activity that residents have enjoyed and you see a smile on their faces, it’s hugely rewarding and motivating. I’m really excited and thankful to be given this opportunity and I am looking forward to working with the team to bring forward more fantastic activities for our residents.” 

Cramond Residence strives to ensure that those living with dementia live a fulfilled life. The home offers a dedicated dementia floor, specially designed for those living with the condition to allow them to live a richer and more satisfying life with specialist facilities and trained staff on hand to provide support and relief. 

Dementia training sits at the top of the care home’s agenda with 90% of their staff being provided with vital dementia training.  

Elaine added: “We have already had a series of fantastic events for residents such as a trip on the trams to Newhaven, as well as a sports day which was popular with the residents.  

“In the future I have plans to create a sensory room for our residents living with dementia, this will provide a stimulating environment with huge mental benefits. 

“I will continue channelling all my energies and passion into delivering what Cramond Residence is all about, delivering top quality care to those who stay with us.” 

Client Liaison Manager, Christian Daraio said: “Elaine has a wonderfully kind and nurturing personality which the residents love.  

“We are incredible lucky to have her on our team and I am really looking forward to seeing what fantastic opportunities she no doubt has in store for our residents in the future.” 

Cramond residence is a purpose-built care home which opened in October 2018. It combines luxury, five-star accommodation with outstanding clinical standards. 

Spread across three floors, Cramond Residence adopts a small group living philosophy. That means groups of eight rooms form distinct “houses”, where residents are encouraged to eat and socialise together.  

To find out more information on Cramond Residence, visit:

 https://cramondresidence.co.uk/ 

Cramond care home hosts show-stopping summer party for residents

Dementia care specialists build on party success with another great event

PENSIONERS enjoyed a sizzling summer party filled with music, food and performances at one of Scotland’s leading care homes in dementia care.

Building on the success of last year’s seasonal extravaganza, Cramond Residence’s Lifestyle Team pulled out all the stops to create a day full of fun for residents and their families.

The luxury care home has ran summer parties in the past which have proved to be popular and plan to return next year with another.

Elaine Vallance, head of the Lifestyle Team at Cramond Residence said: “We always aim to deliver events that will put a smile on the residents’ faces, and it was great to see that with the Summer Fete this year we achieved this again.

“It was a lovely day meeting the residents’ families and welcoming them into our care home to spend time with their loved ones.

“Last year we held a Wild West themed party which was extremely popular with our residents and carers, so we knew we had to come back with something great again this year. 

“Everyone had a great time, though I suspect the residents enjoyed it just a little bit more seeing as they got the chance to throw wet sponges at our Lifestyle Team at the end of the day.”

Residents enjoyed a day full of delicious BBQ food, live music, a variety of shows, balloon modelling, a raffle and tombola.

Client Liaison Manager Christian Daraio said: “Elaine and her team consistently deliver vibrant and exciting events for our residents that brings a lot of joy to their lives. 

“I have to say, thanks to Elaine and her team – who worked tirelessly to ensure that the day ran smoothly – all who attended had a great time.

“We’re already looking forward to next year’s summer party, and of course the residents are looking forward to all the upcoming events Elaine has up her sleeve for the rest of the year.”

Cramond Residence prioritises the residents’ needs and offers a tailored activity programme that combines a luxury hotel ambiance with the comfort of home living.

The residence was purpose-built for £8m and opened in October 2018 and adopts a small-group living philosophy with a major emphasis on socialisation.

Cramond Residence offers a wide variety of dementia care services within the general home environment or in a specialist area, which has been carefully designed for those at a more advanced stage.

The home provides a range of activities specially designed to give those living with dementia a richer and more satisfying life, with specialist facilities and trained staff on hand to provide support & relief.

Edinburgh Care Home partners with leading Association to improve lives

NAPA to support Cramond care home’s 130 unique activities for residents

A NEW partnership with the UK’s leading activity and engagement association will see fun-loving pensioners at an Edinburgh care home introduced to a selection of unique and fulfilling opportunities.

The partnership between Cramond Residenceand the National Activity Providers Association (NAPA) – a charity which supports care services to prioritise wellbeing and promote activity, arts and engagement – will expand the home’s existing monthly activities and provide access to additional resources.

Cramond Residence introduced a bustling monthly rota to enrich the lives of every resident which is led by an expert team of lifestyle coordinators.

The national association focuses on person-centred engagement, while also attempting to enhance the knowledge, skills and confidence of the older generation – an ethos that Cramond prides itself on. 

Fettes College students visiting Cramond Residence, arts and crafts class

Hilary Woodhead, Executive Director at NAPA, said: “I am delighted to welcome Cramond Residence as a member of NAPA.

“The home’s commitment to providing exceptional care and meaningful engagement for their residents aligns perfectly with our mission.

“Together, we will continue to elevate the standard of person-centered activities and enhance the quality of life for the individuals Cramond supports. We look forward to a fruitful partnership ahead.”

Coupled with the home’s recent collaboration is the launch of its newly-established monthly magazine that will provide residents with updates on events taking place at the home.

The magazine will provide an overview of upcoming activities as well as bios from the home’s lifestyle team and simple seated exercises that residents can perform in their rooms to keep physically fit, along with quizzes and puzzles to keep minds sharp.

Christian Daraio, Client Liaison Manager and registered nurse at Cramond Residence said: “As a home that takes pride in its quality care, it’s highly important for us to make sure residents feel at home.

“From archery to memory sessions to talent shows to book clubs to building sustainable relationships with our local community through school and nursery visits, our offerings are expansive.

“The lifestyle team have been working tirelessly over the past few months to redevelop the services we provide and we’re delighted to reveal our enhanced offering. May was a testament to these efforts where we offered 130 individual scheduled activities alongside individual one-to-one sessions by request.

“Residents are always very enthusiastic to take part in activities and by partnering with NAPA, we can continue tailoring the rota to specific interests and ensure wellbeing and having fun is a priority.”

Launched in 2018, Cramond Residence offers uncompromising nurse-led care, as well as specialist services such as respite and dementia care. The care home currently has 74 residents spread across nine luxuriously-appointed homes.

Residential life is full of activities, freshly prepared meals and top-class facilities, ensuring that all residents enjoy a rich and satisfying life at the care home. The facilities provided include a cinema and function room, a games room and also a sensory experience that offers therapeutic activities for those with dementia.

To find out more information on Cramond Residence, visit:

https://cramondresidence.co.uk/

Pet therapy brings paw-sitive benefits to Edinburgh care home

Four-legged friends provide companionship to elderly residents

AN Edinburgh home specialising in dementia care has launched a pet therapy programme to combat loneliness and improve general wellbeing.

A group of three different therapets and their handlers have been visiting Cramond Residence each on a monthly basis to provide companionship and encourage residents to be more active throughout the day.

Elaine Vallance, Lead Lifestyle Coordinator at Cramond Residence, said: “Our residents thoroughly enjoy therapets’ visits and we always know when they are in the building as residents all have a big smile on their faces.

“They all offer a calming presence when in the building, their visits always leave everyone in high spirits, excited for the next visit – the simple act of stroking a four-legged friend can slow down the heartbeat and reduce blood pressure.

“Pet therapy can provide a calming effect and help alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation.

“Our visiting therapets are among the 500 registered therapets around Scotland, currently providing emotional support to elderly residents who cannot maintain the upkeep of a pet full-time.”

According to Alzheimer’s Society, caring for an animal can provide a sense of purpose and be a helpful stress relief source to individuals with dementia who may be struggling with depression.

The home understands the importance of interacting with animals and the benefits this has on emotional, physical and social wellbeing.

The furry friends visiting the home have proved major hits alongside the varied activities programme at Cramond Residence which includes day trips, gardening and arts and crafts, all designed to keep residents stimulated and engaged.

Launched in 2018, Cramond Residence offers uncompromising nurse-led care, as well as specialist services such as respite and dementia care. The care home currently has 74 residents spread across nine luxuriously-appointed homes.

Residential life is full of activities, freshly prepared meals and top-class facilities, ensuring that all residents enjoy a rich and satisfying life at the care home. The facilities provided include a cinema, functional exercise room, a games room and also a fine dining experience offering residents the opportunity to invite their family members in for a meal.

Each resident also receives a personal care plan from health care professionals which is continually assessed and revised, ensuring that residents have access to the best possible level of care.

Cramond Residence offers tours of their quality accommodation and facilities in the north of Edinburgh. The tour allows potential residents and their loved ones to see the residence for themselves, meet the team and discuss any additional requirements.

To find out more, call 0131 341 4037 or visit https://cramondresidence.co.uk/

Care home provides peace of mind with healthcare initiative

Cramond care home committed to improving the lives of elderly residents


A TOP Edinburgh care home has ensured the wellbeing of its elderly residents by organising visits from a local GP twice weekly.

The initiative has ensured that residents at Cramond Residence have access to healthcare on a private basis to help them with accessibility and to prevent potential issues before they occur.

The GP visits are included within the home’s current rates and have been designed to complement each resident’s personal care plans, bringing together all aspects of a person’s wellbeing – from nutritional advice and emotional welfare to physiotherapy and organised activities.

Christian Daraio, Client Liaison Manager at the 74-bedroom home, said: “Some of our residents are frail and lack mobility, making getting to the doctor’s a stressful and daunting experience.

“That is why we were exceptionally keen to offer our residents access to a GP without having to leave the comfort of their own homes.

“We set up a special clinic in the home where our visiting GP holds twice weekly private consultations for routine check-ups and residents can advise our onsite care team if they would like an appointment.

“The collaborative approach has been offered since we first opened in 2018 and is a unique feature that is much appreciated by residents and their family members. It gives peace of mind that a loved one has direct access to expert health professionals – on top of our day-to-day care.”

This feature is provided alongside the home’s exclusive partnership with Balanced, Edinburgh’s leading team of physiotherapists, who work with residents individually to improve mobility and increase activity.

Cramond Residence is located to the north of the city and adopts a small-group living philosophy spread across three floors. That means groups of eight rooms form distinct “houses”, where residents are encouraged to eat and socialise together.

The home provides a range of activities specially designed to give residents a richer and more satisfying life, with specialist facilities and trained staff on hand to provide support & relief.

To find out more about Cramond Residence, visit: cramondresidence.co.uk/ or contact enquiries@cramondresidence.co.uk.

Care home starts next chapter with  new  activity launch

Weekly book club ignites imagination and creativity among  elderly residents

BOOK-LOVING pensioners at an Edinburgh care home are keeping their minds young and agile with the latest social activity introduction.

The new weekly club at Cramond Residence gives the home’s book worms the chance to engage in open conversation about a host of genres – some of which cover stories from their childhoods and gripping new novels that exercise the brain.

Elaine Vallance, newly promoted Lifestyle Team Leader, said: “Not only does reading help increase our residents’ cognitive skills, but it can also reduce stress and help improve sleep.

“It’s a fantastic form of entertainment and a great exercise for stimulating the brain, which can be particularly beneficial for our residents with dementia.

“Our weekly book club encourages independent reading, as well as the articulation of thoughts and sharing of opinions with a group of similarly minded people.

“The club is a great way of encouraging our residents to stay social and we have experienced that even some of our less talkative residents have been willing to engage in a common topic of conversation.

“We take the time to read to those residents who can’t do so and you can tell by the big smiles on their faces how much they appreciate the simple art of storytelling.”

Cramond’s book club takes place in the home’s luxurious and comfortable lounge facilities, offering views of the expansive gardens year-round.

In addition to the weekly clubs, Cramond Residence has a private library that is well-stocked with books of different genres that residents are free to borrow and return at their leisure.

Client Liaison Manager, Christian Daraio, said: “Cramond has the unique advantage of having five-star facilities that aren’t usually synonymous with a care home.

“Our residents love making use of the library and our weekly book clubs have proved to be very popular.

“We even have plans to invite authors along to the club in the near future to engage in conversations with the residents. We aim to make the club highly educational and a great knowledge builder.

“The mental and physical benefits you can experience from reading last a lifetime and can keep an elderly brain active and engaged, possibly even delaying the onset of dementia through the strengthening of memory retention.

“Not only that, but these group activities that we pride ourselves on here at Cramond are an excellent tool in fighting loneliness and social isolation.”

Cramond Residence offers a vast array of activities to its residents on a daily basis, with the weekly book clubs being one of the latest additions to the home’s bustling monthly rota.

Residential life at the care home is full of unique activities, as well as freshly prepared meals and top-class facilities, ensuring that all residents enjoy a rich and satisfying life at the care home.

The facilities provided include a cinema, a functional exercise room, a games room and also a fine dining experience offering residents the opportunity to invite their family members in for a meal.

For more information, visit: https://cramondresidence.co.uk/

Care home’s new cooking class is better than sliced bread!

Bread making masterclass inspires creativity amongst home’s residents

Residents at a local care home have enjoyed a series of cooking classes as part of the bustling events calendar, with the programme kick-starting with a bread making masterclass.

The sessions held at Cramond Residence, courtesy of the home’s Chef Paul Cowley, hope to inspire creativity and reignite a passion for cooking amongst the residents.

This month’s masterclass focused on bread making with future sessions set to feature foods from all over the globe – following residents’ wishes.

Cooking is just one of the activities the home provides as part of its events calendar which is tailored to the residents’ interests, with the aim of improving their wellbeing and independence. Other activities include exercise classes, arts and crafts and frequent day trips.

Paul, who alongside the head chef leads the catering department at the 74-bedroom home, said: “I love seeing the smiling faces of our residents as they take part in activities that remind them of home comforts such as cooking.

“Residents enjoyed a step-by-step session on how to make bread from scratch. We sampled the bread, tasting the different types of loaves and comparing it to shop bought bread.

“Many of our residents already have a passion for cooking so we wanted to introduce the classes to continue that enjoyment while allowing some of the group to learn new skills and try different cuisines.

“As well as the pleasure of cooking, the class also provides a fun setting where residents can enjoy socialising with others in the class. The buzz of happy chatter in the dining room is ample payback for the work we do.”

This month’s activities include garden archery and golf sessions, spa and relaxation mornings and physio classes, organised by Cramond Residence’s dedicated Lifestyle Coordinators who are committed to providing fun and engaging activities for the residents to enjoy.

Len Skelton, a resident at the home said: “I always enjoy the meals cooked up by chefs at Cramond, however it is really nice to be given the opportunity to get back in the kitchen again.  Who doesn’t love the taste of fresh bread out of the oven?”

In addition to freshly prepared nutritious meals and a robust excursions and activities calendar, residents are provided with deluxe accommodation, best-of-class facilities and a wide range of entertainment.

The medication and care provided is based on a detailed personal care plan, which is continually assessed and revised by health care professionals and other experts to ensure that the best possible care is being delivered.

Facilities provided include a cinema and function room, a dedicated games room and also a sensory experience which offers therapeutic activities for those with dementia.

Cramond Residence offer tours of its quality accommodation and facilities, allowing potential residents and loved ones to see the residence for themselves, meet the team and discuss requirements.

To find out more, call 0131 341 4037 or visit https://cramondresidence.co.uk/

Pensioner play dates bring intergenerational joy

Toddlers from local nursery visit Edinburgh care home

INTERGENERATIONAL visits at an Edinburgh care home have brought some of the city’s oldest and youngest residents together.

A group of toddlers aged between three and five from Cramond Early Learning and Childcare visited residents at Cramond Residence for a day of activities and games, including art and craft projects and singing nursery rhymes.

Since opening in 2018, the home has worked to integrate younger and older generations. The benefits are endless – it reduces social isolation, loneliness and helps residents reminisce about their own childhoods.

Lorraine Mossie, Manager of Cramond Early Learning and Childcare said: “Once the ice had been broken between the children and residents, there was no stopping the fun!

“We’ve had amazing feedback from both the children and their families about our visit. The children were so excited to share their stories with their peers at nursery and with their families at home.

“We feel very passionately about intergenerational working in Cramond Early Learning and Childcare as it helps build confidence, challenges prejudices and assumptions.”

Cramond Residence prides itself on the vast array of activities offered to residents on a daily basis, with the visit from Cramond Early Learning and Childcare being one of the latest additions to the home’s bustling monthly rota.

Christian Daraio, Client Liaison Manager and registered nurse at the 74-bedroom care home, said: “The residents were very enthusiastic about the visit as they always look forward to interacting with young people – especially where singing or music is involved!

“Activities included lots of games with tennis rackets, bubbles, drawing and balloons, as well as both generations singing nursery rhymes together – it was really lovely to see. Almost 30 eager residents took part in the activities, each excited to spend some quality time with the youngsters.

“Relationships between young people and our older residents help to bring a new energy to the day.”

The visit follows recent company from Cargilfield School, Fettes College and Holyrood High School. The partnerships have enabled a host of students of all ages to visit the home, as well as providing the pupils with volunteering opportunities.

Christian continued: “These sorts of intergenerational activities allow our residents to appreciate the simple joys of seeing children and young people playing and performing, which promotes a positive mindset and most importantly, it’s great fun for everyone involved!

“We’re looking to continue regular visits from the nursery, alongside our existing relationships with other local schools.”

Cramond Residence is always on the look out for volunteers. If you would like to make a real difference to the quality of residents’ lives, visit: 

https://cramondresidence.co.uk/contact-us/join-the-team/

Residential life is full of activities, freshly prepared meals and top-class facilities, ensuring that all residents enjoy a rich and satisfying life at the care home. The facilities provided include a cinema and function room, a games room and also a sensory experience which offers therapeutic activities for those with dementia.

To find out more information on Cramond Residence, visit: 

https://cramondresidence.co.uk/

Care staff ‘sleigh’ month of festivities

THE CHRISTMAS cheer is flowing at an Edinburgh care home as it kicks off a bumper month of festive fun with a light switch-on and live band.

Lifestyle Co-ordinators at Cramond Residence have prepared a variety of activities throughout December including a Christmas party, a bespoke seasonal menu, wreath decorating workshops and a secret Santa to engage residents over the festive period and spread joy.

The team carefully curate a fitting calendar of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities each month, with December set to be the merriest yet.

Elspeth Baxter, resident at the home said: “The lifestyle team at Cramond Residence always make such a big effort for every holiday – and Christmas is no different!

“It is much appreciated and spreads a lot of joy within the home. From putting the final touches to our Christmas tree to creating a 7ft wreath which now sits proudly at our entrance, it brings everyone together and we love seeing the home decorated.”

The Christmas party will see residents eat, drink and be merry, with festive themed food and drink, as well as music and games – with a special guest appearance from Santa who will be presenting each deserving resident with a gift.

Other activities throughout the month include carol singing, a festive cocktail and mocktails class, a Christmas movie night and a ceilidh with a live band, before treating the residents to a whisky by the fire on Christmas Eve and a jam-packed all-day celebration on the 25th. 

Garylee Rushforth, Lifestyle Coordinator at the 74-bedroom care home, said: “The festivities are always looked forward to by our residents, so we strive to put on a good mix of activities for everyone to get involved in.

“This year we are delighted to be welcoming family, friends and the local community back into the home to celebrate with us, which really is what Christmas is all about.

“Coming together over the festive period can help our residents reminisce on previous Christmas memories from their childhood or family times – their stories are always a treat to hear.”

Cramond Residence adopts a small-group living philosophy spread across three floors. That means groups of eight rooms form distinct “houses” where residents are encouraged to eat and socialise together.

The home provides a range of activities specially designed to give residents a richer and more satisfying life, with specialist facilities and trained staff on hand to provide support & relief.

Prices at the home start from £2,200 per week.

To find out more about Cramond Residence, visit: cramondresidence.co.uk/ or contact enquiries@cramondresidence.co.uk.

Pensioners on target at Cramond home’s new activity

ACTIVE pensioners at an upmarket care home are proving you are never too old to pick up a new hobby.

The introduction of archery to Cramond Residence’s calendar of activities has been well received by residents who channelled their inner Robin Hood as they learned how to shoot a bow and arrow for the first time.

The home’s Lifestyle team were keen to introduce an activity that many residents wouldn’t have had exposure too to complement the rich and exciting rota of activities offered which has been tailored to residents’ interests to improve their wellbeing and independence.

Garylee Rushforth, Lifestyle Coordinator at the 74-bedroom home, said: “It really was a spur of the moment idea – when I was purchasing new sports equipment for the home, I saw an archery kit online and thought it would be a great outdoor activity to try with our residents.

“Initially, the idea of archery was a very alien concept as none of the residents had ever engaged with such an activity before. However, we ended up seeing a huge turnout – with around 20 residents participating in the first session – so we decided to make the activity a regular addition.

“The residents have been loving trying out archery – there’s always lots of laughs and smiles, which is always so rewarding to see. It’s been a great hit!”

The activity was integrated into the home’s bustling events rota, among a series of other sports and exercise classes, to encourage movement and improve the residents’ physical wellbeing.

Garylee continued: “Physical engagement is vital in supporting the mental stimulation and physical needs of our residents, as well as creating a happy and thriving environment for them to enjoy.

“Working in conjunction with our physiotherapy team, we offer at least one physical activity every day. We have seen that increased activity aids mobility and reduces the likelihood of falls occurring amongst residents, creating a safer living environment.

“We offer a wide range of sporting activities at Cramond Residence – from boules, to tennis, to dance. We even held a sports day for the residents, which was a great success.”

Cramond Residence adopts a small-group living philosophy spread across three floors. That means groups of eight rooms form distinct “houses”, where residents are encouraged to eat and socialise together.

The home provides a range of activities specially designed to give residents a richer and more satisfying life, with specialist facilities and trained staff on hand to provide support & relief.

Prices at the home start from £1,950 per week.

To find out more about Cramond Residence, visit: cramondresidence.co.uk/ or contact enquiries@cramondresidence.co.uk.