Tag: Cramond Residence

Care home fighting fit for 2022 with record occupancy rates

AN EDINBURGH care home has recorded a strong bounce back from the last two years of lockdowns – with record occupancy numbers as it looks to expand its team for 2022.

Despite the challenges brought on the care home sector, Cramond Residence is optimistic for the year ahead with occupancy rates up 65% on this point last year.

The home is set to hire additional members of staff to take its team to more than 100, in response to the continued growing demand.

Located in Cramond, the care home was launched in late 2018 and offers uncompromising nurse-led care, as well as respite and dementia specialist services and offers small group living in nine luxuriously-appointed homes.

Throughout the pandemic it has been able to use its purpose-built layout and cutting-edge air filtration system and laundry facilities to minimise cross-infection.  


Christian Daraio, Client Liaison Manager at Cramond Residence said: “After an unprecedented two years for the industry, we finally have positive momentum.

“Our clients and their families are placing their trust in us and we’re thrilled to be reaching record occupancy levels.

“The biggest obstacle we now have to us providing care for more older people is recruitment. We’re hopeful that we can cut through the current workforce crisis by offering some of the highest salaries in Edinburgh, competitive terms and conditions and a great team environment.  

“Putting the wellbeing of our residents and staff has been and continues to be our main priority and as we continue on the path to normality, we are looking forward to increasing our offering over the coming months.”

The home is looking for applications from lifestyle coordinators, qualified nurses and catering assistants, with particularly high demand for nursing staff and care assistants.

Included in the home’s current offering for residents is a tailored monthly activity programme, curated by its dedicated lifestyle team, bespoke physiotherapy sessions by boutique physiotherapy experts, Balanced as well as specialist dementia care.

Throughout the duration of the pandemic, the home offered a range of virtual activities, including linking up with the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions to deliver a programme of interactive tours of some of Scottish most famous attractions, to keep residents stimulated and engaged.

Cramond Residence offers high quality care for up to 74 residents offering a small-group living concept in nine houses, with all residents enjoying an exceptional range of amenities and activities, delicious food and bespoke care from a highly-trained team.

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

School pipe band performance keeps elderly residents in tune

SPIRITS at a Cramond care home have been lifted thanks to a local school pipe band treating residents to a fine performance. 

Pupils from Cargilfield School, an independent preparatory school for boys and girls aged three to 13,  visited Cramond Residence for an afternoon of traditional Scottish music for pipes and drums.

The performance is just one way the home is helping residents filter back into the local community following months of lockdown, while encouraging intergenerational conversations.

Angela Skilky, Lifestyle Co-ordinator at the 74-bedroom home, said: “Our main aim is always to provide fun, interactive and stimulating activities for residents to take part in, so we’re delighted to be able to resume in-person visits from members of the community.

“Residents thoroughly enjoyed the performance and the music has helped many reminisce fondly on previous moments in their life.

“We’re really thankful for the pupils coming along and taking time to entertain our residents. Creating intergenerational relationships are extremely important as they can help residents boost confidence, increase communication and improve memory.”

Cramond Residence holds a vast range of tailored activities that are open to all residents. Recent get-togethers have included arts and crafts, armchair aerobics and sensory sessions.

Cargilfield Headteacher Rob Taylor said: “It was lovely to see the residents smiling and tapping their feet along to the music.

“Some of the favourite songs included Highland Cathedral and of course ‘A Man’s a Man’ in honour of our Burns Night celebrations.”

The event kickstarted a week of Burns night activities, with residents enjoying a traditional Scottish menu including cock-a-leekie soup for starter, followed by a main of haggis, neeps and tatties with cranachan and a “wee dram” for dessert.

Jan Henderson, resident at the home, said: “Thanks to both Cramond Residence staff and Cargilfield School for organising such a wonderful afternoon. There were smiles all round and the performance was enjoyed by everyone.”

Cramond Residence offers high quality care for up to 74 residents offering a small-group living concept in nine houses, with all residents enjoying an exceptional range of amenities and activities, delicious food and bespoke care from a highly-trained team.

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

Care residents deck the halls thanks to calendar of festive fun

FESTIVITIES are underway at an Edinburgh care home with residents treated to a bumper month of Christmas related activities.

Kickstarting with a light switch on and a visit from Santa and his reindeers, Cramond Residence is hosting a series of Christmas themed activities for the duration of December.

Activities include a Christmas party with a festive magician, bespoke seasonal menu, festive cooking masterclass and secret Santa which have been planned by the home’s dedicated lifestyle team.

John Hughes, resident at Cramond Residence, said: “The home has put in lots of effort to make us all feel festive this year.

“My favourite activity so far has been the Christmas market and the visit from the reindeers but I’m also very much looking forward to the Christmas cooking masterclass too.

“We weren’t really able to celebrate so much last year so it’s nice the staff have gone to all this effort to make this year extra special for us.”

All donations received during any of the Christmas activities will be donated to Alzheimer’s Scotland & Save the Children – the home’s chosen charities for the festive season.

Mike Hall, Lifestyle Co-ordinator at the 74-bedroom home said: “This year the team at Cramond Residence has been really keen to host lots of celebrations involving the community, as we are able to do so now.

“All of our staff and residents have been well and truly getting into the festive spirit and the atmosphere in the home has been very positive.

“The activities have gone down a treat with residents, many of whom have expressed their delight for the month long calendar of events.

“As Christmas is focused on kindness and giving, we also made the decision to raise funds for Alzheimer’s Scotland as it is a charity close to many at the home”.

Cramond Residence offers high quality care for up to 74 residents offering a small-group living concept in nine houses, with all residents enjoying an exceptional range of amenities and activities, delicious food and bespoke care from a highly-trained team.

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

Care residents celebrate Halloween with a week of spook-tacular activities

HALLOWEEN celebrations are well underway at an Edinburgh care home with a dedicated activity planner designed for the occasion.

After celebrations were reduced last year due to restrictions, dedicated staff at Cramond Residence were keen to put on a bumper of activities.

The programme kicked off with Halloween arts and crafts, autumnal pumpkin carving, a scary film festival and traditional Halloween party with spooky treats, a costume competition and pumpkin smashing.

Residents also travelled to different countries from the comfort of their art chair to learn about Mexican culture and celebrate The Day of the Dead.

Dariusz Miszta, Lead Lifestyle Coordinator at the 74-bedroom home, said: “Residents and staff have really been getting in to the Halloween spirit with a series of ghoulish games and activities. expertly planned by our lifestyle team.

“We’re closing the celebrations with a home wide Halloween Party with staff and residents coming together to get dressed up and play traditional Halloween games.

“The variety of activities on offer ensures mixed abilities are catered for and residents can pick and choose what they would like to attend. We’ve made sure there is something for everyone to enjoy.”

The Halloween activities feature part of the varied activities programme on offer and are designed to keep residents stimulated, learning and having fun.

Other activities on offer throughout the month include cheese and wine evenings, afternoon tea trips, physio-led exercise classes as well as an Oktoberfest celebration where residents were treated to their very own beer tasting event from local brewery, Pilot.

Cramond Residence caters for 74 residents, in nine perfectly appointed small living concepts the home provides a combination between luxury combination and the highest quality of care.

Residents are guaranteed a luxurious individual room with en-suite facilities, catered delicious food and a tailored care plan from an expert team who endeavour to maintain a minimum 1:4 of care ratio of care staff to resident during day time.

The home also offers a ranges of amenities, including onsite gardens, a library, hair salon and cinema room.

Places in the care home start from £1850 a week.

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

Care residents experience a taste of Oktoberfest … in Cramond!

Elderly residents transformed their care home into a Bavarian Steinhaus for an Oktoberfest celebration to remember – with the help from a local brewery.

Edinburgh-based brewer Pilot provided Cramond Residence with a selection of beers to sample during the Oktoberfest celebration which helped create a truly authentic experience.  

The home marked the celebration across three days with a variety of German-related activities, including an Oktoberfest party, beer tasting, a lesson on the history of the festival and themed arts and crafts.

Residents made decorations which were used to transform the cinema room ahead of the party and many even got involved in the set up to make sure everything looked authentic. 

Christian Daraio, Client Liaison Manager at Cramond Residence, said: “Thanks to Pilot, we were able to organise a truly unique experience for our residents that many wouldn’t have the opportunity to do otherwise.

“The celebration went down really well last year with both staff and residents keen to do it again. This year we wanted to do it bigger and better before so it was great to have Pilot on board.

“As we approach the winter months it’s nice to do something a bit different and bring everyone in the home together.

“I’m not sure if we will be able to beat this year’s event when it comes around again but at least we’ve made it one to remember!”

Pilot supplied the home with a variety of samples including Leith Lager, Mochaccino Stout and two more of its locally brewed beverages.

Director/Co-Founder at Pilot, Matt Johnson, said: “It’s great to hear the sample experience went down well with residents.

“We selected a diverse range of beer styles to provide participants with a mix of different flavour profiles; some of which may have been new to them, but we hope that others might have sparked some nostalgia too.”

The Oktoberfest festivities were part of the wider programme of activities on offer at Cramond Residences to keep residents stimulated and enjoying their later years. Other activities include trips for afternoon tea, story sessions with other residents and tailored physiotherapy sessions.

With capacity to house 74 residents, in nine small living concepts, the home provides luxury accommodation alongside care unmatched in quality. It offers a number of amenities including gardens, a beauty salon and cinema room.

Places at the care home start at £1850 a week.

To find out more about this luxury living facility, call 0131 341 4037 or visit: https://cramondresidence.co.uk/

Pensioners jazz up their afternoon with exclusive performance

ELDERLY care home residents were treated to an exclusive music concert thanks to the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival.

With restrictions easing, Cramond Residence was delighted to welcome Jed Potts and the Hillman Hunters to perform in the garden, while residents watched from the comfort of the home’s conservatory.

The blues trio, inspired by 1950s and 1960s classic American blues, delivered a powerful performance to residents at the Edinburgh home who enjoyed dancing the afternoon away.

Fiona Alexander, Chief Organiser of the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival, who facilitated the performance, said: “Care homes have had it very rough over the last 18 months, so to be able to liven up the resident’s afternoon and give them something to look forward to is very special.

“A big focus of this year’s festival has been to expand past our usual performances, and connect with new audiences, hence the link up with Cramond Residence.

“I can’t speak for the residents, but the band put on an excellent performance and everyone seemed to be thoroughly enjoying themselves.”

Started in 1978, the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival has provided a platform to showcase the very best Jazz and Blues artists from around the world and is one of the largest jazz festivals in Europe.

The 2021 festival took place between the 16th and the 25th of July and included a mixture of online and in person performances.

Athena Liakeas, Activities Coordinator at Cramond Residence, said: “There is a host of positive mental, physical and social benefits that come from music.

“Despite all of our residents having varied tastes in music, the performance seemed to go down a treat and everyone had a great time. It definitely brightened up the afternoon.”

Cramond Residence provides a combination of luxury accommodation and the highest quality of care, with all residents enjoying a wide range of amenities and activities, delicious food and bespoke care.

During lockdown, Lifestyle Coordinators led activities from The Residence Cinema, connecting to residents in their own private house lounge or in their bedrooms via smart TVs to encourage two-way communications.

Places in the care home start from £1850 a week.

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

Joy Rides at Cramond

Care home residents have ‘wheely good time’!

A CYCLING initiative at an Edinburgh care home aiming to get elderly residents out in the fresh air and interacting with the community has got off to a speedy start. 

With restrictions easing, Cramond Residence was delighted to resume its partnership with Joy Rides – a customised electric tri-shaw bike that carries two passengers and a “driver”.

Residents at the care home to the north of the city enjoyed venturing out every other week before the pandemic on bespoke trails with Joy Rides founder and cycling enthusiast Lissa McIntyre.

Joy Rides was created in 2019 and is a one woman show helping passengers combat feelings of isolation and loneliness, whilst improving health and well-being all while having fun on the front of a tri-shaw bike.

Lissa McIntyre, said: “From a very young age I’ve had a passion for cycling – there is nothing better than feeling the wind in your hair and forgetting your worries for a little while.

“No other form of transport gives you the same sense of freedom as a bicycle does, so I wanted to ensure people who couldn’t cycle were able experience this feeling – albeit minus the strenuous pedalling!

“When doing my initial market research, I noticed there was a lack of outdoor activities available for older people within the city so I wanted to close this gap and offer them the same experience and enjoyment.

“Riding on the tri-shaw gives you the freedom that comes with being on a bike outdoors with the security that a reliable, safe person is in charge behind the wheel.”

The Joy Rides project resumed in June, and aims to allow residents and other customers to filter back into their local communities without stress or unease following months of lockdown.

Lissa, said: “There are a host of positive mental, physical and social benefits that come from getting elderly people out in the fresh air, especially as many have not left the home for a long period of time.

“During the trip residents are encouraged to socialise with others from different parts of the home and are often keen to have a chat with locals.”

Residents often request the cycle to go along Cramond promenade to view parts of the city they don’t often see, such as the view to the Forth Bridges in Queensferry and across the water to Fife.

Between every session the tri-shaw bike is thoroughly cleaned, on top of this both the driver and passengers are required to wear a mask during the trip with health and safety being paramount.

Cramond Residence provides a combination of luxury accommodation and the highest quality of care, with all residents enjoying a wide range of amenities and activities, delicious food and bespoke care.

During lockdown, Lifestyle Coordinators led activities from The Residence Cinema, connecting to residents in their own private house lounge or in their bedrooms via smart TVs to encourage two-way communications.

Places in the care home start from £1850 a week. To find out more, call 0131 341 4037 or visit https://cramondresidence.co.uk/

New appointment helps care home residents find artistic flair

CARE home residents are exploring their inner Picasso through art therapy thanks to a new lifestyle coordinator.

Art-enthusiast Athena Liakeas has joined the team at Cramond Residence as a Lifestyle Coordinator and will be responsible for planning and implementing a range of activities.

Athena has a passion for art and has been encouraging residents to express themselves via a range of art therapies, including colour therapy and painting.

Starting out as a Food Services Assistant with Cramond Residence in 2020, Athena has had an ambition of joining the lifestyle team since and knew the benefits art therapy could have on residents, particularly those living with Alzheimers.

Edinburgh born and bred, Athena said: “The lifestyle team has always impressed me as they continually strive to go above and beyond to ensure residents are living life to the fullest.

“In the last two months, I’ve been building relationships with residents whilst getting to know their likes and dislikes – and I can honestly say no two days have been the same since starting at the beginning of the year.

“For as long as I can remember, I’ve enjoyed painting and appreciate the joy and self-expression that can come from art.

“Art can allow people to communicate things that cannot be expressed via words and functions as a strong and important medium between the verbal and the visual.

“Some residents living with dementia have limited verbal communication, so art therapy is a great way for them to express themselves in a delicate way.”

A new activity on offer is colour therapy, where residents are shown a sheet of coloured paper and asked to identify how it makes them feel, tapping into repressed emotion.

Athena added: “The introduction of art therapies has been well received and while art therapy is a passion of mine, this does not take away from the importance of the other activities. The key thing is to keep activities as diverse as possible.”

Lifestyle Coordinators at the home aim to offer new experiences to support residents’ wellbeing, independence and to make life fun and fulfilling and have a month long planner of activities.

For the duration of lockdown, residents were confined to Cramond Residence’s nine individual houses within the wider home, with Lifestyle Coordinators using technology to keep residents connected.

With restrictions lifted and the home now fully connected again, residents are enjoying a variety of activities together.

Cramond Residence provides a combination of luxury accommodation and the highest quality of care for up to 74 residents, all enjoying an exceptional range of amenities and activities, delicious food and bespoke care from our highly-trained team.

As well as the beautiful gardens, it also offers a library, a hair salon, a private, fine-dining space, a physiotherapy room and a cinema, which doubles as a large, multi-purpose space for a host of social events.

Places in the care home start from £1850 a week.

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

Veteran Dad shares words of wisdom ahead of Father’s Day

Residents at a care home have been sharing their favourite memories and most important piece of advice in advance of Father’s Day.

89-year-old Matthew Dunnigan, who resides at Cramond Residence in Edinburgh, has shared the advice he would like to pass to future generations of fathers is to treasure all of the time you have with your children and show them as much warmth, care and love as possible.

Matthew also shared one of the biggest perks of fatherhood is being able to socialise with his two children as they got older, adding: “When they were young, I was always Dad but when they grew up, I became a friend too, and that was very special”

Cramond Residence, where Matthew is currently a resident, will be putting on a dedicated Father’s Day spread, with tea, cakes and sandwiches, to help residents celebrate the special day in style, despite restrictions.

Innovative tech keeps care residents’ families in the loop

CARE HOME residents have been able to instantly share important information about their health and wellbeing with loved ones throughout the pandemic, thanks to a bespoke digital care system.

When Cramond Residence closed its doors to visitors back in March 2020, its tailored technology-enabled care system showed its true value by providing real-time updates on residents’ health and wellbeing with family, through an app called Access Care planning.

The care plans are developed with the residents and their family, as well as key workers and named nursing staff. Plans are individually adapted for each resident on their arrival to ensure it reflects their healthcare history and care needs.

It covers everything from the food they eat and exercise or physiotherapy they take, through to any prescribed medication and palliative care they may require.

The technology has been in use since the care home opened in 2018, but became indispensable during the pandemic. Throughout lockdown, families were able to log on and view their loved one’s information at the click of a button, giving them peace of mind and reassurance wherever they are in the world.

Ross Bijak, Clinical Care Manager, said: “Our online healthcare system has received a lot of positive feedback from resident’s families in recent months – it means they have access to real-time information around the clock.

“Lockdown was extremely tough for families who weren’t able to visit, and for our residents themselves. I think one saving grace has been this technology which is able to provide some comfort and reassurance to families.

“We’ve had families calling us just to chat about something they’ve read on the app, or to share their delight in seeing a specific item like physiotherapy or certain exercise in the plan.

“Although the plans are created when residents first enter the home, they are regularly updated and reassessed as people’s health and care needs change.

“For example, we have built specific care plans focused around visiting requirements and Covid-19.”

The digital care plans take into account a whole range of factors, including a resident’s skills, strengths and experiences to create the best, bespoke care plan for them which puts their needs first.

Cramond Residence provides a combination of luxury accommodation and the highest quality of care. Set in a leafy location, it offers small group-living in nine houses, with all residents enjoying a wide range of amenities and activities, delicious food and bespoke care.

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