Elderly residents at Renaissance Care have been enjoying their April Fools’ Day as they pranked the nation with their ‘Scotland’s Strongest Pensioner Championships’.
The care home residents had a blast taking photos during fake training exercises inspired by the World’s Strongest Man competition, as they were pictured working towards personal goals and bests in the famous Vehicle Pull, the Hercules Hold and a variety of deadlifting challenges.
The residents have been taking part in Summer and Winter Olympics initiatives across the group, which improved the health and wellbeing of residents and saw them get competitive across the sports.
For April Fools’ Day, they felt the perfect joke would be to take that one step further to find Scotland’s Strongest Pensioner.
Care home resident Robert (81) took part in the joke and was photographed at Renaissance Care’s Whitecraigs Care Home. ‘Rob Roy’ said: “We had a great laugh lifting the fake weights and pretending to pull the mini-van along.
“We have all been really competitive and have been joking about who has been the best at the Olympic games and who is the strongest so wanted to have a little fun for April Fools’ Day!”
Elderly care home residents have been in training for weeks and have been flexing their muscles as they get ready to go head-to-head for the title of Scotland’s Strongest Pensioner.
Building on the success of its recent Summer and Winter Olympics initiatives, which improved the health and wellbeing of residents, the leading care group Renaissance Care has launched the championships to determine the strongest senior citizens across the country.
With training exercises inspired by the World’s Strongest Man competition, residents will be working towards personal goals and bests in the famous Vehicle Pull, the Hercules Hold and a variety of deadlifting challenges.
Renaissance Care pensioners are now in preparation to take each other on in separate men and women’s categories, hoping to be crowned Scotland’s first ‘Strongest Pensioner’.
Care home staff have invested in equipment to help the residents train including weight belts and dumbbells, and have even reserved the home’s mini-vans for practicing the Vehicle Pull – one of the competition’s most challenging events.
Taking part in the competition isApril (99). She said:“Those who say they aren’t in this for the glory are lying. I have set my sights on being Scotland’s Strongest Pensioner in the women’s category and won’t stop until I get there, no matter what.
“My mini-van pull technique has been improving every day and I’ll continue to work on that as well as my stamina in the Hercules Hold – it’s all about the gains. Maybe one day, I’ll be able to pull it along with all of my grandkids inside.”
Care home resident, Joe King (96), said: “This competition is more about mental power and technique than it is brute strength. Muscles I have, but pushing through mentally when the pressure is on mid-competition? That’s when we’re really tested.
“I’m disappointed there’s no Fridge Lift this year as I’ve been working on my tactics for a while, but I’m hoping that will be introduced for next year’s event.”
Care home manager, Vera Funnai, said: “We have a great schedule of activities to improve the health and fitness of our residents throughout the year, and this is the ultimate challenge.
“I have complete faith in our ‘Scotland’s Strongest Pensioner’ participants, and I look forward to crowning the winner later this month.”
Scots are being asked to keep an eye out for vulnerable adults in their local communities amid concerns the pandemic has left some people more isolated.
Across Scotland around 750 referrals are made a week to Adult Support and Protection teams and this has risen to approximately 780 in the last six months. One in seven referrals leads to an Adult Protection Investigation, but in cases where a full investigation is not needed, a referral can still mean other steps can be taken to ensure the person is supported and protected.
On National Adult Support and Protection Day (20 Feb), members of the public are being asked to keep an eye out for things that don’t look right and report any concerns.
Minister for Social Care Kevin Stewart said: “We can all think of someone we know who we worry about sometimes; such as a friend, family member or neighbour.
“During the pandemic, social workers have been going above and beyond to make sure that reports of concerns about adults who are vulnerable have been followed up.
“We know adults are most commonly at risk of physical harm or financial exploitation, but adult protection can include everything from sexual harm to psychological harm; self-harm to neglect or self-neglect – when people struggle to take care of themselves.
“Making an adult protection referral can help ensure serious situations are investigated, or can just trigger a bit of attention and help for those who need it.”
John Paterson, Chair of the National Adult Support and Protection Scotland Independent Convenors’ Group said: “COVID-19 has had an impact on many people’s well-being and mental health and left some people more isolated than ever before. As we are emerging from the pandemic, we are mindful of the crucial role our communities play in safeguarding.
“Just like with the protection of children, Adult Support and Protection is important every day of the year and we want to ensure that the right supports are in place to protect people who are unable to keep themselves, their money, or their belongings safe.”
“An adult protection referral can also be a good sign that someone needs a bit of support to stay safe, and can stop things getting worse. If something doesn’t seem right, you can help by making an adult protection referral. We can only act on concerns that are known about.
“Adult protection is everyone’s business and every member of our community is due our consideration and protection. You might provide the vital piece in the jigsaw that helps keep someone safe. If you see something, say something.”
Contact details for where to make an adult protection referral in your local area can be found here: Home – Act Against Harm.
The local body responsible for co-ordinating the safety and well-being of adults in Edinburgh also backed the fifth national Adult Protection Day yesterday.
Edinburgh’s Adult Protection Committee is hoping to raise awareness of how some adults are harmed or abused. Harm against adults has been harder to see during the pandemic and the committee is encouraging people to act on their gut feeling and say something when they see anything that points to an abusive situation to someone they know or come across.
Early indications from data looking at the impact of Covid-19 suggest that across Scotland, there were around 750 Adult Support and Protection referrals per week, on average; this average increases to around 780 per week when using data from the past six months. Although there is volatility in the figures, there has been a general upward trend in Adult Support and Protection referrals since May 2020.
Nationally, for every seven referrals, one went on to an Adult Protection Investigation. For those that did not go on to investigation, other steps were frequently taken to ensure that the adult was supported and protected.
Harm and abuse can take many forms; physical, psychological, financial, sexual harm, neglect and self-harm but there are usually signs and clues that indicate something out of the ordinary might be happening.
Through the Edinburgh Adult Protection Committee, City of Edinburgh Council, NHS Lothian, Police Scotland and local voluntary sector organisations, are committed to working together to tackle abuse of vulnerable adults.
Jackie Irvine, Chief Social Work Officer at City of Edinburgh Council said: “Everyone has the right to feel safe. However, for some people, a disability, health condition or impairment can prevent them from being able to keep themselves from harm.
“It’s not always easy to tell if an adult is in trouble, but there are signs and situations to be aware of. For example a person may have unexplained cuts and bruises or refuse to talk about their injuries. They may be failing to look after themselves or their property, or are confused where their money has gone, or giving money to people they know for reasons that might concern you.
“Making an adult protection referral can be vital and can ensure that someone receives the attention and support they need and can stop things getting worse. We can only act on concerns that are known about, so if something doesn’t seem right, you can help by making an adult protection referral.”
Anne Neilson, Chair of the Adult Protection Committee added: “We all have a responsibility to look out for people in our communities. If you’re concerned an adult is at risk of harm, or something feels wrong, it’s right to have it checked out.
“Of course we understand that sometimes members of the public may not want to get involved, intrude on privacy or subject another person to unfair accusations. But the process can be simple – you can send an email or anonymous phone call and it will be checked out and any support needed will be given. It may be a false alarm, but there’s no harm in being sure.”
If you are worried about an adult at risk of harm you can contact:
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.
Elderly care home residents across Edinburgh have kicked off their own version of the Beijing Winter Olympics this week with a range of specially adapted activities from seated ice-hockey to stationary skiing.
Complete with their own opening ceremonies, Renaissance Care residents from around the country will be taking part in the fortnight long event which was created by staff to encourage mobility, fitness and wellbeing as part of the care group’s ongoing focus on increasing the quality of life within the homes.
The Renaissance Care Winter Olympics comes as the snowball effect of a successful summer Olympics held in the homes in July. The event will see 16 Scottish care homes take on a range of sporting games designed to suit the abilities of residents building fitness, confidence and team spirit.
Contenders will be going head-to-head or working with a team in a number of sports including stationary skiing, designed to improve arm strength and stamina, seated ice-hockey, to develop aim and team-work, and indoor curling, to increase hand-eye co-ordination and independence.
‘Snow’-body has been left out of the fun across the group, with those who prefer to spectate working with staff over the past couple of weeks to make sure the event goes off without a hitch.
Crafty residents and staff have been busy creating signage for the occasion, placards with messages of support for the sports-people, and have even turned areas in the home to apres-ski chalets where spectators and athletes alike can enjoy a hot chocolate.
Skip of the competing GB Curling team and three-time Olympic champion, Eve Muirhead, caught wind of the event and has shown her support with a video message filmed for Renaissance Care residents.
Eve said: “I hear you’re all giving curling a go, what a great opportunity to do that in the month of February. I hope you enjoy it. I’ll be competing at the Olympics in Beijing, but I hope you all have lots of fun.”
Resident at Renaissance Care, Gillian Sangster (79), said: “We have all been getting ready for the Winter Olympics since we completed the summer games. The competitive spirit has been great for morale and although we are trying hard to beat the other, it’s been fantastic for the mood in the home and all the fighting talk has given us a great laugh.
“In these events being a spectator is just as important as taking part in the sport, which suits me perfectly; it allows me to rest up and get my tactics right for the next round of ice hockey.”
Yvonne Mackenzie, Operations Director at Renaissance Care, said: “Just as our summer Olympics, this campaign has underlined the extra lengths our staff go to ensure the residents in their care not only are well and staying fit, but are having fun and enjoying life to the fullest.
“The Winter Olympics is the first of many events we have scheduled for our residents throughout the year to encourage physical activity and mental wellbeing, and if the creativity and effort of this campaign is anything to go by, this year will be a fun-filled one for all.”
Luminate, Scotland’s creative ageing organisation, are looking for anyone who undertakes creative activities with and for older people to respond to their newsurvey.
Their work is about ensuring all older people in Scotland can enjoy high quality arts and creative activities, whatever their background and circumstances, and wherever they live. They want to hear about people’s experiences to help them plan their work for the rest of this year and beyond.
Anyone taking part can win a £50 shopping voucher, and the survey itself should take only about 10 minutes to complete. All replies will be kept confidential and contact details are only needed for the prize draw, and will not be shared.
The survey will be open until close of play Wednesday 9 February.
Boosters continue to provide high levels of protection against severe disease from Omicron in older adults
Latest data from UKHSA shows booster doses are continuing to provide high levels of protection against severe disease from the Omicron variant among older adults.
Figures show that around 3 months after they received the third jab, protection against hospitalisation among those aged 65 and over remains at about 90%.
With just 2 vaccine doses, protection against severe disease drops to around 70% after 3 months and to 50% after 6 months.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has taken this latest evidence into account in their ongoing review of the booster programme.
The Committee advises that at this present time:
there is no immediate need to introduce a second booster dose, or fourth jab, to the most vulnerable (care home residents and those aged over 80) – the timing and need for further booster doses will continue to be reviewed as the data evolves
priority should continue to be given to rolling out first booster doses to all age groups
unvaccinated individuals should come forward for their first 2 doses as soon as possible
Professor Wei Shen Lim, the JCVI’s chair of COVID-19 immunisation, said: “The current data shows the booster dose is continuing to provide high levels of protection against severe disease, even for the most vulnerable older age groups.
“For this reason, the committee has concluded there is no immediate need to introduce a second booster dose, though this will continue to be reviewed.
“The data is highly encouraging and emphasises the value of a booster jab. With Omicron continuing to spread widely, I encourage everyone to come forward for their booster dose, or if unvaccinated, for their first 2 doses, to increase their protection against serious illness.”
The latest study looked at booster doses in those aged over 65, who were among the first to be eligible when the booster rollout began in mid-September.
Whilst with a booster dose, the duration of protection against severe disease remains high, protection against mild symptomatic infection is more short-lived and drops to around 30% by about 3 months.
LifeCare Edinburgh grateful for boost to help support local older people through another difficult winter
LifeCare Edinburgh has received £10,000 from ScottishPower in lieu of the energy company’s annual Christmas party. This significant donation will help the charity deliver its safe and essential care to hundreds of local older people struggling to cope through another difficult winter.
Set-up in 1941, LifeCare Edinburgh has supported older people living across the city for over 80-years. The organisation supports around 1,000 individuals annually including those suffering with dementia, mobility issues, those experiencing isolation and loneliness, food poverty, mental health problems and offers dedicated support for carers. Services include day centres, registered outreach, help at home, hot meal delivery, companionship and community engagement activities.
LifeCare’s vital services have not stopped through the pandemic. The committed team has worked tirelessly to safely deliver essential care, practical help and companionship activities to ensure older people received the support they needed to stay physically and mentally well.
The charity also launched several important new initiatives, such as their hugely successful meals on wheels service, specifically designed to help support the most isolated and vulnerable.
Sue Freeth, Chief Executive at LifeCare, (above) said: “A huge thank you to everyone at ScottishPower for their generous support in lieu of their Christmas party. LifeCare is an established and trusted charity that has delivered vital services for local older people for 80 years.
“We deliver essential care and practical support to people who simply couldn’t survive without it. Operating across the city, we enable older people to remain living independent full healthy lives and enjoy the ‘zest in life’ in their later years.
“We are presently receiving unprecedented referrals and this wonderful donation of £10,000 will make a significant difference to the people we support. We are very grateful to the ScottishPower team for choosing LifeCare.”
Sheila Duncan, ScottishPower HR Director, said: “Covid-19 continues to impact lives across the board with some groups in society experiencing greater challenges than most of us could imagine. Following the positive feedback from last year’s donations, we are delighted and extremely proud to be able to donate our festive budget again to 15 charities including LifeCare Edinburgh.
“These donations will make a huge difference to these charities and help make a bigger impact in our communities. Thank you to all of the ScottishPower employees who voted and thanks to the Employee Networks who got actively involved this year”.
LifeCare Edinburgh is a registered charity and relies on the support of its funders. The charity is currently experiencing unprecedented levels of referrals.
Over 3,000 people will be supported by Festive Friends this year
A record £100,000 has been committed to this year’s campaign
More community trusts and SPFL clubs than ever involved (41)
This year’s campaign will see the continuation of last year’s doorstep visits to people who are at risk of social isolation
Some clubs will host festive events again for the first time since last year
SPFL clubs and associated community trusts (ATCs) across Scotland are bringing Christmas cheer to those that need it most this year by taking part in the biggest ever Festive Friends programme during the holiday season.
Festive Friends is a brilliant opportunity for clubs to give back to their local communities.
The programme is now in its sixth year, with 41 SPFL clubs taking part in the campaign this year.
The campaign has the largest fund ever this year, a total of £100,000, which means the SPFL Trust will be able to more than DOUBLE the number of people clubs are able to support.
As such, the programme is expected to support over 3,000 people this year.
It’s been a tough few years for everyone due to Covid-19, but of course it has been especially difficult for the elderly who are at higher risk of social isolation.
Festive Friends brings Christmas cheer and companionship to elderly people who are socially isolated and at risk of being alone during the festive season.
Almost 4,000 people have enjoyed an event in the last five years and last year’s new-look initiative, when it was not possible to hold events due to physical distancing rules, was also a huge success with over 2,800 people receiving Christmas hampers in doorstep visits.
Hampers contained food, snacks, essential toiletries, gifts, games and more. Some clubs even brought video messages from managers and players; others had players make personal deliveries.
This year club staff and volunteers will continue to visit participants with hampers, or welcome them to their ground to enjoy a hot Christmas lunch, fun and games, a club gift, and transport there and home.
Tommy (84), who lives in rural Perthshire, received a Christmas hamper from St Johnstone Community Trust ‘Saints in the Community’ last year.
Tommy self isolated during the first national lockdown in Spring 2020. The lack of social interaction and the loss of his beloved football had taken its toll on him physically and mentally.
He was thrilled to receive a hamper which was packed with festive goodies, a memory lane activity book, and a bonus video message from first-team player Stevie May.
Tommy said: “The gift box was full of lovely stuff. I like when Saints come to visit and we can have a chat about the games. I don’t always remember all the scores, but Danny [former St Johnstone FC player Danny Griffin] keeps me right.
“The wee activity book took me back, it’s no substitute for talking to others about the game, but it brought back nice times.”
https://youtu.be/9sK5CbHVALU
SPFL Trust CEO, Nicky Reid, said: “Festive Friends is a real highlight of the year for me and my colleagues at SPFL clubs. It’s all about good old fashioned Christmas spirit – bringing club staff and volunteers together to reach elderly people who are at risk of social isolation.
“Scottish football is trusted to support, and our recent research shows that almost 83% of people live within ten miles of a SPFL ground – because of this clubs and their associated community trusts are well positioned to effect this type of change in their communities.
“This year 41 SPFL clubs are involved making it our biggest programme yet, supported by a record breaking fund of £100,000. We look forward to supporting more elderly people than ever before, after all kindness never mattered more.”
