Queens Manor care home, in Edinburgh was full of animal mischief when eight week old Labrador puppy Derek came to visit recently.
Residents at Queens Manor were pleasantly surprised to see their new furry friend roaming around their garden & the home.
Shannon Cullen Senior Head of Lifestyle & Enrichment said: “Our residents have really enjoyed their visitor today.
“We are such an animal friendly home and we knew that having the Derek in to say hello would be a bit of fun for all our residents, especially as some find it difficult being away from their own family pets.
“We have found that having animals in the home gives residents something to look forward to, encourages them to engage in activities and sparks conversation which can lead to unlocking memories and emotions.
“We are always looking for new activities for the residents and today we have seen the enjoyment and the therapeutic influence animals can have on people.”
Resident Audrey Rankin (above) was very excited by the Derek: “I have always loved dogs & have so much time for them – if I could, I would have Derek live in my room permanently!”
Queens Manor is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals. Queens Manor provides Dementia Care, residential care and respite care.
Strachan House Care Home in Blackhall was one of four Barchester homes who set their stage by hosting their first of many Edinburgh Fringe Cares events on Saturday.
Following on from the success of our Edinburgh Fringe Cares events last year at Barchester’s Queens Manor and the ongoing community links that were built, Barchester became the founding sponsor of an even bigger event this year and for years to come – The Edinburgh Fringe Festival Care Fest.
Eventually, the long term goal would be for all Edinburgh care homes to be part of this amazing initiative, no matter what company, but in the meantime Barchester got to go first, with 4 of their Edinburgh homes taking part!
It’s hoped this year’s events will shape the foundations for other care providers to follow suit in the coming years.
Strachan House immerse their residents and families into a spectacular performance from their nominated Edinburgh Fringe performer’s Octovoce, who took the audience through a magical journey of cappella style song.
The promotional event was one of four that Barchester Healthcare sponsored to showcase how the Edinburgh Fringe should be made accessible to everyone in care homes.
Strachan House was one of the four homes to demonstrate how successful these events can be and how it can benefit residents wellbeing.
Mandy, Head of Activities, said: “This was a fun event to do. Staff and residents loved getting on board by dressing up in character and our chefs prepared a themed menu of goodies for the special occasion.
“The home was transformed into a colourful castle of colour as our residents were taken on a magical afternoon of music. But the biggest success has been to be part of the four Barchester homes to showcase how every home in Edinburgh can do this.
“Along with Queens Manor, Archview and Drummond Grange, who also hosted their Edinburgh Fringe Cares events, we hope that this is something that will continue for years to come for everyone living in a care home.
“Putting this event together and having the residents on board with all their ideas has been amazing and to support them to bring it all together has been an honour.
“Professor Joe Goldblatt who attended the event and created the idea behind Edinburgh Fringe Cares has been truly inspiring.”
General Manager, Gordon Philp said, “Our residents and staff have been very excited about this event and the team worked so hard behind the scenes to ensure it is was great success.
“We do our best to provide a wide range of activities and entertainment at Strachan House as part of the lifestyle enrichment programme for residents, and this was will certainly be outstanding, and certainly will be remembered for years to come.
“Our aim was to demonstrate to other care providers how this can be achieved and the benefits of delivering it within a care home setting.”
Strachan House care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides residential care, nursing care and dementia care for 83 residents from respite care to long term stays.
LOCAL CARE HOME RESIDENTS CELEBRATE WATCHING THEIR FAVOURITE SPORTING FIXTURE
Residents and staff at Queens Manor care home in Blackhall were at the ready for the start of Wimbledon finals on Saturday and Sunday, with delicious strawberries and cream, all washed down with a glass of Pimms or fizz!
Tennis fans at Queens Manor were delighted to be able to watch this year’s 136th Championships. Residents and staff got together to watch the matches and celebrated by having a themed day of events, with the Lifestyle Team whipping up traditional Wimbledon-inspired strawberry and cream treats.
Donna Wood, General Manager at the home, said: “We’ve had a fantastic time celebrating the return of Wimbledon this weekend, it is always a firm favourite with our residents.
“Every game was on show throughout the home and we enjoyed every minute!”
Resident Audrey Rankin, commented: “I absolutely love watching Wimbledon, it is definitely my favourite sporting fixture.
“It was lovely to celebrate its return with all my friends here and to enjoy all the delicious party drinks during the finals!”
Our varied life enrichment programme keeps residents active, and provides a daily choice of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities.
Queens Manor is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals. Queens Manor provides residential care, respite care & dementia care.
