We’re pleased to announce that we have a new offering for local men here at PCHP. We’re opening up our community hub on Thursday mornings 10am – 11.30am for men to come together for a cuppa, chat and board game.
This is a great opportunity to meet new people and find out what else you could get involved in so get your game face on and come along.
Whether you’re a domino champ or just enjoy a light hearted game of scabby queen we’re sure you’ll find our community hub a welcoming space to #connect.
No need to book, just drop-in. Thursday 9th of May, runs weekly.
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.
Friday pub nights introduced to help improve quality of life for care residents
RESIDENTS at an Edinburgh care home have been enjoying a night at the pub – without even having to leave the development.
Dedicated staff at Cramond Residence launched ‘Friday Pub Nights’ in a bid to engage residents in a social event imitating what they would ordinarily experience in their own home lives.
A pub environment with simulated pub seating, a bar, music, Sports TV and table games has been set up within the home.
Residents have used this activity to engage in lively and meaningful debates about current and past affairs, as well as enjoying a good sing-song to a wide range of music.
Garylee Rushforth, one of Cramond Residence’s Lifestyle Co-ordinators, said: “The pub nights are designed to help to combat loneliness, whilst also improving our residents’ quality of life.
“We are one of a few care home’s offering evening activities as we feel it is important for the independence and wellbeing of our residents.
“Old traditions have certainly not been forgotten at our pub nights, and frequently the first drink of the evening is welcomed with a Scots toast.”
The new activity, which occurs every Friday evening between 7pm and 9pm, has proven a hit with residents, having already developed around eight regulars.
Christian Daraio, Cramond Residence’s Client Liaison Manager, said: “The pandemic highlighted the negative effects of social isolation and loneliness, so in our care home, we have endeavoured to create a highly-enriching social calendar that fosters social interaction and enjoyment, ensuring that every resident feels involved in our small community.
“Our lifestyle coordinators have worked hard to put together an extensive activities programme and other activities offered include baking, painting, pet therapy and cheese and wine nights, to name a few!”.
All activities are optional, with residents being able to dip in and out of the daily excursions and classes. Nonetheless, participation in a few activities every week is encouraged by the Cramond Residence team to ensure residents make the most out of the offerings from the care home.
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 which offers therapeutic activities for those with dementia.
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 offer 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.
A local woman is working to build a stronger and happier community by deploying two secret ingredients – music and food!Continue reading Just Ama-sing!
Lynn and Lydia are developing a seven week pilot programme for adults in Royston Wardieburn Community Centre …
The purpose of the new pilot is to give adults a chance to try different activities which we hope we will be able to provide on a more permanent basis after the summer. At this stage we are calling the group Spring Chickens although the group may decide to change it at a later date!Continue reading Calling all spring chickens: roost at Royston Wardieburn!
Jackie rolls back into Muirhouse Millennium Community Centre tomorrow for her monthly Prize Bingo session (writes James McGinty)
PRIZE BINGO
Wednesday 4 November, 7.00 for 7.30 pm
Last year the bingo fell on the 5th of November and for the safety of the participants, it was put forward. For details of the night (times and admission prices) click HERE
Jackie ends her Bingo sessions for 2014 with a Christmas Extravaganza tomorrow (Wednesday 17th). This will be some Bingo Session, Jackie says!
We at the Centre would like to thank all the faithful followers of the bingo (with a difference!)
Our thanks to Link-Up (Scotland) – a Scottish Government initiative who recognised the need for a venue to replace the local bingo hall and surveyed the community on the closure of the Granton bingo venue.
Our thanks to Jackie for all her hard work
Finally ( On behalf of the Board and Bingo fans) our gratitude and thanks to staff and volunteers staying on at night, throughout the year making all this possible.
Happy Christmas and an enjoyable last Bingo Session of 2014!
Jim McGinty, Muirhouse Millennium Community Centre
