Activities at Balclutha Court Care Home
At Balclutha Court our resident’s happiness is extremely important to us. We all know that a large part of this is keeping active and continuing to enjoy your interests and hobbies. At Balclutha Court, we have regular activities including arts and crafts, music, entertainment, trips to local attractions such as canal trips, safari parks and many more. Our activities team are always busy organising events, entertainment and excursions with the broadest possible appeal and many of our residents see living at Balclutha Court as an opportunity to develop a new skill or interest. It is important to us that each individual who we support can get as much from these as possible, so we try our best to arrange activities that reflect their interests and capabilities as best as possible, and encourage them to participate in any way they can. We also encourage relatives to join with activities and events as often as they can.
Karen Dillon
Karen Dillon is our Head of Activities and has worked within the home since 2005, starting out as a Carer. Karen is very outgoing and full of fun. She has many hobbies, with arts & crafts being her favourite, and her passion for this can be seen in our life enrichment programme.
Karen is supported by Kay Millar and Anita Marsh, between them they ensure that residents are happy and have loads of fun.
They are very keen to involve the residents in the decision making within the home to enhance their experience. They take part in the residents' meetings, catering forums and assist the General Manager in interviewing new staff members.
Read our brochure 'Life-enriching activities' for more information about life in our care homes.
Read our brochure
Activities and Events Partnerships
As part of our bespoke life-enrichment programmes, we host a number of live virtual events in the home on a regular basis through a number of partnerships with places of interest and world class performance companies
Life at Balclutha Court Care Home
Book corner with Angela Cobbin
We had a lovely time joining Angela Cobbin for a theatre-inspired virtual talk about her book ‘My Name is Not Wigs’. ‘My Name Is Not Wigs’ is the ultimate read for fans of witty behind-the-curtains memoirs, especially those with a penchant for the bright lights of stage and screen: tears and accolades aplenty!
Inside Cliveden
We were treated to an amazing live virtual talk and a tour of Cliveden, hosted by the house and chapel guides from the National Trust Talks Service.
The volunteers kindly gave us a tour around the famous house taking an in-depth look at Cliveden’s many stories from its 350 year history, from devilish dukes to scandalous headlines and boundary-breaking garden designs to political notoriety.
Starting with the Duke of Buckingham who built the first house in 1666, our residents met the key owners who helped shape the house and its gardens including the Orkney, Sutherland and Astor families.
The talk was accompanied by an illustrated presentation which brought to life these individuals and showed how their influence at Cliveden still continues today.
NESCAFE virtual tour
We had a fabulous time joining NESCAFÉ’s virtual coffee experience.
We were able to look into how they sustainably farm their coffee beans, as well as, to have a virtual tour of one of their factories all from the comfort of our home.
To make things even more interesting, our residents had the chance to test their knowledge with an interactive quiz, and to the delight of all to taste the signature Sweet Cinnamon Shaken Iced Coffee cocktail.
Reggae fun
Residents at Balclutha Court paid tribute to the soul and international face of reggae music, Bob Marley on what would have been his 77th birthday. Everyone enjoyed learning about his life and listened to some of his greatest hits. Thanks Bob for putting us all in a "Mellow Mood
Valentine's crafts
Every wondered what to do with that old jigsaw with the pieces missing? Yip just paint it red, stick them together and hey presto......
Residents at Balclutha Court got crafting with old puzzle pieces to create some valentines gifts for their loved ones. Chuffed to pieces with the them, so they were
Delicious treats
We had a lovely time joining Chef Alex Connell from Vegetarian for Life for a Valentine’s-inspired virtual cookery demonstration. Chef Alex created some delicious Valentine’s Day-inspired vegetarian desserts, which our residents had the opportunity to try too.
First, our residents sampled a wonderful sticky toffee pudding, which was absolutely heavenly. Then they tried hazelnut truffles which were a huge hit and finally they were treated to a chocolate orange cake which everyone adored.
Upcoming events
Countdown to Christmas
Counting down the days to Christmas with a fun filled month ahead and we extend a warm invitation for you to join us as we get into the festive spirit - Merry Christmas!
January
Hello January! As we step into a new year we have lots of exciting plans for the month.
Looking for a place to host a meeting?
We have a meeting room available to local professionals and community groups. For more information contact the home.
Community Cafe - Last Thursday of the month
We extend a warm invitation for you to join us at our monthly Community Cafe, come along and make new friends! All welcome.
Calling all Emergency Services
Calling all emergency services personnel and district nurses, come and take a break with us! There maybe a cake or two available....
Volunteers - Could you make a difference?
Do you have any spare time? your time could make a difference to someones day! For more information on Volunteering we'd love to hear from you.
Respite - Are you looking for a little care break?
If you're caring for someone, a short stay at Balclutha Court coluld provide the rest and relaxation that you need.
