Activities at Ochil Care Home

Ochil Care Home in Perth has recently brought a bit of magic to residents by providing a new ‘Magic Table 360 and the Happiness Programme’ as a way to improve residents’ quality of life.

Designed and manufactured in the UK, the Magic Table 360 uses interactive games to connect residents with staff and with each other, and research shows it improves the wellbeing of people living with dementia. Using interactive light projections, the Magic Table 360, which can be played independently or in a group, stimulates movement by inviting participants to take part in all sorts of different fun activities such as popping bubbles, playing the piano, colouring in pictures, sweeping leaves or interacting playfully with fish. Games are rich in colour, movement and detail, and allow people of all ages to play in a safe and comfortable environment.

The Magic Table 360 is portable so it can be used wherever residents feel most comfortable, it can be projected onto the floor, ceiling, walls, a whiteboard or even the bed. The Happiness Programme allows for a range of games that change seasonally and have country-specific versions covering 14 different categories, so there will always be something new for residents to try.

The elves were busy this year at Ochil delivering presents to all the residents before everyone enjoyed a traditional fayre prepared by the homes hospitality team.  The celebrations continued throughout the day as sherry, wine, fizz flowed and for many Skype calls with their loved ones.

Residents were delighted with their gifts delivered and sent to the home by their loved ones, ensuring that there was lots of happy faces and smiles galore!  It is safe to say that everyone here at Ochil had a fabulous day.

To share some festive cheer among staff and residents the hold held  a Christmas raffle with everyone getting involved in making donations and securing tickets to raise a fabulous £250.00 to purchase a projector to support the homes life enrichment programme.

Residents were also able to enjoy a socially distanced party with residents enjoying a virtual performance from one of their popular entertainers before tucking into a festive treat of mince pies, Christmas goodies, cakes and a glass of fizz ensuring everyone had a great afternoon!

Everyone here at Ochil kicked off December by getting in the Christmas spirit and decorated adding a little sparkle and glitter throughout the home. Residents helped by getting involved with dressing the trees by placing baubles, lights as well as the final piece – the star and ensuring plenty of tinsel was on!

The home have entered into the Barchester annual best dressed Christmas tree competition as we were so pleased with our work.

Here at Ochil we had an afternoon full of laughter by trying out some Balloon Modelling with the residents, we all attempted making dogs, butterfly’s, swords and crowns and all had lots of fun trying it out. It went down well with the residents and staff we will be sure to do the activity again, it was a great laugh and atmosphere throughout.

Celebrations have been in full swing at Ochil, as one of its residents reaches her centenary in style.

Betty McEwan was joined by staff, relatives, friends and other residents as she received a telegram from the Queen in recognition of her landmark birthday. The day was held at the home and everyone enjoyed a special birthday cake made by the home’s chef Anne.