Activities at Ochil Care Home

Barchester care homes and hospitals nationwide linked together for a fantastic quiz in celebration of Barchester’s 100th live virtual event.

Residents engaged in a variety of questions ranging from historical trivia to visual puzzles and brainteasers.

Everyone who joined had a fantastic time and enjoyed some friendly competition.

Certainly! Let's dive deeper into the pizza-making paradise: Our residents gathered in the cosy kitchen, aprons on and spirits high. They rolled out thin, golden crusts, each one a canvas for their culinary creativity. The scent of bubbling cheese and tangy tomato sauce filled the air as they layered on pepperoni, mushrooms, tomatoes, and colourful bell peppers. But that's not all! The kitchen staff, ever thoughtful, had arranged for authentic pizza boxes-kindly donated by Domino's Pizza Shop. Our residents beamed with pride as they carefully placed their masterpieces inside those cardboard containers, ready to share their edible art with friends and neighbours. And oh, the joy! Laughter echoed through the room as they swapped stories, comparing their flavour combinations and secret topping tricks. It wasn't just about pizza; it was about connection, community, and the simple pleasure of creating something delicious together. So there you have it—a morning that blended flour-dusted hands, cheesy grins, and the unmistakable aroma of happiness. Our residents, fuelled by friendship and a love for pizza, turned a regular day into a memory worth savouring.

The Therapy ponies recently paid a heart-warming visit to the Residents in our Home! 

Therapy Ponies Scotland Wilson and Flicker arrived first thing in the morning with Wilson on the upper floor of the Home and Flicker visiting downstairs. Flicker then went in the lift and joined Wilson to see the remaining residents upstairs! 

These gentle affectionate miniature Ponies brought smiles all around as they interacted with our wonderful residents! 

Pony Therapy visits like these create moments of joy and connecting, brightening the lives of our Residents who talk about it for many days after! 

In the heart of our town, where the sun painted golden hues across cobblestone streets, there stood the Almond Tree Café. Its wooden sign swung gently in the breeze, inviting passers-by to step inside. On this particular morning, the sun was a mischievous artist, dappling the ground with shadows. Spirits soared, and laughter echoed as patrons gathered at the cosy PBC Almond Tree Café. The aroma of freshly brewed tea enveloped the room, warming both cups and hearts. Seated by the window, couple of our Residents indulged in flaky almond croissants and rich cappuccinos. The world outside seemed to pause—a simple date, a leisurely chat, and suddenly, our worries lifted. It was as if the café held a secret recipe for joy. And so, amidst the clinking of teaspoons and the soft hum of conversation, we discovered that sometimes, life's sweetest moments unfold in the simplest of places - the Almond Tree Café, where warmth and connection bloomed like delicate almond blossoms.

Staff and residents are celebrating because their wonderful Managing Director, Fiona Fagan, from Barchester’s North East and Scotland Division, has stepped completely out of her comfort zone to compete in the Barchester Charitable Foundation Cook Off 2024.

Fiona went head-to-head with the Managing Directors from Barchester’s four other divisions and cooked up a storm to raise a phenomenal £24,595 for Barchester’s Charitable Foundation which helps connect vulnerable people and those living with a disability to community groups in their local area by providing grants to improve mobility and quality of life.  Each year the Foundation distributes thousands of pounds to individuals, small community groups and charities across England, Scotland and Wales.  

Residents across our homes had a fantastic time exploring the Eden Project virtually - an educational charity and visitor attraction based in Cornwall, featuring sprawling outdoor gardens and breathtaking biomes that house the largest indoor rainforest in the world.

During the session, residents who joined were reconnected with nature through their senses, memories and stories.  A big thank you to the community team at the Eden Project for the wonderful event.