Activities at Ochil Care Home

Our gents kicked off the New Year in style with their very first Gentleman’s Club evening, and what a laugh it was. Cards were shuffled, “darts” were thrown (don’t worry, they’re magnetic!), and the banter was absolutely top tier. The room was full of energy from the moment the games began.

What made the night truly special was how it left everyone feeling. Several of our gentlemen said it was the most fun they’d had in ages, with the friendly competition giving them a real boost. Others shared that it felt great to unwind, enjoy a bit of mischief, and spend time with friends in a relaxed, light hearted setting. By the end of the evening, there were smiles all round and a real sense of camaraderie.

We’re delighted to share that Gentleman’s Club will now be running every Tuesday from 6pm–7pm. Expect games, giggles, and plenty more of that brilliant banter each week.

A fantastic way to relax, reconnect, and enjoy some good old fashioned fun. Roll on next Tuesday!   

We recently uncovered a beautiful piece of history. Our wonderful resident Wilma was a professional singer years ago and even recorded her own album!

Her husband, Donald, had lovingly kept the original master copy, and when we mentioned we knew someone who could transfer it to CD, he kindly entrusted it to us.

After a few weeks of anticipation, the CD was finally ready. We couldn't wait to play it for Wilma... and her reaction was everything we hoped for and more. As you'll see in the video available on our Facebook page, the moment was pure magic. Her voice, her presence, her passion, it all came flooding back.

Wilma's talent is extraordinary. The power of music to connect us to our past, to stir emotions, and to celebrate who we are – it was all there at that moment. What a gift to witness it.

Thank you, Wilma and Donald, for sharing your story and your music with us.     

Friday was a day to remember! Our incredible residents at Ochil Care Home proudly took part in the Go For Gold event, joining forces with other local Care Homes for a celebration of fun, friendship, and fantastic energy.

It was more than just games and laughter, it was a powerful reminder of the strength, spirit, and joy that lives within our community. From cheering each other on to sharing stories and smiles, the day was filled with moments that truly lifted the heart.

Some of our residents took to the All Ability Bikes Live Active Leisure around the beautiful North Inch. I was such a fantastic start to the week filled with laughter, memories and a touch of adventure! The weather was beautiful but a bit too hot, so we stopped off for an ice cream! 

We’re so grateful to the wonderful teams who make these experiences possible. Here’s to more moments that move us, in every sense of the word. 

Something truly magical happened at Ochil Care Home this week, a meeting that bridged decades, genres, and hearts through the shared language of music.

George, once the bass backbone of Perth’s iconic 1960s band The Erle Blue Stars, welcomed a very special guest, Frankie, current bassist of The Crom, one of Scotland’s most exciting award-winning indie rock bands. The two met for tea, but what followed was far more than just a cuppa, it was a soulful exchange of stories, gig memories, and deep admiration for the unmistakable growl of a Fender bass.

Sitting across from each other, you could almost feel the rhythm pulsing between generations. George’s eyes lit up as he recounted playing in packed dance halls in the ’60s, while Frankie shared tales of muddy festival sets and studio sessions. Both spoke with such passion, proof that the love of music doesn’t fade with time, it simply grows richer.

This wasn’t just a casual visit, it was a reminder of how much joy comes from celebrating creativity across ages. Our residents were captivated, listening in and even chiming in with their own musical memories. It was warm, personal, and one of those rare moments that leaves a lasting impression on everyone involved.

Whether you’re playing to a crowd or reminiscing in a quiet lounge, music has the power to connect us, heart-to-heart, string to string. 

It’s been another wonderfully lively afternoon in our Art Group, where creativity took centre stage and laughter filled the room. Paint found its way onto canvases, aprons, tables, and, if we’re being honest, one or two unexpected places, but that’s all part of the joy when imagination is running wild.

Our residents threw themselves into their artwork with real enthusiasm, chatting away, sharing stories, and enjoying the easy humour that always seems to bubble up when they’re together. The atmosphere was relaxed and uplifting, and you could feel the sense of pride growing as each masterpiece took shape. Several residents told us how calming it felt to switch off and focus on something creative, while others said the laughter and company were the best part of the whole afternoon.

We’re also fairly certain we’ve uncovered at least three secret artists who’ve been quietly hiding their talents from us. Their work today certainly gave them away. By the end of the session, everyone was beaming as they held up their finished pieces, delighted with what they’d created and even more delighted to share it with one another.

It was the perfect blend of creativity, companionship, and confidence-building, a truly heartwarming afternoon all round. 

We recently uncovered a beautiful piece of history. Our wonderful resident Wilma was a professional singer years ago and even recorded her own album!

Her husband, Donald, had lovingly kept the original master copy, and when we mentioned we knew someone who could transfer it to CD, he kindly entrusted it to us.

After a few weeks of anticipation, the CD was finally ready. We couldn't wait to play it for Wilma... and her reaction was everything we hoped for and more. As you'll see in the video available on our Facebook page, the moment was pure magic. Her voice, her presence, her passion, it all came flooding back.

Wilma's talent is extraordinary. The power of music to connect us to our past, to stir emotions, and to celebrate who we are – it was all there at that moment. What a gift to witness it.

Thank you, Wilma and Donald, for sharing your story and your music with us. 

Ochil Care Home was filled with music, memories, and a touch of magic as we welcomed one of Perth’s most iconic musicians, Ricky Garton, alongside Kev and Kenny, one half of The Breakers. What began as a relaxed afternoon of conversation quickly blossomed into something extraordinary: live music echoing through our lounge, laughter shared across generations, and stories that spanned decades.

Our resident, George, was especially moved. He and Ricky go way back to the 1960s, when they played together in the legendary Erle Blue Stars. Watching them reminisce about old gigs, guitars, and the joy of performing was a privilege for all of us. Their bond lit up the room.

To make the day even more special, Ricky and The Breakers, who are gearing up for a sold-out concert this December, gifted George front row seats and a VIP experience. Their generosity and kindness left us all smiling.

It was a beautiful reminder of how music connects us, how friendships endure, and how a single afternoon can become a cherished memory. 

Our residents had a wonderful time at the Dementia Café Tea Dance at Perth North Church! From tasty treats to toe-tapping tunes, the atmosphere was filled with joy, laughter and plenty of dancing. 

It was such a heart-warming event with a fantastic performance from Ally, who had everyone smiling and swaying along!! Moments like these remind us of the power of music, community and connection!  

This afternoon brought a wave of nostalgia and heartfelt smiles as one of our cherished residents, Charlie, made a long-awaited return to the West End Bowling Club. Serving as Club President in 1989 and 1990, Charlie’s legacy on the green is fondly remembered by fellow bowlers and long-time friends. His arrival sparked warm reunions, laughter, and shared memories of sunlit matches and friendly rivalries.

By his side, Charlie’s wife Moira looked on with radiant pride, her joy unmistakable as she watched him reconnect with his old companions. Stories flowed, hands were clasped, and spirits soared, echoes of afternoons once spent in spirited camaraderie and community.

Moments like these are a reminder that the bonds we forge through shared experiences remain strong, even as the years pass. We were honoured to witness Charlie’s homecoming, a beautiful testament to the enduring power of connection and memory.

Our October afternoon was filled with laughter and tasty treats as we welcomed the lovely children from the Wendy House nursery for a Halloween-themed visit!

Together, we had so much fun decorating spooky cookies, colouring and playing Halloween bingo. A sweet little soft pumpkin toy was given to us as a prize for playing the game – such a cute surprise!

These joyful moments of connection mean the world to both our residents and our young visitors. Bringing generations together like this creates truly special memories.  

This week, Ochil Care Home was brimming with creativity, connection, and colour as we proudly celebrated National Arts in Care Homes Day.

The highlight of our celebration was a heartfelt discovery. Our resident, David, is a remarkably talented watercolour artist, with a portfolio of stunning paintings that reflect years of quiet dedication and artistic flair. To honour his gift, we curated a special exhibition of his work, inviting residents, relatives, and staff to admire the beauty he’s created. The response was one of awe and admiration. David’s artistry truly lit up the room.

Adding to the joy, we welcomed the delightful children from The Wendy House Private Nursery Perth earlier in the week. Their visit brought laughter, bright energy, and a wonderful sense of intergenerational connection. Watching our residents and the children engage through stories, smiles, and shared creativity was a moment to treasure.

Together, these experiences wove a rich tapestry of art, memory, and community spirit. It’s days like these that remind us of the incredible talents within our home, and the magic that happens when we share them.

We had the absolute pleasure of welcoming visitors from King James VI Golf Club, a place close to the hearts of a couple of our residents who were proud members for many years. After we reached out, the Club Captain and Lesley kindly came along with a treasure trove of memories, an old club record book and photos that sparked so many stories. 

It was incredible to see our residents light up as they recognised familiar faces, remembered golfing buddies, and shared tales from days on the green. It was everything we love about community and connection. 

This morning, some of our wonderful Residents joined All Ability Cycling Live Active Leisure for an absolutely brilliant session at Bells Sports Centre. We spent a glorious hour exploring the beautiful North Inch by bike, and the smiles said it all, pure joy, freedom, and shared laughter.

We had the privilege of joining the group and witnessing moments that truly moved us. Watching Residents ride side-by-side, chatting and laughing, reminded us of how powerful connection and movement can be. One Resident even told us it was the most fun they’d had in ages, and we couldn’t agree more!

These experiences are the heartbeat of our community and what makes our work so fulfilling. It’s not just about the activity, it’s about the confidence it builds and the freedom it offers. We left the session feeling incredibly grateful for the wonderful team at Live Active Leisure, who brought such warmth and energy to the morning, and for the Residents, whose enthusiasm always brightens our day.

Paul McGregor has been crowned Carer of The Year for the North East & Scotland Division in the Barchester Care Awards 2025 and is through to the national round of judging.

The Barchester Care Awards celebrate the staff who go the extra mile for the benefit of the 13,500 residents living in Barchester’s 267 care homes and private hospitals across the country. Categories range from ‘Registered Nurse of the Year’ and ‘Carer of the Year’ to ‘Dementia Care Champion’ and ‘Activities Coordinator of the Year’.