Activities at Pentland View Care Home

Across our services residents had a fantastic time during a special live virtual event, led by Emilia from Medical Detection Dogs. Emilia took us on a journey to discover how the organisation began training dogs to support people with complex health conditions, saving their lives on a daily basis.

Using their amazing sense of smell, these dogs can identify odour changes emitted prior an episode and alert the person to take preventative action.

We were introduced to the wonderful dogs and the science behind the sniff.  It was a delightful experience for everyone, especially our canine-loving residents.

Snow days are for cosy blankets, a good cuppa, even better company, and doing all of our favourite indoor, cosy activities. In the past few days, we have done quite a few. Two favourites have been watching nature documentaries (especially Growing Up Wild) and playing Name That Tune, with music spanning the 1950's through 90's and across various genres. Between us, we have a pretty good musical knowledge!

Music of the 1960s seems to be a particularly favorite, with The Beatles, Tom Jones, The Supremes, and Louis Armstrong among some of the favourite artists. We couldn't resist singing and having a wee dance along, as well, all with the lovely backdrop of our snowy garden setting the scene.

We had a lovely few days celebrating Scotland's National poet, Robbie Burns over the last few days. From doing Scottish quizzes, to learning about our clan histories and tartans and listening to traditional music, we have enjoyed celebrating all things Scottish!

We wrapped up our week with a tasty Burns Supper, where Rena addressed the haggis, and did a braw job! The "great chieftain of the pudding race" was served with the traditional neeps and tatties and followed by a delicious pudding of cranachan.

Pentland View care home in Thurso was transformed into Blue Hawaii to mark what would have been Elvis Presley’s 89th birthday on 8 January. It is estimated that Elvis has sold over one billion records worldwide so to honour the undisputed King of Rock & Roll, the staff and residents enjoyed a fantastic day of music, fun and dancing.

Activities Coordinator, Jeanine Sinclair, said: “Music is such an incredible way to connect with each other, and Elvis has played a very big part in many of our residents’ lives. From a resident who we learnt wore a locket with Elvis’ photo in it in her youth, to one who currently has an Elvis blanket on her bed and listens to his music daily, residents have many happy memories attached to Elvis’ music and films.”

All over the country our care homes and hospitals linked up for Barchester’s Big Quiz of the year!

Residents tested their knowledge with a variety of questions, from historical humdingers and musical musings to pictorial puzzlers and connective conundrums.

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

We have had a variety of musical performances in to visit over the festive period as we are fortunate enough to have a great many talented local musicians. Residents enjoyed traditional and holiday tunes from The Caithness Bell Ringers, the Tutti Choir, a local fiddle group, and from a resident-favourite, Addie Harper. Addie even took the merriment to a  resident’s room as she was unable to attend in the lounge. Many of our residents have enjoyed Addie’s music for years and it means an lot to them that he comes in regularly to play.