Activities at Queens Manor Care Home

Residents and staff  had a special moment recently when two residents discovered that they had met and known each other some 65 years ago.

Margaret is a permanent resident at Queens Manor and Dorothy came to the home for a second respite stay.  Dorothy said that her address had been mentioned during her previous respite stay and she was determined to get to the bottom of it!

Over six decades ago, Margaret used to live in Myrtle Crescent, Bilston in a council property, but wanted to move to Bonnyrigg to be nearer to family there.  So, as was the norm at the time, she put a notice up in the post office in Poulton requesting a house exchange.  

Chick Watch – residents, staff and visitors had a magical time with our newly hatched chicks which we nurtured from egg to cage!  Resident Pat couldn’t keep away and said that she loved the feelings of warmth and comfort she felt from holding one of the fluffy friends.  Every resident derived benefit from this special time and we were very sad to let them go

Residents and Staff were pleased to experience the first in a series of Mindfulness Sessions with our good friend, Professor Joe Goldblatt.  Mindfulness ‘may help reduce stress, anxiety and can improve mental wellbeing by anchoring awareness in ‘the here and now’.  We could all benefit from some of that!  Residents commented on  a ‘very relaxing experience’.  

We were joined today by Craig, Dementia Nurse Specialist, who helped us make sense of the sometimes complicated world of dementia. The session was really informative and helpful, with lots of valuable information shared. We then enjoyed tea and coffee together, along with some homemade biscuits.

Our new Colleague James, joined us as Gardener this month and the residents are thrilled.  

James attended a Garden Group Meeting and is planning the garden space with his new found friends.  

We have a lovely spacious private sunny garden space here, and residents on the ground floor also have individual patio spaces to enjoy and nurture.  James is recently retired from a role in the Scottish Parliament,  and is excited about his new role, saying that ‘this doesn’t feel like work at all – I’m loving it!’

Our residents and the children from Flying Colours Nursery enjoy some lovely interactions including a deep and philosophical conversation about hands.  Resident Richard explained that his hands have been busy for a long time and so may look well used – playing the accordion and cabinet making amongst other things!  

Resident Betty Roy and her son Ivor were completely astounded to discover that a Christmas Gift sourced by Key Worker Clarissa is actually a family heirloom!

Clarissa was looking for a unique and meaningful gift for Betty’s Christmas and whilst browsing online happened across ‘Aye Ready, The History of Edinburgh Fire Brigade, The Oldest Municipal Brigade in Britain’ (by Alexander Reid). Initially she wondered about gifting a ‘second hand’ item but decided it would be perfectly appropriate for Betty as she often spoke of her Father, Robert Thomas Wyllie, whose photo she proudly displays in her room.  Robert was Assistant Fire Officer at Edinburgh’s Laurieston Fire Station during the 1930’s. 

We had a great afternoon watching the Grand National and placing our best bets. Residents picked a horse from all the runners and everyone got excited when the race at Aintree Racecourse started.

The hospitality team treated us to a lovely buffet of delicious sweet and savoury treats, which were washed down with a glass of bubbly.

It was a lovely day, enjoyed by all. 

Residents made beaded bracelets, demonstrating dexterity and concentration – as well as having a fun social interaction with fellow residents and staff.

Happy Birthday and Cheers! to the lovely Nessie. She's had a busy day looking gorgeous, shopping, coffee and caking at the Gyle and now she's rounding off her day with a wee wine.....and more cake! Why not? !!

Staff and residents are holding double celebrations after receiving exceptional feedback in the home’s customer satisfaction survey and a ‘Very Good’ Care Inspectorate rating. Everyone is as proud as can be after the home scored incredibly highly in all aspects of the survey and was rated ‘Very Good’ for Wellbeing and Setting in its latest CI inspection.

A colossal 100% of the residents at Queens Manor stated that they would recommend the home to a friend.  In the six different areas of the survey covering people, care, environment, activities, dining and communication, the home consistently scored over 85%. The home’s top scores out of the six areas were for the calibre of its staff, and the quality of the care delivered, both scoring 95%, followed by the home’s living environment at 94%. All team members are thrilled to have received such brilliant scores.

We hosted a tea party for Joyce and her family to celebrate her 90^th birthday. Maintaining those meaningful connections is so important to wellbeing – and we love any opportunity to entertain! Residents and relatives know that they can come together and spend quality time – with cake!

90 is a big one! Congratulations Joyce – who incidentally loves having her picture taken!