Activities at South Grange Care Home

Residents at South Grange enjoyed a lively Six Nations taste test to celebrate the start of the famous rugby tournament, bringing excitement, conversation and plenty of flavour to the day. A specially prepared tuck trolley travelled from room to room and through the lounges, giving everyone the chance to take part, including those who prefer to stay cosy in their own spaces. The trolley featured either a food or a drink inspired by each nation competing in the championship, from traditional snacks to well-known treats associated with each country. 

For Scotland, we had shortbread fingers and Irn Bru, for England we had scones with butter and jam, for Ireland we had Guinness, for Wales we had Welsh cakes, for France we had a baguette with butter and for Italy, of course, we had pizza! Residents sampled the different flavours and had fun trying to guess what nation each item represented, sparking friendly debates and laughter. The activity encouraged social interaction and shared a sense of celebration as anticipation for the rugby games grew.     

Residents and staff at South Grange came together to celebrate a remarkable milestone as Lizzie marked her 105th birthday. The round room was filled with smiles and applause as Lizzie was presented with gifts, flowers and a special birthday card from King Charles, making the day even more memorable. Fellow residents joined staff to share stories, laughter and cake, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere. Lizzie said the secret to her long life was “having family around me”. 

She laughed as she admitted she could hardly believe the staff when they first told her she was turning 105, joking that it didn’t feel possible. The celebration was a special moment for everyone involved.    

This Christmas, South Grange opened its doors to the local community by hosting a heartfelt “Don’t Dine Alone” event. The invites offer the local members of the community to join the care home residents for a delicious three-course meal, some warm company and lively conversation. We had a lovely lady take us up on the offer and join us for lunch the Friday before Christmas. The afternoon was filled with chatter and laughter as she and residents Bob and Margaret enjoyed lunch together. 

This was more than just a meal, it was companionship, connection and the chance to enjoy some meaningful conversation in a warm and friendly setting. By bringing people together, we hope to reduce loneliness during the holiday season and create lasting memories for everyone involved, proving that Christmas is truly about kindness and community spirit. 

Diners were treated to a tasty lunch in the home’s café area accompanied by some of our residents. Guests had a chance to meet the residents and staff, whilst getting to know each other, share stories and reminisce on their younger days while enjoying their food.

 Our guest was local and from Monifieth where she had spent most of her life and, after dinner, everyone enjoyed time in our beautiful round room watching our Christmas jumper catwalk.

Residents at South Grange enjoyed a wonderful St Andrew’s Day celebration filled with Scottish tradition and warm community spirit. The day began with some Scottish music throughout the home, followed shortly after by a delicious meal of haggis, neeps and tatties, all topped with a rich whisky sauce that brought smiles and sparked memories of past celebrations for some residents. 

Lively conversation filled the dining rooms as everyone embraced the taste of Scotland and admired the blue solitaire flag decorations that brightened up the room. After lunch, excitement grew as a piper and snare drummer made their way through the home, their music echoing proudly along the corridors. Residents gathered to listen, clap and tap their feet as the music created a truly festive atmosphere. The performance brought joy, raw emotion and a heartfelt sense of national pride.    

Residents at South Grange enjoyed a wonderful Burns Day celebration, with the dining rooms beautifully decorated in tartan and tributes to Rabbie Burns creating a festive Scottish atmosphere. The sound of bagpipes filled the corridors as a piper toured the home, playing traditional tunes that brought smiles and memories to many. 

A special highlight was when Joe, the husband of one of our ladies, proudly addressed the haggis, delivering the classic tradition to the residents. Residents and staff gathered together, clapping and joining in the celebrations before sitting down to a delicious traditional Scottish lunch. Our chefs prepared haggis, neeps and tatties, which was enjoyed by all. To complete the celebration, residents enjoyed a “wee dram” of whisky, raising a toast together. The day was filled with music, conversation and memories, sharing cultural appreciation, making it a memorable occasion.      

The local nursery children enjoyed their weekly visit to South Grange this week, bringing lots of smiles and energy with them. The visit was filled with fun, laughter and meaningful moments shared between the children and residents. The children entertained the residents with some traditional Scottish dancing, including the Gay Gordons. The residents were delighted and some joined in, getting up to dance alongside the children. It was heart-warming to see the generations interacting, laughing and dancing together. 

After dancing, the children handed out some tasty scones that they baked for the residents, a well-deserved treat after all the dancing! These visits continue to be a highlight for residents and help create strong community connections. 

The Basin Belles brought festive joy to South Grange this Christmas with a sparkling dance performance full of warmth and cheer. All dressed in bright, seasonal costumes with twinkling accessories, the dancers performed to some much-loved Christmas songs everyone knows and loves. Their routines are uplifting, gentle and fun, creating a wonderful atmosphere for the residents, families and staff alike. 

As classic carols and the most popular Christmas hits filled the room, the residents clapped and sang along. Some residents even got up on the dance floor and danced along with the dancers. We even had a good laugh throwing around massive Christmas baubles that the dancers had as accessories. What a great afternoon everyone had! The Basin Belles believe dancing is for everyone and their visits always promise laughter, joy and connection. It was a truly magical Christmas celebration that left everyone’s spirits lifted, long after the music ended. 

Kind-hearted residents, friends and families and staff have been coordinating a collection of non-perishable food items, toiletries and sanitary products to give to the Dundee and Angus Foodbank who give support to those who are struggling at this time of year. We are very grateful to have collected a large amount of food and toiletry items that we were able to donate to the Dundee and Angus Foodbank.

Activities Coordinator Gill, commented: “Everyone at the home is very much aware that lots of people are finding it difficult to feed themselves and their families this year and we all wanted to help in whatever way we can. We put their heads together to come up with a plan of action to collect as much non-perishable food and other useful products as possible to help those less fortunate than ourselves.” 

Residents here at South Grange enjoyed a delightful treat as the activity girls rolled their delicious tuck trolley from room to room in celebration of National Cake Day. Laughter and warmed greetings filled the corridors as each resident was offered a tempting selection of cakes, including rich chocolate cake, soft chocolate-chip muffins and classic madeira cupcakes. 

Delivered right to their doors, the trolley brought not only sweet indulgence but also a sense of excitement and engagement. To make the afternoon even more special, residents were invited to enjoy a glass of either cream or medium dry sherry or a glass of red or white wine to accompany their chosen treat, creating a cosy, festive atmosphere that brightened the afternoon and made everyone feel happy and cheery. 

Residents and family members at South Grange were treated to a fun indoor cinema experience that transformed an ordinary afternoon into something warm and special. Our lounge had the curtains closed and lights dimmed like a real cinema, with residents in comfy chairs and wheelchairs arranged in rows, and each resident received a cheerful snack box filled with a hot dog, crisps, a packet of biscuits or sweets and a nice glass of fizzy juice to wash it down. Laughter filled the room as they watched the comedy film Murder Mystery, with its twists and hilarious moments keeping everyone fully engaged. Staff joined in, sharing the laughter and making sure all drinks were topped up when needed. The atmosphere was warm and uplifting, leaving everyone smiling long after the film had ended. It was a lovely afternoon, enjoyed by all those involved.

South Grange marked National Shortbread Day with a delicious celebration enjoyed by residents and staff. To honour the day, the activity girls put together a special tuck trolley filled with a tempting selection of different shortbreads, from classic buttery fingers to crumbly rounds. 

To make the occasion even more special, there was plenty of sherry on hand to wash the treats down, adding a touch of tradition and cheer. The tuck trolley travelled from room to room, with staff stopping to have a chat and offering each resident a sweet treat. Smiles quickly spread as residents sampled the shortbread, shared memories and enjoyed a relaxed sociable moment. It was a simple but much loved way to celebrate the day together.    

Mrs Elf arrived at South Grange with a tuck trolley overflowing with festive goodies, spreading cheer the moment she stepped through the door. The trolley was piled high with chocolate Santa’s, colourful sweetie bags, candy canes and even reindeer-designed tissues for those not in the mood for a sweet treat. 

She visited each resident one by one, stopping for a chat, sharing a laugh and letting them choose a treat from her trolley. Laughter echoed along the corridors as memories were shared and jokes were made, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere. Faces lit up with happiness as the home was filled with festive spirit. Mrs Elf’s visit brought comfort, kindness and a little Christmas magic to everyone she met.  

The residents at South Grange put their heads together and donned their aprons to come up with the most amazing Christmas cake decorated to perfection. Their fabulous cake has 3 separate tiers- one designed as Santa, the other two tiers are decorated with different types of holly and icing. It took weeks of planning and preparation; residents couldn’t agree on just one design so that’s when they came up with the idea of making a separate 3 tier cake and having everyone’s ideas combined. The cakes were traditional Christmas cake packed with dried fruits and some festive spices like cinnamon and nutmeg and covered in a delicious royal icing.

Residents at South Grange have been enjoying an engaging new exercise class led by activity staff and our physiotherapist Adrian, who brought plenty of enthusiasm and expert guidance to the session. He shared useful tips and tricks on how to move safely and confidently, encouraging everyone to participate at their own pace. Adrian demonstrated gentle stretches, seated exercises, and proper techniques for standing up from a chair, helping residents build strength and improve mobility. 

His clear instructions and supportive approach made the class both educational and enjoyable. Residents did great and enjoyed practising the movements together, feeling motivated and reassured. The new class proved to be a positive addition to the weekly routine, prompting wellbeing and boosting confidence within each resident.