Activities at Strachan House 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.

On the second Saturday of each month we invite the family and friends of our Memory Lane community, (as well as those who may struggling with, or caring for someone with dementia) along for a delightful afternoon of music, games, arts & crafts, warm drinks and delicious snacks! This month our talented chef baked delicious biscuits and scones for all to enjoy! Corrine our music therapist joined us in song, as we ate and sang along to some golden oldies, reminiscing on times gone by and getting to know each other’s favourite music! Each table had puzzles to put together, we worked as teams to complete them and felt a great sense of accomplishment putting in that final piece! It was a joyous afternoon socialising and we can’t wait to see everyone again.

WE DID IT! A big congratulations to our residents who participated in the Mount Everest Walking challenge during December. We walked a total of 273, 260 steps over a 4 week period - that's almost 11 times up mount Everest from base camp! Four residents climbed over the height of Mount Everest, totalling an average of 25,000 steps each! A big Hip hip hooray to Alex Laird, Alec Morris, Lily Taylor and Lorna Ferguson. What an achievement. Our winning floor this year goes to our 1st floor residents who cumulatively covered the most ground - Alec accepted the floors certificate on everyone's behalf. All should be very proud of their achievements and we look forward to staying active in the coming months. A special thank you to our amazing physios and their encouragement and support during this time!

What a beautiful way to bring in the New Year here at Strachan House! We watched the fireworks on the television, listened to great music whilst drinking champagne, demolished beautifully put together cheeseboards, and spent time with our loved ones who came in to visit. The atmosphere was one of happiness and tranquillity. In addition to this, our staff brought in food to share with everyone on the day and we couldn’t have asked for a better way to bring in 2024. A big THANK YOU to all of our families, entertainers, volunteers and friends, your support has been integral and so appreciated. And of course, to all our valued staff; Thank you for the hard work, love and care you have given throughout 2023 - Our home wouldn't be the same without your passion and we know 2024 is going to be just as great!

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.

Celebrations have been in full swing at Strachan House as one of its residents reaches her centenary in style. Olive Duncan was joined by staff, relatives and friends for a champagne afternoon tea that was held at the home. Guests not only enjoyed a delicious spread of sweet and savoury food, they also got to try not one but two delicious cakes! A special birthday cake was made by the home’s chef Paul; in addition to this, Olives family had an incredible bespoke cake made, using a photograph of Olive during her time in the military, to pay homage to her life work as a civil servant. 

Olive is a very proud veteran, her history as a civil servant moulding her into the person that she is today. Olive is a social butterfly, a deeply family orientated woman and loving mother. She ensures she stays on top of current affairs and enjoys interacting with staff and residents at Strachan House, where she is enjoying a new chapter of her life.

The birthday girl was enlivened all week in the lead up to her centenary, she eagerly awaited a telegram from the king in recognition of her landmark birthday. In anticipation for the big day, Olive stated, “It’s all very exciting, I very much look forward to sharing this special occasion with family and friends! I am lucky to be able to celebrate this milestone.”