Activities at Strachan House Care Home

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.”

Strachan House Care Home in Blackhall have enjoyed visits from the Beavers scout group in the countdown to Christmas, revelling in activities such as Christmas card making and Christmas bingo.

Residents of Strachan House care home have been sharing their knowledge and stories of the past with the children, whilst making new friends in the inter-generational scheme. Both Residents and Children have benefitted greatly from these visits as they enable connectivity to the community.

The residents here at Strachan house had a go at creating our very own bauble cone Christmas centrepieces! We had warm and cool colour themes, and the ladies did an amazing job bringing them together. As we discussed our childhood Christmases, favourite festive meals and families, we found that our bonds strengthened…perhaps coming together a little bit better than the clue holding our centre pieces together! We had many laughs as our works of art wobbled and swayed, yet we eventually got them to hold together and what an amazing outcome. A great morning of laughter and creativity.

Some of our residents were able to attend a wonderful morning at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre for the festive ‘Mistletoe and Jam’ session! It was so much fun to have a dance with some Nursery children to Christmas classics, pop crackers and eat mince pies. The best part was to get our bodies moving to great music whilst meeting new people! It’s integral to maintain ties with our community, and what a beautiful community it is. Everyone was so warm and welcoming, we thank the amazing team who put the event together and we cannot wait for the next one!