At Scottish Care, we’re proud to share stories that reflect the heart of social care. Known for its commitment to quality care, Silverburn is now entering a new chapter that’s not just about improvement, but about transformation driven by people, please read more below:

Silverburn has always been known for the quality of its care. What makes this moment special is not just the scale of improvement but the way it has come about. This is not about investing in things that look good on the surface. It is about building, together, a stronger foundation for people, care and community.

This whole journey came to life because of the will of owners, colleagues, residents and families to come together and take the next steps for the home. The investment has always been about people first, ensuring staff feel supported, families feel reassured, and residents feel truly at home.

A Mission Shared by Many

Our mission is simple but powerful: to be a home where every moment matters, every memory is cherished, and every day brings joy.

Together with colleagues, residents and families, we shaped our values to bring this to life:

• We make moments that matter, where every interaction brings comfort, connection and joy.
• We adapt and support, ensuring that as needs change, we are always ready to be there.
• We make care a shared journey, walking alongside those we support with kindness and understanding.
• We strive for growth every day, always learning, improving and finding new ways to make life better.
• We make Silverburn a home, a place of warmth, trust and belonging for everyone who walks through our doors.

This is more than words in a brochure. It shows how listening and working together creates a home that is renewed, but always true to what makes Silverburn special.

Listening and Acting

Silverburn has always valued feedback. Now, with our new Feedback Station, that commitment is easier than ever. Residents, families and visitors can share their thoughts at any time, and reports go straight to decision makers every week. That means compliments are celebrated, suggestions are acted on, and concerns are resolved quickly, often before someone leaves the building.

Care here is not static. It grows stronger because we listen.

A Happy Home

The changes at Silverburn are more than an investment in a building. They are an investment in people. They celebrate the dedication of care staff who give so much of themselves every day, and they create the conditions for residents to live not only safely, but happily.

Silverburn shows that when you put care first and invest where it matters most, you do more than improve a home. You create a home shaped by its community, a happy home for residents, for families, and for the people proud to work here.

Boiler Plate

Silverburn Care Home is dedicated to creating a happy home where every moment matters. Guided by our values of compassion, connection and growth, we provide personalised care that evolves with the needs of our residents and families. From our new Complex Care Suites to our investment in staff training and development, everything we do is shaped with the people who matter most – residents, families and care staff. Silverburn is a place where the voices of those who live and work here shape the kind of happy home it continues to be.

Concert at the Park Returns with Powerful Stories and Innovations in Dementia Care

The spirit of collaboration and creativity was alive and well at this year’s Concert at the Park: Sharing Best Practice in Dementia Care, where 3 local care homes: Fairview House, Torry Nursing Home, and Lethen Park came together to celebrate the power of person-centred dementia care.

This annual event, first launched in the summer of 2019 by passionate care leaders Mel (Fairview House) and Nadine (Torry Nursing Home), was created to offer a fresh platform for care homes to share what truly works, not textbook theory, but real-life, impactful practices. After a pause during the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was reignited in 2024 and continued with renewed energy in 2025, bringing together staff, residents, and community members in a joyful celebration of progress and purpose.

Fairview House: Golden Steps and Nursery Project

Fairview House presented its Golden Steps initiative, a programme designed to restore mobility and dignity through movement. A standout story featured a resident who arrived bed-bound and, through dedicated support, now walks with a Zimmer frame and recently performed a ballet routine for fellow residents and staff. The transformation was not just physical, but emotional, inspiring everyone who witnessed it.

Fairview also highlighted its Nursery Project, which uses lifelike baby dolls to evoke nurturing instincts and emotional connection among residents in the Memory Lane unit. The presence of the dolls complete with a crib and gentle routines, has had a profound impact. Residents engage in comforting behaviours such as rocking, singing, and storytelling, which can reduce anxiety, spark long-held memories of parenthood, and promote a sense of calm and purpose. Staff have observed increased verbal communication, emotional warmth, and even improved sleep patterns following interactions with the dolls.

Torry Nursing Home: Sensory Room for Comfort and Stimulation

Torry Nursing Home showcased its Sensory Room, a peaceful retreat designed to soothe and stimulate residents through light, sound, scent, and touch. With fibre optic lighting, calming music, aromatherapy, and tactile objects, the room offers a multi-sensory experience that helps reduce anxiety and agitation. Residents often emerge from the space visibly more relaxed, with improved mood and focus making it a vital part of their holistic care approach.

Lethen Park: Garden Therapy in Full Bloom

Lethen Park shared the success of its Garden Project, where residents actively care for the garden, planting herbs, watering flowers, weeding, and enjoying the fresh air. The garden is more than a scenic escape; it’s a therapeutic space that encourages routine, independence, and social interaction. Residents find joy in nurturing the plants, reminiscing about past gardens, and simply sitting among the greenery. The sensory richness of the outdoors has been shown to reduce stress, improve sleep, and enhance overall wellbeing.

Concert at the Park continues to grow as a beacon of innovation and heart in dementia care. It’s a reminder that when care homes come together to share what truly works, lives are transformed—not just for residents, but for families, staff, and the wider community.

We would like to thank JM for the fantastic music performance and the Duthie Park management for the perfect venue for this event!

Residents at a care home in Edinburgh are being given a new lease of life thanks to artificial intelligence (AI) technology that is helping to reduce their pain and increase mobility.

Jozi Stables – Manager, Glencairn home

Jozi Stables, manager of Renaissance Care’s Glencairn home, said the wellbeing of residents – and staff morale – had improved after a pilot scheme with an innovative app that assesses pain using facial recognition.

Glencairn is among Renaissance Care’s 18 homes in Scotland that have been using PainChek, an AI-powered app that uses a camera on an ordinary smartphone or tablet to scan faces for tiny changes called micro-expressions to detect pain.

Studies have shown that chronic pain is widespread among care home residents with some suggesting that as many as half are cognitively impaired and may be unable to communicate symptoms such as pain or anxiety [1].

It is recognised that the effects of chronic pain significantly reduce residents’ quality of life, limiting their mobility, restricting their social life, causing depression, irritability and tiredness.

Jozi stressed that human care remains at the centre of Glencairn’s ethos but admitted that the technology had improved the ability of staff to identify pain in residents, especially those who are non-verbal or unable to communicate their discomfort.

“The most significant improvement has been a 100 per cent reduction in severe pain levels among residents since the system was introduced. For the last three months, residents have consistently reported pain or no pain,” said Jozi.

“There has been a notable reduction in stress and distress levels within residents. Residents are taking part in more activities and those with mobility issues are now going on trips they couldn’t before. Residents who required specialist support seating due to discomfort are now comfortably sitting in normal lounge chairs and participating more in the community.”

The benefits of the technology for quality of care have been highlighted in the case of one Glencairn resident who was formerly active and enjoyed walking.

Staff at the home noticed she had become withdrawn and less engaged and used the PainChek app to identify that she was in pain, despite her not being on any pain medication at the time.

Following a review with the resident and her GP, it was confirmed that she had been experiencing discomfort in her shoulder, although she had not considered it significant enough to mention.

With the introduction of appropriate analgesia, her pain was effectively managed and within a short period, the resident became more active and enthusiastic, resuming her daily outdoor walks, participating in activities, and even enjoying a short holiday with her family. Ongoing use of PainChek has consistently indicated that the resident is now pain-free.

Acknowledging that social care providers may be wary of using AI technology, Jozi said: “It’s all about empowering our residents, that’s what we’re very passionate about here.

“I think with the introduction of a tool like this, there is always a fear that it might replace an aspect of care, which absolutely is not the case. If anything, it enhances resident care but also empowers your people to remain fully involved in their care.”

At Glencairn, staff have found that the AI tool helps residents to be more closely involved in their pain management and ensures they receive the correct medication, where appropriate.

“Residents are empowered to be involved in their own pain management, able to communicate their pain and participate in assessments before medication is administered,” added Jozi. “This approach ensures they remain fully involved in their care process where possible.”

Jozi said data gathered by the app also means that accurate health information can be passed to a resident’s GP, enabling better decisions on medication, such as discontinuing unnecessary drugs or trying new approaches. “This helps build stronger, trusted bonds with GP practices,” she said.

An unexpected outcome from the trial has been a positive impact on staff.

“Morale has increased as the system supports them through what can be emotionally difficult experiences in caring for residents,” added Jozi. “Staff now have more time to participate in activities with residents beyond just clinical care.”

A spokesperson for Renaissance Care said the rollout of the app had proven “highly effective in generating pain scores, offering solid data that enables us to tailor pain interventions according to individual pain levels. Its capacity to identify pain has resulted in substantial enhancements in our care environment, bolstering resident wellbeing and improving our overall care strategies.”

Scottish Care is delighted to share this inspiring story from one of our member care homes – Birch House.

A resident, Laura, has taken on a new role supporting the staff team by carrying out donning and doffing competencies. She will carry out these checks twice yearly, day and night, helping to ensure safe infection prevention practices across the home.

Laura is thrilled with her new responsibility, which has given her a real sense of purpose and achievement. Next on her development journey will be completing hand hygiene competencies, further supporting the staff and wider care community.

This is a wonderful example of how empowering residents can strengthen both individual confidence and the whole care environment.

laura donnig and doffing_

Abercorn House Family Day – A Celebration of Community and Togetherness

On Saturday 24th August, Abercorn House opened its garden gates for a very special Family Day and what a wonderful afternoon it was! Residents, families, and staff came together to enjoy a fun-filled day full of laughter, smiles, and a true sense of community.

Highlights included a lively tombola, a hilarious human fruit slot machine, and delicious burgers and cakes lovingly prepared by the kitchen team. The event was bursting with joy, creating memories to be cherished by all who attended.

A particularly moving moment came as the families of the late Grace Harte and Chris Hannigan were recognised for their generous gift of a coffee machine for residents, staff, and visitors to enjoy. A sign now proudly reads that it was given “with love” from their families – a touching tribute that will be felt daily at Abercorn.

This Family Day was more than just an event; it was a heartwarming reminder of everything that makes Abercorn House so special – friendship, gratitude, and the joy of celebrating life together.

A big thank you to Asda Hamilton for helping make a recent flower arranging day at Abercorn House Care Home truly special. Residents, families, and staff filled the home with colour, conversation, and creativity, all thanks to the kind support of local store manager Gillian, who personally delivered the flowers and joined in the fun.

Bringing Joy in Bloom: A Special Day of Flower Arranging at Abercorn House Care Home

On Tuesday 23^rd of July 2025, Abercorn House Care Home was filled with colour, fragrance, and joyful conversation as we hosted a special flower arranging day for our residents and their loved ones, a heartwarming event made possible through the generous support of Asda Hamilton Branch.

Thanks to the kindness and community spirit of Gillian, the store manager at Asda Hamilton, the day became more than just an activity. Gillian personally delivered a beautiful selection of fresh flowers and supplies to the home, and took the time to chat with our residents, bringing smiles and warmth that stayed long after the flowers were arranged.

Residents from both of our units participated in the event, joined by their families and the care team, turning our lounge into a vibrant workshop of creativity and laughter. For many, the activity stirred fond memories of gardens, favourite flowers, and times spent arranging blooms in years gone by. The presence of loved ones made the occasion even more meaningful, reinforcing the connection between care, community and personal well-being.

This event is perfect example of how partnership with local organisations can create special moments for those we care for. We are truly grateful to Gillian and the Asda Hamilton team for helping us make the day so memorable.

At Abercorn House, we believe that everyday offers an opportunity to enrich lives, and on this day, we did just that, one flower at a time.

We’re thrilled to share a joyful story from Abercorn House, where residents enjoyed a fantastic day at Hamilton Racecourse, joined by the dedicated activities team.

A Day at the Races-Bella, Tom, Jim and Joan Join the Betting Bachelors at Hamilton Racecourse!

Last Friday (18 July 2025), spirits were high as Abercorn House residents Bella, Tom and Jim enjoyed an unforgettable day out at Hamilton Racecourse, joined by our fantastic activities team members Von and Rohwell. The outing brought joy, laughter, and a special kind of magic that made it a truly memorable day for all involved.

Tom, who hadn’t been feeling his best in the days leading up to the trip, had a noticeable lift in his mood. Being out in the fresh air, surrounded by good friends, and soaking in the lively atmosphere of the races truly brought a spark back to him. And that spark turned into full blown cheer when he and Rohwell picked the winning horse in one of the races! With cheeky grins, the pair proudly dubbed themselves the “betting bachelors” and they’ve been reminding us of their victory ever since!

Jim was joined by his loving wife Joan, and seeing them together was a joy. They held hands, cheered on the horses, and shared warm moments that reminded everyone of the strength of their bond. Joan beamed as she said, “It feels just like the old days”.

Bella brought her usual sunshine to the group. Elegant and engaging, she made new friends among the crowd and encouraged others to clap and cheer along. She later shared, “I haven’t laughed this much in a long time”.

Von made sure the day ran smoothly, supporting everyone while capturing special moments and sharing in the laughter. His energy and compassion helped make the trip not just an outing, but a truly meaningful experience.

After the races, the group gathered for drinks and treats, reflecting on the day with smiles and stories. Jim called it a “perfect day”, joked that he’s now officially Abercorn’s racing expert.

This day out wasn’t just about horses, it was about connection, joy and the simple moments that make life special. We’re so proud to see our residents living life to the fullest, and we’re already looking forward to the next adventure with the Betting Bachelors leading the way!

Busy Bees and Abbotsford Care Home have worked together for many years to create an age inclusive group where children and older adults can make social connections to enhance their wellbeing and self-confidence (incorporating Curriculum for Excellence and SHANARRI).

Busy Bees offer a friendly and professional childcare services for all children aged 6 weeks to 5 years old. Since being established in 1994, the Busy Bees team put the children in their care at the top of their priority every day.  Both groups recognised the opportunity of coming together with older adults in the care home and the benefits intergenerational activities could have for all participants.

The Busy Bee friends have been visiting Abbotsford Care Home since 2001, and in the last couple of years it’s become  every Thursday morning.  Participants include seven children between the age of three to five and around seven to ten of our residents . Since the group started, children, their teachers/carers and older adults have created a special bond, shown through the children’s excitement coming to Abbotsford each week, and the laughs they share together. Abbotsford staffs’ children and grandchildren have been part of this journey over the years and they share fond memories of visiting the home.  These relationships were not made overnight, but through consistency in the sessions which allowed everyone to get to know each over time. Each session follows a theme such as gardening, families and friendships, seasons, etc, singing songs together and storytelling, followed by an activity such as board games, jigsaws and parachute games.

They celebrate cultural events together to promote diversity and inclusion and understanding among the children and older adults.  It helps them develop a sense of respect and appreciation for different cultures and traditions, it also offers the opportunity for everyone to learn history, geography and social studies.

A staff member has said:  “My grandson was in the Nativity play and it was lovely to see how he interacted with everyone, and the joy the children brought to the residents”.

Lucy’s mum said that “Lucy loved going to Abbotsford and telling me all about what she got to do there.  This is a really valuable experience for the children, getting to interact with older people”.

On 23^rd June, 2025,  they celebrated the Busy Bees childrens’ graduation, where the children end their chapter at Busy Bess and move on to primary school, but their story is not over as we have close links to the local primary schools Caledonia and Stanley Primary school and we continue to foster these relationships.

Freya a Busy Bee pupil said, “I liked we were getting to read a book with Marion”

Freya’s mum commented, “ Freya has really enjoyed her visits to Abbotsford and talks about the ladies and gentlemen she has met and what she has done”.

Heather, a Busy Bees staff member said, “This has been an incredible experience for all involved.  Such a great way to bring generations of people together to form positive relationships.  An amazing learning opportunity for our early years class and you can really see the importance of these visits for the residents”.  Heather herself hopes to further her relationship with the residents who do not have many visitors by writing them letters and popping in with her own daughter for a visit.

To understand the benefits that intergenerational connections brings to both parties Carol-Ann and her sister Jillian (owners of Busy Bees nursery), state:

“ Personally, Jillian and I have a very strong connection with the staff and residents of Abbotsford as we have been part of their family for so many years now.  We have been working in partnership for 20+ years and we would be lost without our visits.

When we visit and we see a friend (resident) who may be feeling sad/low…, the children walk in and their mood lifts almost instantly.  The glow on the faces are priceless and the fun begins.

When the children get to know the residents through our weekly visits the bonds that are made are unbreakable.  When we draw up in our ‘Bee Bus’, the children are so excited to get into see which friends they will be spending time with today.

The intergenerational learning where the children and friends (residents) learn from each other is an important part of life long learning, where the generations work together to gain skills, values and knowledge providing opportunities for unrelated people different generations to interact with each other.

Through our connections with the residents of Abbotsford we feel this :- helps reduce ageism and stereotyping between generations and improves relationships between early years and the older generation, brings joy and happiness to all  involved…..Residents, Children, Nursery staff and Care home staff.

We all love our visits/work with Abbotsford staff and residents and hope it continues for many more years”.