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”.

Scottish Care is delighted to share an inspiring story from Birch House in Peterculter, Aberdeen, where resident Pauline recently completed the Race for Life, which is a remarkable personal achievement.

Pauline first expressed interest in taking part in the Race for Life in May 2024. However, with only a few weeks until the event and no time to train, the team at Birch House encouraged her to aim for the June 2025 race instead, giving her a full year to prepare.

Living with ataxia and using a walking stick, Pauline took on what she describes as one of the hardest challenges she has ever faced. She committed herself to a year of training, with regular exercise and going on long walks at least three times a week to build up her stamina and strength.

The team at Birch House actively promote positive risk-taking, encourage residents to push through barriers, and foster a mindset focused on growth, wellbeing and achieving goals. On race day, Pauline was cheered on by ‘Team Pauline’, a supportive group including fellow residents Laura Will and Matthew Watt, Support Worker Pimjuta McNamara, and Deputy Manager Kasia Grimble. The team all wore t-shirts with the message: “Support Squad – You Are Not Alone.”

Pauline proudly crossed the finish line and shared,

“It was hard, but it felt good to go through the finishing line.”

She raised £320 for Cancer Research UK, a cause that means a great deal to her. Her close friend Alison is currently undergoing treatment for bowel cancer, and Birch House’s Home Manager is a breast cancer survivor. Pauline wanted to give back to an organisation that helps so many affected by cancer  and now wears her medal with pride around the home.

 A huge well done to Pauline and the team at Birch House. All of us at Scottish Care are incredibly proud of you!

At Abercorn House Care Home, meaningful moments often start with small acts of kindness, and the inspiring story of Marion and Alice is no exception.

Earlier this month, the sisters began volunteering together at the Salvation Army Charity Shop in Hamilton, turning a shared experience into something truly special. What began as a simple weekly commitment is now blossoming into a growing community initiative, with more residents set to join them.

Read on to discover how this beautiful act of giving back is strengthening family ties, building community connections, and bringing purpose and joy to everyone involved.

At Abercorn House Care Home, we are proud to support meaningful opportunities that enrich lives of our residents, and the story of Marion Conquer and her sister Alice is a beautiful example of that spirit.

On 9^th of July 2025, Marion and Alice began their journey as volunteers at the Salvation Army Charity Shop in Hamilton, following their induction. Together, they now volunteer once a week, sorting through jewellery and helping with pricing, a small act with a big impact.

For Marion, this isn’t just about volunteering, it’s about staying connected to her faith, her community, and most importantly, her sister. For Alice, it’s a chance to spend precious time with Marion in a meaningful way. Their shared experience is strengthening their bond and bringing purpose and joy into their week.

What makes this story even more special is that more residents from Abercorn will soon be joining them in this wonderful initiative, turning this act of kindness into a growing circle of community involvement and connection. Recently welcoming another resident, Drina to take part, below are pictures from their latest volunteer day.

We are incredibly proud of Marion and Alice and excited to see how this small, heartfelt act continues to blossom, touching not only their lives but the lives of those around them.

We’re delighted to share a heartwarming good news story from Diamond Home Assist, a support company and valued Scottish Care member based in West Lothian. Led by registered manager Emma Hurry, their weekly ‘Shine’ social inclusion group is making a real difference in the lives of those they support.

Held every Wednesday morning, Shine offers a welcoming space for service users to come together through their 1-to-1 support, meet others in the community, and take part in a range of fun and meaningful activities. From conversation and creativity to connection and confidence-building, Shine is all about bringing people together in a supportive, inclusive environment.

Read on for an article from Emma to see how this small group is making a big impact.

Shine (Bright Like a Diamond): A Celebration of Connection, Growth, and Joy

In June 2024, we proudly launched Shine (Bright Like a Diamond)—a social inclusion group created to bring our Diamond service users together in a welcoming, supportive space where lasting friendships and meaningful connections could blossom.

From the very beginning, Shine has offered a vibrant mix of weekly activities designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and develop key life skills—all while ensuring our service users remain in 1-to-1 support. Whether it’s a lively game of bingo, a morning of crafting, dancing to favourite tunes, or a relaxing round of dominoes, every session is filled with smiles, laughter, and a sense of belonging.

Each week, we introduce something new to keep our sessions fresh and engaging. We’ve gone on Easter egg hunts to build observation and numeracy skills, held sports days that encourage teamwork and coordination, and introduced new colouring sheets every week—a clear group favourite!

In fact, research shows that colouring can be a powerful tool for reducing stress and anxiety. It’s not just fun—it’s healing. Just ask Kirsty, one of our incredible service users, who proudly shows off her colourful creations and sunflower made with support from our team.

Our celebrations go beyond weekly sessions. We’ve hosted unforgettable Halloween and Christmas parties, filled with fun, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Halloween saw our service users in their spookiest costumes, enjoying apple dooking, “donut on a string,” and dancing the Time Warp.

For Christmas, DJ Disco John (a talented service user) kept the dance floor alive with music, while party games, a festive buffet, and a surprise visit from Santa made the season even brighter.

But the true magic of Shine lies in the remarkable personal transformations we’ve witnessed.

One young woman with a learning disability struggled deeply with emotional regulation and social interactions when she first joined. She expressed discomfort with anger and outbursts, often shouting at staff or acting out physically. One difficult moment involved her hitting another woman with a trolley simply because she felt overwhelmed and didn’t know how to communicate it

Today, she greets others with warmth and kindness, using polite language and asking for space when needed. She’s even taken on a caring role, looking after another group member with Down Syndrome—offering her a drink, making sure her wheelchair fits comfortably at the table, and singing alongside her during karaoke. Her growth in empathy, emotional control, and communication is extraordinary.

Another remarkable story comes from a 59-year-old service user with a severe learning disability, living independently in the community. When he first joined Diamond, he suffered from deep loneliness and anxiety, which led him to pick at his skin and furniture. All he wanted was to “make friends.” Now, he arrives at Shine every week with a cheerful hello for everyone. His anxiety has decreased dramatically, and he’s no longer self-harming or damaging his home. Instead, he’s our beloved karaoke star, lighting up the room with his joyful rendition of “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!”.

Week after week, Shine has become more than just a group—it’s become a community. A place where friendships are forged, laughter is shared, and growth is celebrated. The positive changes we’ve seen in our service users have been nothing short of inspiring.

We are endlessly grateful to our dedicated and compassionate staff, whose care and commitment make Shine possible. Looking ahead, we hope to grow this beautiful community even further — welcoming more service users, adding new ideas, and creating even more opportunities to celebrate individuality, achievement, and the power of human connection.

At Shine, everyone is welcome, and everyone shines.

Abercorn House Enhances Resident Wellbeing Through Virtual Reality

At Abercorn House Care Home, innovation and compassion go hand in hand. As part of their continued commitment to enhancing the lives of their residents, the team is proudly embracing Virtual Reality (VR) to create enriching, personalised experiences for residents.

Whether it’s sparking memories, providing sensory stimulation, or simply offering moments of peace and joy, these immersive experiences are making a meaningful difference. VR sessions are tailored to residents’ interests and needs, allowing each individual to engage in ways that feel familiar, exciting, or soothing.

The initiative reflects Abercorn’s wider commitment to enhancing wellbeing through innovation, creating not just a place of care, but a space of opportunity, curiosity, and connection.

A huge well done to the Abercorn team for leading the way in innovative care proving that the future of wellbeing is both high-tech and deeply human.

Celebrating Love, Diversity and Community- Abercorn’s Pride Party 2025

At Abercorn House, care is not just about support- it’s about belonging. This year, the team proudly hosted a vibrant and meaningful Pride Party, bringing together residents, families, and staff to celebrate the beauty of inclusion, identity and joy.

The home was transformed into a colourful space of love and laughter, with rainbow flags, decorations and the warmest of smiles lighting up every corner.

The day featured:

A resident, staff and families fashion show, where people of all ages strutted with confidence and style, cheered on by proud families and friends.

Live singing and dancing, sparkling happy tears and laughter as everyone got involved.

Heartfelt entertainment, where music bridged generations and filled the home with unity.

What made this celebration so powerful was not just the rainbow colours or fabulous fun- it was the sense of connection. Residents expressed feeling valued and uplifted, especially those who have seen decades of change in how love and identity are embraced.

Families commented on how beautiful it was to see a care home truly living its values-where inclusion is not just a policy but a way of life. Staff led with love, our residents shone with pride, and together, we celebrated every person for exactly who they are. This event is just one example of how Abercorn continues to build a culture where everyone belongs. Residents aren’t just cared for- they are seen, heard and celebrated. Abercorn hopes that their celebration inspires other homes to keep flying the flag of dignity, respect and love for all.