Call For Local Support In Creating Fresh Spring Space For Care Home Residents
With spring already in bloom, elderly residents at care homes across the country are looking forward to time spent outdoors following colder months. Now, as green-fingered residents get ready for gardening activities, Scottish care home provider, Renaissance Care has put out a call for donations from the local community.
In the hope of freshening up their gardens, staff are on the hunt for the likes of gardening furniture, tools, plants and ornaments. With art supplies on hand, care homes will gladly accept donations in need of a little love or lick of paint, while the home boasts keen gardeners who are ready to get their hands dirty with seeds or bulbs.
The focus on gardening falls in line with Renaissance Care’s health and wellbeing strategy, which prioritises the emotional, mental and physical health of those in its care. Following the Winter Olympics activity which saw residents embracing the colder weather, Renaissance Care has set aside time for gardening activities in order to bring the new season in with a garden refresh.
As well as a focus on embracing the outdoors, Renaissance Care also hopes to create lasting partnerships with nearby communities which could be fostered through the shared goal of improving the local area. The staff welcome any helping hands who would like to support the initiative.
Renaissance Care’s 16 care homes began their facelifts last month, as staff looked to create a fresh space to enjoy in summer, particularly with the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations upcoming. Staff hope that work carried out outdoors will benefit their indoors too, as they are following along an online webinar hosted by the Care Inspectorate and Trellis, allowing residents to grow their very own vase of flowers in their rooms.
Jade McGowan, activities co-ordinator at Renaissance Care’s Jesmond home, said: “We strive to create fun activities which will use the wisdom of our residents. With several keen gardeners within the home and warmer weather round the corner, it is the perfect time to launch our gardening projects.
“We are very lucky to be situated within such a supportive community and we are hopeful that this call will prompt some further generosity. Our garden could do with a little love and our residents have years of experience which we know will be put to good use. If you have anything to spare, please do get in touch.”
Resident Helen Kirk, aged 80, said: “I’ve always enjoyed gardening – it’s so satisfying to reap the rewards of some hard work. I’m excited to get stuck in with the staff and hopefully we can create a garden that can be enjoyed all year round.”
To offer donations to your nearest Renaissance Care home, contact: https://www.renaissance-care.co.uk/our-homes
