An exciting programme of events and activities for residents at Galahill House

Galahill House Care Home sits in a quiet leafy area above the Scottish Borders town of Galashiels and is one of four Mansfield Care Group homes in the region. Like other care homes in the group Galahill House has an activities coordinator who works with the residents to organise a calendar of fun and stimulating events, visits and celebrations throughout the year. Activities Coordinator Rhiannon has been busy at Galahill, where the residents have enjoyed a full programme over the winter months, from live music to local history talks.

Annual celebrations are important landmarks in the calendar and this March Galahill pulled out all the stops for Mother’s Day to make it even more special. “We threw a Mother’s Day afternoon tea with our fanciest china – it was a nice change from our regular mugs!” says Rhiannon.

While visits from residents’ friends and family are always welcome at Galahill, everyone looks forward to a weekly visit from Bess. As a therapy dog, Bess loves being with people and the residents enjoy feeding her treats and throwing a ball for her to catch. Another weekly activity enjoyed by many residents is the Monday ‘knit and natter’. Rhiannon says, “We’ve been making 8-inch squares for sending to countries in Africa via a charity. The aim is that whoever needs them can make the squares into something they might need, like blankets or jumpers.”

Many of Galahill’s residents have grown up and lived in the local area, and Rhiannon recently arranged for local historian and writer Mary Craig to come in and give a talk on local myths and legends such as Thomas the Rhymer. It was an opportunity for residents to share their own stories, too.

Music, song and dance are such an important part of everyone’s lives and everyone looks forward to visits from local performers. “The residents were treated to a performance by The Stow and Heriot Ceilidh Band.” says Rhiannon. “Everyone enjoyed it and we even had a few dancers!”

Everyone enjoys a challenge against the clock and Galahill House residents are no exception. As Rhiannon says “Residents enjoy a daily mental workout with our word game. Our highest score is 212 words. Try and beat us! Just pick a letter and write down every word you can think of that begins with that letter, be quick, you only have 20 minutes. The challenge is on!”

Thank you to Mansfield Care staff for the lovely photos.