Residents at Kingsmills Care Home in Inverness ask for local support to create fresh outdoor space for spring
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With spring already in bloom elderly residents at care homes across Inverness 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 Kingsmills Care Home’s garden, staff are on the hunt for the likes of gardening furniture, tools, plants and ornaments.
With art supplies on hand, the care home 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 the nearby community which could be fostered through the shared goal of improving the local area. The staff within the home welcome any helping hands who would like to support the initiative.
Kingsmills Care Home began its facelift last month, as it 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 with an online webinar hosted by the Care Inspectorate and Trellis, allowing residents to grow their very own vase of flowers in their rooms.
Carmen delos Trinos, home manager at Renaissance Care’s Kingsmills home, said: “Renaissance Care encourages projects which residents can get behind, and gardening is always a popular one. We have a variety of activities planned which will suit all capabilities, as well as for those who enjoy getting their hands dirty and for those who don’t.
“We are hoping to encourage health and wellbeing within the home and this is a great way to engage our residents both mentally and physically. Plus it’s great fun.”
Resident Elizabeth Ann Driver, aged 70, said: “Gardening is something I used to enjoy which kept me active too. I can’t wait to get the gloves on and the tools out again.”
