Staff and residents at Balhousie Luncarty care home in Perthshire are in the running for a major award for the activities that take place at the home.

Balhousie Luncarty has made the shortlist of the Meaningful Activity Award in the Scottish Care Awards, a major event in the care sector.

“Inclusiveness and a sense of family is at the heart of what we do and we also make sure the Luncarty village community is involved where possible,” said Home Manager Cheryl Banks. “That’s why I’m delighted that our work has been recognised by Scottish Care.

Activities at the 29-bed home have included: a COVID time capsule event, where residents and community members were invited to bury mementoes of the 2020 lockdown; cognitive stimulation therapy groups in which residents are encouraged to discuss the day’s news, participate in activties and share their own memories and experiences; and a dedicated Namaste area which provides holistic and meaningful care at end of life using the senses to provide comfort and peace.

This is the second award recognition for Balhousie Luncarty in a matter of months. In September it was named winner of the Community Engagement category of Balhousie in Bloom, a gardening competition held throughout Balhousie Care Group and judged by TV gardener Alan Titchmarsh.

“I’m so grateful and very proud of the wonderful work my team do and that our efforts are being recognised. All the staff and residents have their fingers crossed for a win,” said Cheryl.

The winners of the Scottish Care Awards will be announced at a ceremony in April 2022 in Glasgow.