All-action OAPs are living life to the full
Residents at a Paisley care home were given the chance to enjoy the great outdoors thanks to £ 10,000 cash windfall.
Stanely Park Care Home was lucky enough to be secure the funding boost from the Big Lottery Fund.
The residents made the most of the cash thanks to Friends of Stanley Park who applied for the cash, which enabled them to enjoy regular activity days at Muirshiel Country Park.
Residents from the home enjoyed cycling and a trip on the speedboat on Castle Semple Loch.
Friends of Stanely Park chairman David Jack said: “We started the group to support the excellent activities organised by Stanely Park.
“We wanted to enrich the lives of residents by funding outdoor activities.
“There is a huge amount of research which says that dementia sufferers derive considerable benefits from being outdoors.”
Every resident that is capable of taking part has been involved in the activities, with many of them being in their 80s and 90s.
Using specially adapted motor boats, they sailed around the loch and enjoyed seeing the many species of birds on the water.
Resident Betty McKim said: “It’s just wonderful. When you lose some independence, the chance to do this is just unbelievable.”
It has proved a hit with staff too, who commented on how wonderful it is to see everyone enjoy themselves in the outdoors.
Friends secretary Fiona Catterson said: “Staff support has been terrific and they have commented on how activities like these are great for staff and residents alike.
“Some of the residents have little memory of the activity by the time they return to Stanely Park, but the sensory experience and mood stays with them for hours afterwards.”
The Friends of Stanely Park are now planning future projects, including developing the grounds of the care home so that residents can enjoy more time outdoors when weather permits.
David added: “Dementia sufferers get a raw deal from care policies across the country and too often live unnecessarily limited lives.
“Our funding is removing some of these unnecessary limitations and we are always on the lookout for anyone who can provide, funding, time or services to help us.”
When you lose some independence, the chance to do this is just unbelievable