And just like that, summer is no more… Yes, Autumn doesn’t officially begin until the 22nd of September but with August drawing to a close, you can really start to see the colder night’s drawing in as a cool chill begins to enter the air. Whilst there is plenty to look forward to in Autumn, nothing quite beats the long sunny day’s we sometimes get treated to up here in Scotland. This year, we had quite a few beautiful days providing the residents of both Rosturk House and Peacehaven with the opportunity to make the most of them through a range of exciting and fulfilling activities which our brilliant carers organised. As another summer winds down, let’s take a look at all the ways the residents made the most of the last few months!

With the hot weather arriving and remaining fairly consistent, we made sure to get the mileage up in the minibus. Loaded up with plenty of snacks and some happy passengers, the minibus was in full usage this summer with trips both far and wide taking place. Setting off across Scotland in mid-July, some of the residents went on a fantastic adventure via Anstruther to enjoy the beach and through St Andrews along the West Sands, before hitting Guardbridge, Dairsie, Kemback, then finishing off the day at Leven - well and truly on their holidays!

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Our well-travelled residents didn't stop there though, and it wasn't long before they were back out on the road. Next up: lads' day out! Some of the boys got the minibus to themselves as they were taken down to the Leven Promenade for a bite to eat and a stroll along the prom. A change of terrain was up next as the boys headed to the countryside for a walk through the woods. Finally, some of the residents headed backout to Leven to enjoy the seaside, the cool breeze, and the kids enjoying their school holidays. Our residents got plenty time to go along the beach before stopping off for an ice cream - we didn't go all that way not to have an ice cream after all!

As you'd come to expect from us, we love a good treat and that's certainly no different in the summer. Our residents are made sure to enjoy the sunshine the only way we know how - with plenty of ice cream. We've had a couple of scorchers this summer, so of course we all need a cone to sit outside with to help us cool down.

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It's not all about ice cream though, our residents value a balanced diet. That's why there was still plenty of opportunity to enjoy all manor of sweet treats including some lovely home baked cupcakes! Peacehaven resident, Barbara, got busy in the kitchen baking some nice wee cupcakes with the home's new cupcake maker. They went down an absolute treat and if it was up to us, Barbara would have herself a nice little bakery all to herself. We do value a healthy option too of course. With summer fruit fully in season, we were sure to take that to our advantage and provided our residents with a lovely fruit platter filled with all the best summer berries!

Rarely a week goes by in our homes without a cause for celebration, and summer only heightened the party atmosphere. Our residents got plenty of opportunity to party with a host of celebrations and activities taking place across summer. One of the joys of our homes is all the birthdays we get to celebrate, and we had a couple of big ones throughout summer. Rosturk House residents Morag and Agnes were both partying, with Agnes celebrating her incredible 100th birthday! The opportunity to celebrate such a massive occasion is always a joy for everyone in our homes, and of course Agnes had her letter from the Queen herself to cherish the day. It wasn't just our residents we were celebrating though; we also took the opportunity to celebrate all the wonderful carers we have across our homes. We are very lucky to have such great people caring for our residents and it's always important to highlight them as much as we possibly can.

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Part of the care we offer includes organising a variation of activities to keep our residents feeling happy, healthy, and engaged. The lovely summer weather gave us greater variation to get out in the garden and enjoy plenty of entertainment and even throw a wee party or two. Peacehaven had some brilliant talent stopping by with local entertainers putting on a show in the garden! Huge thank you to local singer, Lily, and local bagpipe player, Ian, who both came by and got the residents up on their feet and moving - not that they ever need much invitation mind you... There were plenty of other opportunities for our residents to show off their moves when we took part in Music for Dementia's anniversary celebrations, hosting a mini dance party for our carers and residents to get up and moving. The party carried on through to a garden party Peacehaven hosted in August with residents enjoying a drink and a song in the garden whilst the sun was out - dipping their toes in a paddling pool to keep them nice and cool. Who needs Ibiza?

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Whilst it's still not quite a 'normal' summer, that didn't make it any less special and even though the seasons change, our residents remain consistent in providing us with plenty of happy memories. We can't wait for what comes next! Halloween decorations anybody?

To keep up to date with what our residents are getting up to as they happen, make sure you give us a follow on Facebook!

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