House & Home
Mon, November 24, 2025
Hamilton Care Home's Activities Team: A Vital Heartbeat for Residents
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Published in House and Home on Monday, November 24th 2025 at 14:14 GMT by Daily Record- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Hamilton Care Home’s Activities Team: A Vital Heartbeat for Residents
In the quiet corridors of the Hamilton Care Home, a dedicated team of activity coordinators is turning what might otherwise be a routine day into a vibrant tapestry of social interaction, creativity, and well‑being. A recent piece in the Daily Record—available at [ https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/in-your-area/lanarkshire/activities-team-hamilton-care-home-36285052 ]—paints a comprehensive picture of how the activities team is not only keeping residents engaged but also fostering a sense of community that extends far beyond the care home’s walls.
A Snapshot of the Home
Hamilton Care Home, situated on the edge of Lanarkshire’s town centre, accommodates approximately 80 residents, many of whom are living with dementia or mobility challenges. The facility prides itself on a “person‑centred” care philosophy, and the activities team sits at the very core of that philosophy. According to the article, the home boasts a range of amenities that support its program: a fully‑equipped kitchen, a spacious garden, a small theatre area, and a “sensory garden” that the team has recently upgraded to include tactile and aromatic elements.
The Daily Record’s author, Claire McLean, notes that the care home’s website—linked in the article—offers visitors a virtual tour, detailing the different rooms and facilities, as well as a downloadable brochure that outlines the team’s programme schedule. The brochure, which the author references, shows a meticulously organized timetable that balances structured activities (like arts & crafts, music therapy, and exercise classes) with free‑time activities that encourage residents to pursue their own interests.
The Activities Team: A Mix of Professionalism and Passion
At the heart of the article is an in‑depth interview with senior activity coordinator, Sarah Keenan, who has been with Hamilton Care Home for over seven years. Keenan explains that the activities team was formed in 2015 after a resident feedback survey highlighted a gap in daily engagement. “People come here with a need for both safety and stimulation,” she says. “If you can’t offer that, you’re not giving them the full care experience.”
The team is made up of three full‑time staff members, two part‑time volunteers, and an occasional visiting specialist (e.g., a physiotherapist or a music therapist). The author points out that the volunteer program is a key component of the home’s strategy. The volunteers are sourced through local community groups and have undergone a short training module that covers dementia care and basic safety protocols. The Daily Record links to a volunteer recruitment page on the home’s website, which includes an online application form and a FAQ section for prospective helpers.
Keenan highlights a number of innovative approaches the team has adopted over the years. One of the most notable is the “Garden of Reminiscence,” a themed space where residents can step into scenes that evoke memories of past experiences—be it a garden from their childhood or a recreated 1950s kitchen. This concept, which the article cites as being inspired by similar programs in Australia, has received positive feedback from both residents and their families.
Activities in Practice: From Music Therapy to Mindfulness
The Daily Record outlines several staple programmes that run each week:
Music Therapy Sessions – Led by a local musician who visits twice a month, these sessions use both live performances and recorded music to stimulate cognitive function. Residents are encouraged to sing along or play simple instruments like tambourines.
Art & Craft Workshops – With materials ranging from watercolor paints to clay, the art classes are tailored to different levels of motor ability. Keenan notes that the workshops also incorporate memory‑catharsis techniques, allowing residents to reflect on personal experiences through creative expression.
Movement & Exercise – Even with mobility challenges, the team offers gentle exercise routines that emphasize balance and flexibility. The Daily Record mentions that these sessions are often conducted in the care home’s garden, using the new “soft‑terrain” paths the home recently installed.
Mindfulness & Cognitive Games – A weekly “Brain Boost” session featuring memory games, puzzles, and simple meditation exercises aims to keep residents mentally sharp.
Cultural and Seasonal Events – The team arranges themed days around local celebrations, such as St. Andrew’s Day and the Lanarkshire Food Festival. The Daily Record links to the care home’s social media page, where photos of past events are posted.
One resident, Maggie Ross, who has lived in the home for eight years, described the impact of the activities programme on her daily mood. “I look forward to the music and the art,” she told the author. “It feels like I’m part of a community again.”
Family and Community Engagement
Family members are encouraged to participate in many of the activities, as highlighted in the article. Keenan cites a recent “Family Fun Day” where relatives joined in for a cooking session that culminated in a shared meal. Families often volunteer to help with the set‑up, thereby reinforcing the social fabric around the care home.
The Daily Record also notes that the activities team regularly collaborates with local schools and community organisations. A partnership with the Hamilton Youth Club has resulted in an annual “Art Exchange” where youths paint portraits of residents, providing a creative dialogue that benefits both groups. The article’s link to the local council’s community outreach page outlines further funding opportunities and support schemes available to care homes that implement such partnership programmes.
Challenges and Forward Momentum
While the activities team is widely praised, the article doesn’t shy away from the challenges they face. Staffing shortages, funding constraints, and the unpredictable nature of dementia care mean that the team must constantly adapt. Keenan acknowledges that “we’re always looking for new ways to keep our activities fresh, but it can be hard to balance innovation with the residents’ safety and comfort.”
The article cites the care home’s upcoming investment in a “Sensory Room” that will feature adjustable lighting, calming music, and interactive touch screens. This room, the Daily Record explains, will be a safe haven for residents who experience overstimulation in the garden or group settings.
Bottom Line
Hamilton Care Home’s activities team is a shining example of how thoughtful, well‑structured programmes can make a tangible difference in the lives of older adults. By blending professional expertise with community involvement, the team ensures that residents experience a sense of purpose, belonging, and joy—an ethos that the Daily Record’s article beautifully encapsulates. The home’s ongoing commitment to innovation, coupled with its openness to partnerships, suggests that residents can expect even more enriching experiences in the years to come.
Read the Full Daily Record Article at:
[ https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/in-your-area/lanarkshire/activities-team-hamilton-care-home-36285052 ]
