Covid Scotland: Edinburgh pensioners buckle up for first day out in more than a year

Pensioners who buckled up for their first day out in more than a year said they are making up for lost time, after being stuck in care home grounds.

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Residents from Cramond care home have not ventured further than their garden for more than 14 months, as care homes across the country put excursions on hold due to the pandemic.

When staff were given the green light to resume activities a day out was top of the list for residents who have missed out on their usual weekly bus trips.

Dorothy and Morna on their first road trip in more than a year

Four residents hit the road in two groups for a socially distanced day out to The Three Bridges in Queensferry.

READ MORE: Cramond key worker goes the extra mile for care home residents with dementia in Edinburgh

Morna, 88-year-old said: “It was a fantastic day out, and made for a nice trip down memory lane.

“It’s so nice to be back in the community and making up for lost time over the past year. Our day trips are always such a laugh, and it was nice to experience something new out of the home again. We’re already looking forward to our next trip out to Cramond beach for World Ocean’s Day.

During lockdown the care home laid on ‘The Grand Tour of Scotland’, which saw pensioners visit top attractions like Glenkinchie Distillery and Surgeons Hall from their armchairs.

The team of Lifestyle Coordinators led activities from the residence cinema, connecting to residents in their own private house lounge or in their bedrooms via smart TVs to encourage them to keep in touch.

But staff said getting residents out in the fresh air and reconnecting with the outside world was much-needed.

READ MORE: Glam squad helps Edinburgh care home residents’ achieve post-lockdown ‘glow ups’

Lisa Sohn, Head Lifestyle Co-Ordinator at the 74-bedroom care home said: “Being able to get our residents back out into the community has been long-awaited and something everyone has been looking forward to.

“Our first trip was the first time many had left the grounds in a year and the first outing for our minibus in a long time!

"Day trips are a hugely beneficial way to keep our residents mobile and active doing something they enjoy in the fresh air.

“After a long period of winter weather, we are extremely keen to kickstart our outdoor activities where everyone can reconnect, after having to make the most of the smaller group living units for the past few months.

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