Edinburgh care home residents' wish to visit museum fulfilled

A care home in Edinburgh surprised two art-loving residents with a special visit to one of the city’s most iconic cultural landmarks.

Residents Jim McLeod and Diana Mackenzie, who both live at Care UK’s Cairdean House on Redford Road in Colinton, enjoyed a trip to the National Galleries of Scotland to reconnect with their passion for art and explore the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Jim, 85, has always enjoyed painting and continues to share his love of art with others during creative activities at the home.

Jim said: “I find art such a skill and talent where you can express yourself in many ways.”  

Diana, 82, has been a keen art enthusiast since she was a teenager and regularly visited art galleries.

She added: “I became interested in art when I saw a Van Gogh painting in my art class. I love colourful paintings!”

Despite living in Edinburgh, neither Jim nor Diana had ever visited the National Galleries of Scotland. So, when the team at Cairdean House discovered their desire to visit, they set about making their wish a reality.

On the day, they were taken around the galleries and exhibitions. As they explored the museum, both residents reminisced about visiting galleries when they were younger.

Jim said: “I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and seeing all of the art on show is such a rewarding outing.”

Diana added: “I enjoyed it! There were some very nice paintings. It takes me right back to visiting as a child and admiring such talent.”

The visit was made possible thanks to Care UK’s Wishing Tree initiative, which encourages residents to suggest ideas for new hobbies they’d like to try, places they’d like to visit or even activities linked to past careers. From flying a plane to enjoying a fish and chip supper, no wish is too big or small for the team to try to grant.

Angela Burns, Home Manager at Cairdean House, said: “Both Jim and Diana often talk about their love of all things art at the home. They are also both regulars at our arts-and-crafts sessions, sharing their tips with other residents and suggestions for new art activities.

“We always encourage residents to follow their passions, so when they expressed their wish to visit the National Galleries of Scotland, we knew we had to make it happen. Seeing their faces light up as they explored the exhibitions was truly special.

“A huge thank you goes to our amazing team at Cairdean House for making the day one to remember.”

Cairdean House has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and incorporates plenty of space for hobby and leisure activities. The home provides full-time residential, nursing and specialist dementia care, as well as short-term respite care.