A CARE home has set up an in-house pub for residents to knock back a tipple or two... and it's all on doctor's orders.

Since opening at Eastwood Court Care Home, The Staying Inn has been bringing joy to its customers as well as surprising physical and mental health benefits. 

Working with an NHS occupational therapist to improve quality of life for those in the facility, the bar now has a band of dedicated patrons.

Fiona Gibson, care home liaison occupational therapist at East Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership, said they have been able to reduce patients’ medication, stress and distress in residents with dementia, and increase food and fluid intake.

Glasgow Times:

She said: “The opening day was brilliant and one of the staff said it was the best day they had experienced since Covid and lockdown. 

"Residents can put their nice clothes on, have a drink, enjoy a pub quiz and during things like the Euros or the Platinum Jubilee, we had the bunting up. 

"More than that, when loved ones come to visit, they can visit a place that has some meaning for residents and not just be in a room with a bed. 

"They can choose if they want a beer, or a wee sherry or some chips and pub grub."

Fiona added: "Living life to the fullest doesn’t end because you’re in a care home and what we know is that when we can provide an occupation focused service for people, the overall mental health and wellbeing outcomes for residents improve. 

"Everything that occupies your time is so important to your continued wellbeing and prevention of mental and physical health decline."

Fiona worked with the Elizabeth Casson Trust to secure a grant to establish the bar, with donations from local businesses helping to kit it out.

Eastwood Court’s activity coordinator Catherine McAllister said: “We have regular pub quizzes, domino and musical afternoons, as well as the odd darts tournament. 

"We’ve made mocktails and held a 'forget-me-not' fundraiser in aid of the Alzheimer's Society." 

Glasgow Times:

Catherine and activity coordinator colleagues, Lesley Brown and Jennifer Duffy, worked to bring the bar to life. 

She added: “We have a TV in our bar which allows residents an alternative programme to our lounge choice.  

"The Staying Inn provides a relaxing and calm environment for our residents. 

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"It's a perfect environment for everyone, with a wide choice of drinks to choose from our dementia-friendly menu, which are served with snacks. 

"Our residents are really enjoying our new pub and we hope they will continue to do so.”

Fiona also paid tribute to the care home staff. 

She added: “The team have brought the Staying Inn to life, working really hard to turn it into a reality and with our guidance and support, it really is a place that brings joy to everyone who uses it.”

Glasgow Times:

The bar brings additional health benefits, combatting loneliness and isolation and, in some cases, bringing a renewed sense of purpose. 

Emma Walker, lead occupational therapist for mental health and recovery services in East Renfrewshire, added: "It’s about improving quality of life and making sure people are functioning and engaging at their best.

"When you are in a care home, people’s functions can deteriorate quite quickly because other people are doing things for them, which can mean people lose all sense of purpose. 

"That can lead to an increase in stress and distress and it can become a vicious cycle where physical and mental health decline. 

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"We’re trying to reverse some of that through tailored, holistic interventions to help people to reach their potential, even if that’s just basic things like getting their own shoes on to go to our wee pub."

Emma added: “One resident was telling me about what she liked when going to the pub and her favourite tipple was a wee Babycham mixed with all sorts. 

"There’s a lot of life to be had in a care home, no-one is calling last orders yet."