Staff at an East Renfrewshire care home have told how opening its very own pub has brought some cheer to residents.

An occupational therapist worked with the team at Eastwood Court Care Home, in Giffnock, to look at ways of improving the quality of life for those who stay there.

That led to 'The Staying Inn’ pub being opened – and it has proven to be a big success, with residents enjoying the odd sweet sherry, a quick half or even just some sparkling water, improving their mental and physical health along the way.

Catherine McAllister, Eastwood Court’s activities co-ordinator, who worked with colleagues Lesley Brown and Jennifer Duffy to bring the bar to life, said: “We have regular pub quizzes, domino and musical afternoons, as well as the odd darts tournament.

"The Staying Inn provides a relaxing and calm environment for our residents. 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 Gibson, care home liaison occupational therapist at East Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership, worked with the Elizabeth Casson Trust to secure a grant to establish the bar, with donations from local businesses helping to kit it out.

She said that efforts to increase resident engagement have led to reduced medication and distress in those with dementia, as well as boosting their food and fluid intake.

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

"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.

“The residents can choose if they want a beer or a wee sherry or some chips and pub grub.

"L​iving life to the fullest doesn’t end because you’re in a care home. Everything that occupies your time is so important to your continued wellbeing and prevention of mental and physical health decline.”

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. 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.

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