Glasgow’s Golden Generation is grateful to Vegware for its generous support. Below is a brief update of what has been happening at our day centres over the past few months.
THERAPY ALPACAS
We were delighted to welcome therapy alpacas to the David Cargill Centre. As you’ll see from the photos, they were a big hit!
Other activities delivered at the centres included:
- Carnival day
- Cooking activities
- Arts & crafts
- Professional musician (funded by Music in Care & Hospitals)
- Fish supper Friday
- Police safety visit
JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS
Service users marked the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with a celebration BBQ at the David Cargill Centre. Crowns weren’t obligatory but encouraged.
SUMMER BBQ
Guests at the Fred Paton Centre were treated to a summer BBQ in June. Unfortunately, jackets were still required.
MAISIE & ALISTAIR’S STORY
Alistair started attending GGG’s Fred Paton Day Centre in early 2022 following an Alzheimer’s Disease (a form of dementia) diagnosis in 2016. Maisie, his wife and full-time carer, was struggling to care for him every day. Having met Maisie, the netball coach at ‘The Hub’, a youth club and leisure centre in 1967, Alistair, the basketball coach was rescued when one of his players forgot his ‘sandshoes’ and Maisie was happy to assist. They married sometime later and have since had 2 children and 3 grandchildren while maintaining their passion for sports (basketball especially) and hill walking.
Maisie drops Alistair off at the Fred Paton Day Centre 5 days a week, having initially worked with Day Centre Manager Keith to find the best fit for them. “I think Keith knows it’s a lifesaver for me,” she says of GGG’s help in getting Alistair settled.
“I don’t think people realise that as a carer, you do everything for your loved one. I find it difficult to make aIl the decisions because we used to share things”, Maisie says. “I was finding it really, really hard, so I thought well I’ll phone them up and Keith was absolutely wonderful”.
Alistair’s love of music and dancing has shone through at the centre, which Maisie says is a huge comfort as she knows he’s well looked after and content,
“l can’t praise them enough, the staff are very caring”.
While Alistair is at the centre, Maisie is able to go on long walks, meet friends and take trips to the cinema.
“It has been a lifeline for me, allowing me some time to myself. It is important as a carer to feel and keep well.”
“It’s certainly improved the quality of my life immeasurably. I wish I’d known about it sooner!”
Alistair attends the centre every weekday, giving carer and wife Maisie valuable respite and time for herself. With support from GGG they have been able to find more balance and joy in their day-to-day lives.
