The types of care provided at Birch House are as unique and varied as our wonderful residents, who all have very complex learning disabilities. From autism and Asperger’s to downs syndrome, early-onset dementia and cerebral palsy, many of our residents require round-the-clock nursing care, as well as residential care.

With just eight residents, ranging in age from 45 to 75, the care home really does feel like an extended family. Many of the staff have been at the home for years, with deputy manager Lynne Hunter having worked here for 18 years! These familiar faces give comfort and peace of mind to our residents and their loved ones, many of whom are elderly parents.

The home is in a picturesque area of Peterculter. The location gives residents the best of both worlds because the countryside is on our doorstep, but the home is also only eight miles from Aberdeen city centre.

A zest for life

The team at Birch House is passionate about doing everything we possibly can to enrich our residents’ lives with activities and experiences that make them feel fulfilled and happy. Their interests and the things they like to spend their time doing vary as widely as their needs. From watching magicians and musicians to handling owls, snakes and spiders, our residents are often really brave about trying new and adventurous things.

We have some exciting ideas planned for the future, including rides in horse-drawn carriages and even beach buggies, which will be amazing for our residents as many of them are in wheelchairs.

Supporting and enhancing independence

The team at Birch House supports the residents to be actively involved in the community outside their care home. With our own minibus, trips to SensationALL in Aberdeen give them the opportunity to socialise with people from other care homes in the area and try new activities. We also work closely with Create Aberdeen, which provides arts and performance activities specifically aimed at people with additional support needs and learning disabilities.

With the help of the team at Birch House, one of our residents enjoys regular work placements in a bakery which has been set up especially for people with learning disabilities. Other residents have successfully completed adult education courses. Doing things like this is wonderful for their self-esteem and confidence.

Some of the residents really enjoy visits from a therapist who comes to the care home each week for one-to-one Reiki and reflexology sessions. As some of our residents have very complex physical needs, these sessions are really beneficial for their wellbeing. There is also a state-of-the-art snoezelen room at the home, which is a relaxing space for residents to experience multi-sensory stimulation with special lighting effects, sounds and tactile equipment.

Outside the home, many of the residents like to spend time in the patio gardens, which are a really tranquil space filled with bright colours, beautiful flowers and aromatic herbs, which are all wonderful for stimulating the senses.