Huge congratulations to Catherine Craigie who celebrated her 100th birthday in style yesterday (Wed 15th) despite the Corona Virus lockdown.
Staff at Glasgow’s Hawthorn House Care Home in Possilpark arranged a special celebration for the great grandmother – whilst obeyed the rules around Shielding.
Catherine was serenaded by a piper who played outside a lounge window in the home’s courtyard. The piper is a friend of a staff member and when he heard about Catherine’s landmark birthday, he volunteered to go along to help her celebrate – without entering the building.
Other residents with rooms overlooking the outdoor space were also able to enjoy the music safely from their windows. The tunes included a range of Scottish songs and, of course, Happy Birthday!
Visitors are currently unable to enter all UK care homes, due to the Corona Virus pandemic, but Catherine’s family were able to share in the fun using technology, as staff Facetimed them throughout the party.
Catherine’s daughter, Rena McDonald (aged 70 years) from Largs said: “It was absolutely fabulous. The staff could not have done any more to make it special for my family.
“Before lockdown, we were all planning to go and celebrate with mum on her birthday. I was really upset when I realised we wouldn’t be able to go.
“I thought I’d have a miserable day, but the staff went above and beyond to make it really special for her and the party really lifted my spirits. My mum looked great, her carers had done her hair specially, as the hairdresser isn’t allowed to visit at the moment. They’d got her birthday cake, balloons, nibbles and a wee glass of fizz. I was able to watch her blowing out her candles and opening the cards we’d sent in. She also had her telegram from the Queen.
“I’d like to say how wonderful the staff have been. I can’t thank them enough – our family are so grateful to them.”
Catherine, who has dementia, was a keen dancer in her younger years and was fit and active until the age of 94. She lost her husband Danny around 18 years ago and has lived at the home, which is run by Glasgow’s Health & Social Care Partnership, since May 2018.
Rena said: “Mum is happy and content at Hawthorn House. She usually has her hair done every Friday at the home’s salon and I go and visit her every week. I can’t wait until the lockdown is lifted and I can give her a huge birthday hug!”
Councillor Mhairi Hunter, Glasgow’s Convener for Health and Social Care, congratulated Catherine on her landmark birthday and thanked staff at the home for their hard work and thoughtfulness.
She said: “It is really lovely to hear about Catherine’s special birthday party and I send her my very best wishes on this milestone occasion. Her experience and that of her family, are a real tribute to our residential care home staff who are working hard, in to make life as safe, rich and full as possible for residents and their families at this challenging time.”
