A ray of sunshine will be delivered to Tayside care homes with the launch of Rainbow Box activity packs.
Designed to keep residents occupied while visiting is restricted, the boxes include arts and crafts, sensory sets and fidget tools.
They also feature “reminiscent boxes” designed to encourage older people to explore memories to help with dementia symptoms.
The Rainbow Boxes will be launched today (Thursday) to coincide with International Day for the Older Person.
They will be delivered to care homes across the region, thanks to donations made to NHS Tayside’s charity, the Tayside Health Fund, during the coronavirus pandemic.
Each resident will also be given a personal card, to help them feel supported during the difficult time.
Richard McIntosh, spokesman for the Tayside Health Fund, said: “Residents will benefit from a range of activities, especially at this unprecedented time with visitor restrictions in place.
“We have filled the boxes with creativity in mind to help with the loneliness which can be unsettling for them and their families.
“Each resident will receive their own personal card as we wanted to acknowledge the uncertain times we face at the moment.
“We hope that these kind of things are what makes the boxes so special.”
As well as the main items, the boxes will also include colouring books, crosswords, word searches, jigsaws and virtual bingo.
Mr McIntosh added: “We know from research that creative activities can help improve health, both mentally and physically.
“The boxes will help residents with creative experiences and we have incorporated a range which tailors the focus of social, mental and physical benefits to suit the needs of each person.”
Emma Jane Wells, chairwoman, of the Tayside Health Fund said: “The rainbow boxes contain activity sets for care home residents because we know that these have been very difficult times for them.
“Working in conjunction with NHS Charities Together, Tayside Health Fund wanted to send out some kindness in the form of these boxes, which we hope will be enjoyed.”
Residents of Menzieshill House in Dundee were the first to receive their boxes this week.
The rest will be delivered across Tayside in the coming weeks, in vehicles provided by John Clark Motor Group.
Lynn Blair, Scottish Care’s independent lead for Perth and Kinross, said: “The Rainbow Boxes will be very much welcomed by the residents of the care homes.
“It has obviously been a very difficult time for care homes and these resources will be well used and greatly appreciated.
“I have been very pleased to support this initiative.”
Donations can be made to the Tayside Health Fund’s coronavirus appeal at www.justgiving.com/taysidehealthfund
