Residents and staff here at Glencorse Care Home in Penicuik have become unlikely social media stars after a hilarious video showing them hiding from our Activity Coordinator took the internet by storm, racking up over 1.8 million views on Facebook.
The light-hearted video, shared on our Facebook page, captures residents and staff doing their very best to avoid being spotted by our Activity Coordinator as she makes her way around the home, jokingly suggesting that everyone knows what's coming when she appears – another fun-filled activity!
Accompanied by the caption, "When you see the Activity Coordinator coming… HIDE!", the video was intended as a bit of harmless fun, but we certainly didn't expect the reaction it would receive. The post has since attracted an incredible 25,500 likes, more than 660 comments and over 1,000 shares, reaching audiences far beyond our local Penicuik community.
And it seems the joke has struck a chord with care home residents, families and activity professionals across the country, with hundreds taking to the comments to share their own experiences.
We've loved reading through the comments, with one commenter fondly recalled their father's nickname for activity staff, writing: "My darling old Dad called them 'those extrovert pests!'" Another shared the familiar greeting they would receive: "It's you again, what are we doing today?", while a fellow activities professional joked: "They tell me they hear me before they see me!"
Despite the playful suggestion that everyone runs for cover, the reality here at Glencorse couldn't be further from the truth. Our residents regularly enjoy a varied programme of engaging activities, with plenty of laughter, friendship and opportunities to try something new.
Our Home Manager, Leigh Young days: “We are absolutely delighted that a bit of fun at our home has reached 1.8 million views in just three days, with the video being shared as far afield as the USA! What started as a light-hearted activity bringing residents and staff together to make a video has taken on a life of its own. We want to challenge the perception that care homes are boring places and showcase the laughter, personality, connection and creativity that happen every day. Our Activities Team do an incredible job of creating meaningful experiences and moments of joy for our residents, and we couldn't be prouder that their work is being celebrated on such a scale!”
The viral moment comes at an exciting time for our home, as we prepare to celebrate our first birthday on 20th November. These celebrations follow another fantastic milestone for our home, having recently achieved a clean sweep of ‘Very Good’ (Grade 5) ratings across all areas in its very first Care Inspectorate inspection.
Since opening its doors, Glencorse Care Home has been building strong connections within the Penicuik community, creating a welcoming environment where residents can enjoy meaningful experiences, companionship and, as the viral video proves, plenty of humour.
With more than 1.8 million views and counting, the Glencorse team hope we have demonstrated that a little laughter can go a very long way.
If you're looking for a care home in Midlothian, we'd love to show you around Glencorse. See first-hand the lively and fulfilling lifestyle that keeps our residents smiling and meet the friendly and experienced team. Please book your visit today to join the welcoming Glencorse community.
