Love, Laughter, and Baking Banana Bread!
At Westerton Care Home, we know it’s the wee things in life that mean the most—especially when it comes to love and family. And if there’s one couple here who remind us all what love really looks like, it’s Alex and Jean Stirling. Married for an incredible 58 years, they’re as devoted to each other now as they were when they first tied the knot.
Since coming to live with us, Alex and Jean have often talked about the things they used to enjoy doing together at home. One of their favourite pastimes was baking—specifically gluten-free goodies so Jean could enjoy them safely. So, when Nicole, one of our brilliant Recreation Assistants, heard them reminiscing about their time in the kitchen, she decided to make it happen here too.
First things first, though, we needed the ingredients. So off the three of them went—Jean, Alex, and Nicole—on a wee shopping trip. With a list in hand, the Stirlings wandered around the shop like they’d done so many times before. It was lovely to watch them decide on the best bananas and hunt for gluten-free snacks, sharing stories and laughs as they went. They even sneaked a few gluten-free treats into the basket for later!
Back at Westerton, the kitchen turned into a hive of activity. Alex rolled up his sleeves and took charge, while Jean jumped right in as the chief mixer. There were a couple of wee hiccups at first, but in true Stirling style, they kept smiling and carried on. With a bit of help from our kitchen team (and their ovens!), the banana bread was soon baking away, filling the air with a delicious, warm smell that had everyone’s mouths watering. When it came out of the oven, Jean and Alex were chuffed to bits with their creation and couldn’t wait to share it with everyone at afternoon tea. It’s safe to say it was a big hit!
But the day didn’t stop there. While they were baking, Alex mentioned that Jean’s birthday was coming up soon. He told Nicole that every year, he always picked out a bunch of flowers for her—carefully choosing just the right ones. Well, we weren’t about to let that tradition fall by the wayside! Nicole quickly arranged another wee outing, and soon Alex was back at the shops, inspecting bouquets like a true romantic. After much deliberation, he found the perfect one, and when he gave them to Jean, her face lit up.
It’s days like these that remind us why we do what we do at Westerton. We’re not just here to provide care; we’re here to create a home, a place where life’s special moments can keep happening. For Jean and Alex, it was a chance to relive memories and make new ones, and for all of us, it was a reminder that love, laughter, and banana bread are the ingredients for a truly wonderful day.
If you'd like more details about the care we offer at Westerton Care Home in Bearsden and how our activities coordinators ensure life is busy and fulfilling for residents, please get in touch. We'd be happy to arrange a personalised tour for you or your loved one.
