Salt Caves & Halotherapy: Wellbeing in Every Breath

At Mearns House Care Home, wellbeing is about more than meeting clinical needs. It is about supporting the whole person - physically, emotionally and socially - through meaningful experiences that bring calm, joy and connection.

Recently, residents Freda, Isobel and Evie enjoyed a peaceful afternoon at the salt caves in East Kilbride, experiencing a holistic therapy designed to promote relaxation, respiratory comfort and overall wellbeing. The visit offered something a little different from the everyday routine and provided residents with the opportunity to explore a new, soothing environment together.

What Is Halotherapy (Salt Therapy)?

Halotherapy, often referred to as salt therapy, involves spending time in a calm, salt-rich environment where microscopic salt particles are gently dispersed into the air. These particles are breathed in and come into contact with the skin, creating a relaxing atmosphere that many people find beneficial.

Salt cave environments are designed to be quiet, comfortable and restorative. Sessions are often associated with:

• Supporting respiratory comfort
• Promoting relaxation and stress reduction
• Encouraging better sleep
• Supporting skin health
• Enhancing overall wellbeing

While halotherapy is not a medical treatment, it is widely valued as a complementary wellbeing experience that can sit comfortably alongside clinical care.

A Calm and Relaxing Experience for Residents

The salt caves in East Kilbride offered residents a peaceful, softly lit space designed to encourage deep relaxation. During the visit, Freda and Evie also enjoyed gentle hand and leg massages using salt, adding a tactile element to the experience and enhancing the sense of calm.

The afternoon was described as deeply relaxing, with residents able to sit comfortably, breathe in the salt-rich air and simply enjoy the moment. These kinds of experiences are particularly valuable in supporting emotional wellbeing, offering time away from everyday noise and encouraging mindfulness and relaxation.

Freda shared her thoughts after the visit, saying: “Thank you so much for providing this, I’ve never experienced anything like this before.”

It is often these first-time experiences that have the greatest impact, creating lasting memories and bringing a real sense of enjoyment.

Holistic Therapies as Part of a Balanced Approach to Care

At Mearns House Care Home, holistic experiences such as this complement high-quality clinical care. Alongside nursing and residential support, residents are encouraged to take part in activities and outings that promote relaxation, independence and personal choice.

Holistic wellbeing experiences can support:

• Emotional balance and reduced anxiety
• Improved mood and confidence
• Social connection through shared experiences
• A sense of novelty and enjoyment

By combining clinical expertise with opportunities for relaxation and enrichment, Mearns House supports residents to live well, not just be cared for.

Supporting Health, Relaxation and Connection

The salt cave experience also highlighted the importance of shared moments. Residents enjoyed spending time together, chatting, relaxing and reflecting on the experience afterwards. These social interactions play a key role in maintaining wellbeing and combating feelings of isolation.

Activities like this encourage residents to remain engaged with the world around them and help foster a strong sense of community within the home.

Home Manager Kirsty Craig reflected on the visit, saying:

“It was lovely to see our residents enjoying something completely new in such a calm and relaxing environment. The salt caves offered a real opportunity to slow down, unwind and focus on wellbeing. Experiences like this are so important in supporting both physical and emotional health.”

Life at Mearns House Care Home

Located in Newton Mearns, East Renfrewshire, Mearns House Care Home offers a warm, welcoming environment where residents are supported to live fulfilling lives. Alongside excellent care, the home places a strong emphasis on meaningful activities, community engagement and experiences that enhance quality of life.

From gentle wellbeing sessions and creative activities to trips and outings like the salt caves, residents are supported to enjoy life in a way that feels personal and rewarding.

Creating Meaningful Moments That Matter

The visit to the salt caves is just one example of how Mearns House continues to explore opportunities that support holistic wellbeing. By offering residents experiences that promote relaxation, curiosity and enjoyment, the home ensures that care extends beyond the clinical and into the everyday moments that truly matter.

It is these thoughtful, resident-led experiences that help make Mearns House a place where people feel supported, valued and at home.