Home donates hearing aids to recycle scheme
THE founder of a hearing aid recycling campaign has visited a Dorset care home to thank residents and staff for their support.
Zoe Fawcett-Eustace called in at Canford Chase in Poole to collect more than 230 no-longer-needed hearing aids which will now be repurposed to help some of the world’s poorest people.
The devices were gathered at the home and Colten Care’s 20 other sites in Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire and West Sussex.
It followed an agreement last year between the provider and Zoe’s organisation, Hearing Aid Recycling, under which the homes act as collection points for used or unwanted hearing aids to avoid them having to go to landfill.
Colten Care became the first UK care home provider to partner with the charity, encouraging residents, families and people in the community around each home to donate their old devices.
Zoe said: “We’re so grateful for Colten Care’s help. The donated hearing aids will make such a difference to people in need here and around the world. They will genuinely help to transform lives from the very young to the very old.
“We already have activities happening in countries such as Malawi, Kenya, Zimbabwe and South Africa.
“We couldn’t do this without the incredible support of everyone who donates and our amazing collection centres who receive, hold and send
us the aids.
“It’s such a privilege to work on a project that does so much good.”
Zoe, who began to lose her hearing aged just 14, added: “I had the good fortune to be born in the UK so I was given hearing aids as soon as I needed them. The NHS looked after me for years.
“I eventually invested in private hearing aids, upgrading them to stream seamlessly to my phone.
“At that point I asked my audiologist what I should do with my extensive collection of old ones, both NHS and private.
“I was completely dismayed to be told to ‘pop them in a drawer, keep them for spares, ultimately throw them away’. Given our small planet of scarce resources and much need, I couldn’t bear the thought that such amazing tiny pieces of technology would just go to landfill.
“We have the know-how to extend their productive lives and help tens of millions of deaf people around the world who would otherwise have no access to hearing aids. That’s why I set up Hearing Aid Recycling.”
Among those meeting Zoe at Canford Chase were resident Anne Hammond, Home Manager Charlotte Wilson and Colten Care’s chief operating officer Elaine Farrer.
Elaine said: “We’re thrilled to have collected so many hearing aids already and will continue to offer our help as part of the nationwide network of collection centres Zoe is setting up.”
A Dorset care home waitress served up a special springtime treat for her residents, a delegation of visiting lambs just a few days old. Donna Peck, who works at Colten Care’s Castle View in Poundbury, is from a farming family and knew how much residents at the home would appreciate meeting the newborns. She and her daughter Phoebe brought along six lambs aged five to 12 days, delighting residents in the lounge and, with permission, individual bedrooms. Companionship team member Sue Goodwin said: “Residents at Castle View really enjoy anything pet-related and the more hands-on, the better. The look of pure joy on their faces as they met the spring lambs was brilliant.” Resident and retired farmer David Gale is pictured cradling visiting lamb Nugget.
Awards nominations now open
CARE businesses wanting to put themselves forward for recognition have been urged to enter the Caring UK Awards in partnership with Virgin Money.
Nominations for this year’s event are open at www.caringukawards.co.uk
The awards, organised by Script Events in partnership with Caring UK, recognise excellence and achievement in all corners of the care industry.
And with more than 20 categories up for grabs, there’s something to suit every type of care business.
Event director Dominic Musgrave said: “We are really excited to be introducing the seventh Caring UK Awards – nominations are coming in and our events team is already busy
ensuring that this year’s event is bigger and better than ever.
“Obviously, our main aim is to recognise and honour the best in our wonderful care sector and showcase the innovation and dedication that goes on every day so please share your successes and tell us about your hard work and initiatives by sending in your nominations … it’s a real privilege to read them.”
A shortlist in each category will then be drawn up, with winners chosen by an expert industry panel.
Trophies will be handed out at a glittering ceremony at the Athena in Leicester on Thursday, December 5.
The closing date for entries is September 2.
Trio celebrate 90 years of service
NINETY years of service given by three team members has been celebrated at Avocet Court Care Home in Ipswich.
Housekeeper Beryl Heskett, laundry assistant Doreen Harding and general manager Ruth Garnham have all worked at the home since 1994.
They all started as housekeepers, being employed just a few months after the home opened as Monmouth Court in 1993.
Ruth said it was never her goal to go into management.
“I originally thought I might want to be a nurse and had worked at Ipswich Hospital before coming to Avocet,” she said.
“This home is all I know, but it certainly never gets dull. You never know what the day will hold and there is no other job like it.
“I am grateful for the dedicated and long-standing team I have here, and it is incredible to have been working with Beryl and Doreen for 30 years.
“We have seen each others’ children grow up, and most of them have worked here at one point or another.”
Avocet Court has been run by Athena Care Homes since January 2019 and is rated Good by the Care Quality Commission.
Doreen said: “We have seen a few
changes over the years with different parent companies, new rules and regulations, lots more learning about infection control and a lot more training for everyone now.
“It is always a really worthwhile job. I get to know a lot of the residents well as I am often in and out of their rooms with clean laundry and many love to have a chat.
“It’s a happy place to work ” added Beryl, whose daughter-in-law also works at the home as a carer.
“Like an extended family really.”
Home’s residents take part in intergenerational sing along
NINE residents from Grosvenor Manor Care Centre took part in an intergenerational sing along event in Chester.
The residents have been singing with pupils of all ages from local schools across the city for the last few months, building up to the main performance, which took place at The Hammond, a performing arts school and college.
The project was co-ordinated by Amanda Wrigley from Live the Beat, a company she set up in 2017 to provide creative music classes that centre around learning and holistic development for children and adults. The aim of the event was to bring young and old together to share their love for music and create an enhanced sense of community in Chester, with residents from five other care homes involved and children from local nurseries too. The youngest at the event was 10 days old, whilst the eldest was 100.
Lisa Forth, senior wellbeing coordinator at Grosvenor Manor, said: “This has been an amazing project, not only for our nine residents who took part in the performance, but for all residents at the home who were involved in the build up.
Contractor completes £9m Tadcaster care home for Barchester
CLEGG Construction has handed over a new 65-bedroom care home to Barchester Healthcare.
The £9m Highfield Care Home at Barkston Ash in North Yorkshire is located on the former Scarthingwell Park Estate and replaces an ageing care home that had previously been on the site.
The new two-storey facilities include lounge, dining and communal areas and will provide 24-hour residential care tailored to the individual in a warm, friendly, and modern environment, as well as specialist care for those living with dementia.
Throughout the build, Clegg Construction consistently achieved high Considerate Constructors Scheme scores in testament to the company’s engagement with the local community, its approach to safeguarding the environment, and the protection of the workforce.
the country for a number of respected operators, delivering more than 400 care home beds in recent times.
As part of its commitment to engaging with the local community during the build of Highfield Care Home, Clegg Construction visited Barkston Ash Catholic Primary School to speak to pupils about how local flora and fauna have been protected during construction, and also organised a bird box design competition. Clegg also donated fencing to a local residents’ group and wood to residents.
More than 20 existing trees and hedgerows on the site, including a mature turkey oak, a sycamore maple, a Lawson cypress, and a hazel tree, were safely protected, and common pipistrelle bats found at the site were moved to a place of safety.
“All residents have thoroughly enjoyed singing each week, learning new songs and practising their solo parts.
“We are very grateful to Amanda for creating the project and organising the event, which involved a total of six care homes in Chester, local schools and nurseries.
“It was a huge undertaking, but the final performance at The Hammond, in front of family and friends, made it all so very worthwhile.
“The event, and indeed the whole project, has created fantastic memories for our residents.
“What was initially a one-off project will now become a regular monthly activity within Grosvenor Manor, with Amanda and local schools visiting the home to sing with residents.”
To ensure the event was a success, Amanda also worked with Hollie McDiarmid, a social prescribing link worker in Chester for Healthbox and Fountains Medical Practice, as well as Sue Egersdorff from Ready Generations.
Together they were able to liaise with the wellbeing coordinators within the care homes and source funding from the Cheshire Community Foundation for the fortnightly choir sessions.
Darren Chapman, operations director at Clegg Construction, said: “Highfield Care Home is situated in an idyllic location, with peaceful and picturesque surroundings which will provide future residents with a sense of well-being. It is less than five minutes away from Tadcaster and all the services and facilities that the town offers.
“Clegg Construction is proud to have delivered such a wonderful scheme for Barchester Healthcare, which has a reputation for providing high quality, person-centred care services in superior care environments.”
Clegg Construction has vast experience in managing the construction of new-build, state-ofthe-art care and nursing homes across
The team on the Highfield Care Home scheme working alongside Clegg Construction included project manager and quantity surveyor Holden & Lee, architect Harris Irwin Architects, structural engineer Cameron Darroch Associates and M&E consultant Harniss.
Senior property development manager for Barchester Healthcare, Michael Coggin, added: “We’re now welcoming residents to our stunning new care home in Tadcaster.
“Not only will our residents have a home set in beautiful grounds, the new home will also offer a range of job prospects boosting employment in the neighbouring areas.
“We look forward to showcasing our home to the local community, if anyone has questions about care please do come and see us.”
Residents at RMBI Care Co. Home Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh Court, in Wokingham, have enjoyed a visit from a group of friendly owls. A handler from The Feathers and Fur Falconry Centre led the owls all around the Home’s grounds and introduced them to residents. The residents were delighted to meet the calm animals, who were happy to be petted and stroked. Sharon Fletcher, one of Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh Court’s activities coordinators, said: “Seeing the residents enjoy the experience of the birds was an absolute pleasure to witness. The handler’s patience and individual conversations with each resident gave them the opportunity to truly be part of an owl’s life – and the owls brought joy and calmness to our residents, which is wonderful for their mental health and wellbeing.”
Highfield Care Home at Barkston Ash in North Yorkshire.
Avocet Court resident Gladys Barton celebrated her milestone 100th birthday with a surprise performance of ‘Happy Birthday’ from the Band of the Household Cavalry, fulfilling a long-held dream of hers. Gladys has always wished to visit London to see the and the guards in their regal attire. Her brother had been a guardsman, often on duty at Buckingham Palace. Although circumstances had prevented her from making this trip, thanks to the team at Athena Care Homes the grandeur of the Household Cavalry came to her with a personal video, making her centennial celebration unforgettable. Alongside her husband, Gladys spent many years on a smallholding where they embraced a self-sufficient lifestyle. They raised animals, grew their own vegetables, and even delved into winemaking, crafting 10 varieties of wine.
A resident has celebrated her 100th birthday at a care home in Surbiton. Mary Holley was joined by a small number of family and friends for a party organised by staff at Royal Star & Garter. And days later the great-grandmother enjoyed a large family gathering at The Petersham Hotel in Richmond. Mary was born in Bristol in 1924. She was working as a comptometer operator when WWII broke out, and married her husband Roy, who was serving in the Navy, in April 1944, shortly before he took part in the D-Day landings. After leaving the Navy, Roy worked in the Civil Service for the Admiralty, with the family moving around the country and living in Malta for three years. After retiring, the couple settled in Bath, but Mary moved to London to be closer to her children after Roy died in 2014. She moved to Royal Star & Garter in 2023.
A Plymouth care home resident has celebrated turning 110 in the company of her family. Theresa Ryan has been living at Anchor’s Manor Court care home for the past 10 years. Theresa worked as a housekeeper and met her husband George in Malta when he was in the army. They got married in 1938 but were deprived of their honeymoon due to World War Two. The couple later moved to Ireland for six months, then to London for more than 40 years. Following the death of her husband, Theresa relocated to Plymouth to be closer to her three children. She moved to Manor Court care home in 2014, and this year, received cards from people all over the country wishing her well. Theresa celebrated with a chocolate cake, Quavers (her favourite) and seeing her family, amongst them her daughter Margaret and grandson Ross.
Great grandmother of seven, Lillian Stromdale, rang in her 100th birthday. She celebrated the big day alongside her family and friends at her home for the last 15 years, Mary Holben House, an independent living scheme run by Southern Housing in Streatham. Lillian was surrounded by her fellow residents, who clubbed together to put on a buffet for the celebration. One resident, Olive, even made her a homemade cake. Lillian married twice and worked in factories for most of her life. She was also a bus conductress in the 1950s. Lillian loved the job and still remembers when the ‘peasoupers’ (now known as smog) blanketed London, and the buses had to drive very slowly, due to poor visibility. Her bus, number 14, still runs from Putney, though the route has changed a little.
We provide the most competitive pricing and highest quality Legionella control services specific to the residential care sector across the UK.
Care home and healthcare settings carry the highest risk for Legionnaires’ disease due to the heightened vulnerability of your residents and patients.
The over 50s and the infirm account for over 80% of all cases of Legionnaires’ disease which is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia. At Envirisk, we understand that this means the level of control needs to be exemplary. We help your clients ensure all compliance tasks, control methods and monitoring requirements are in place and effective.
Out highly experienced risk assessors and engineers work throughout the UK in compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, HSE ACoP L8, HSG 274 and HTM4-01. We provide a wide range of services to ensure your water systems are assessed, controlled and compliant.
A Positive Outlook for Care
Join us for an informative day meeting care suppliers, industry experts and like-minded care professionals.
Holiday Inn, Barnsley 10th July 2024
Dunston Hall, Norwich 30th October 2024
Visit more than 25 exhibition stands showcasing the latest products. Speakers topics will include:
• An update on the care sector and the way forward.
• The new CQC framework.
• Nourishing lives - promoting good nutrition in care settings.
• Improving dementia care through experience.
• Recruitment and staff retention.
All delegates receive:
• Lunch and refreshments
• Goody bag and attendance certificate
• Enter our prize draw with some amazing prizes
Scan the QR code to visit our website, find out more information and book your place, or alternatively call us on 01226 734412 or email cr@scriptmediagroup.co.uk
Group launches ‘Make Care Cool’ campaign
A CARE care group has launched a new campaign aimed at attracting more Gen Z into the workforce - and keeping them there.
Aria Care Group’s ‘Make Care Cool’ campaign hopes to encourage more young people to consider a career in adult health and social care and break down any misconceptions they may have about working in the sector.
According to the King’s Fund, people under 25 (specifically 18-24-year-olds) make up just eight per cent of the UK’s social care workforce, with low retention rates for those who do take up a role – between 2014 and 2018, just over a quarter (28 per cent) of under 25 direct care workers were still in their roles.
The research also found that the average age of a person joining the social care workforce is 35-years-old, while those under 25 tend not to be permanent.
Compared to older workers, more than double the proportion of under25s were bank or pool staff and 31 per cent were on zero hours contracts.
Caroline Roberts, CEO of Aria Care, started her career in care at the age of 15 and is a staunch believer that working in care is more than just a job
– it’s a passion.
She said: “I am thrilled to support this unique initiative. As CEO of Aria Care and a founding patron for Championing Social Care, I am committed to making a lasting impact that will benefit future generations by advocating for the rewards of pursuing a career in care.
“With almost 1.7 million roles filled in social care and a staggering 152,000 vacancies, it is imperative we encourage more people into the sector and celebrate what a rewarding and fulfilling career it can offer.”
The ‘Make Care Cool’ campaign aims to not just change perceptions of working in care, but also to recognise the vital role of caregivers within its communities.
Caroline added: “Through our ‘Make Care Cool’ campaign we are resolute in our mission to showcase the exceptional work happening within health and social care, while actively engaging with local secondary schools, colleges and youth groups to bolster the image of working in this incredible sector.
“We aim to inspire the next generation of caregivers and establish a culture where the value of social care is celebrated and championed.”
Kerry puts her best foot forward to aid charity
A DEMENTIA support worker is embarking on a fundraising sponsored steps campaign in May –and care home residents are keen to join her on the journey.
Kerry McWilliams, 41, works at Ashlea Lodge Care Home near Sunderland, and has been inspired to raise money for Dementia UK by her grandparents, both of whom lived with the condition.
Kerry’s initial aim was to walk 31 miles during May, but she has long since surpassed this figure and is now encouraging residents at Ashlea Court to join her and add a few steps to her total each day.
She said: “My Nana had vascular dementia and Grandad has lewy body dementia. This is why I was drawn into dementia care. I have been at Ashlea Lodge for a while now and am completely passionate about my work, providing a happy and fulfilled life for people living with the condition.
“It is honestly so rewarding, that I want to give something back and help
to raise awareness.”
Kerry has already raised £100 online but that total is set to rise considerably through direct cash donations.
‘Pawsome’ success for first dog show
SPECTATORS were treated to a spectacle of wagging tails and dazzling tricks by dogs of all shapes and sizes at Middleton Hall Retirement Village’s inaugural dog show.
The event at the retirement village in Middleton St George near Darlington was a huge success with the village’s residents, visitors and the canine competitors.
A variety of dog show categories were staged throughout the day alongside an array of stalls offering treats for four-legged friends and their owners alike.
From ‘Prettiest pooch’ to ‘Old timer’ and ‘Dog we’d most like to take home’, every pooch had its moment to shine, delighting both judges and onlookers.
Hospitality manager Clare Robson said: “The day really highlighted the vibrant spirit of Middleton Hall. The sun was shining for our first Fun Dog Show, and the doggie paddling pools were cold.
“It was great to see residents, friends, families and members of the local community having fun and wonderful to collaborate with both Darlington and Bishop Auckland Colleges in the run up to the day.
“Special thanks go to Councillors Pease and Laing, and Shalona Beaumont of MJ’s Cake Cafe, who all came along and participated on the day.
The judging was a very hard task, as there were so many deserving entries. Shalona was a great compere and added fun and laughter to the day.”
Beyond the excitement of the competition, thanks to the generosity of attendees, the dog show successfully raised funds for Wag & Co, a charity dedicated to bringing joy and companionship to the elderly through therapy dog visits across the
North East.
Some of Middleton Hall’s care service residents enjoy regular visits and the funds raised will help Wag & Co continue its work in the wider community.
A generous collection of dog-related items were also donated by visitors to the Darlington Greyhound Trust which supports and cares for retired greyhounds.
The medals for the prize winners of each of the show’s award categories were designed and created by students from the Level 2 Performing Engineering Operations at Darlington College.
The hands-on project involved students using practical skills at multiple stages from developing design concepts and selecting materials to engineering and crafting the final product.
Students from Bishop Auckland College’s catering course also contributed a supply of homemade dog biscuits which were a hit on the day with the four-legged participants.
Jan cuts the ribbon to open home
TELEVISION presenter and newsreader Jan Leeming cut the ribbon as Copperfield Court in Broadstairs, Kent celebrated its grand opening.
The event was attended by the Mayor and Mayoress of Broadstairs, along with many members of the local community.
Guests had the opportunity to explore the home’s state-of-the-art facilities including a bistro, cinema, hair salon and café.
Eve Balcombe, general manager of the Oyster Care Homes operated site, said: “We are thrilled to have opened our doors and are immensely grateful
for the warm reception from the Broadstairs community.
“Every aspect of Copperfield Court has been carefully crafted to ensure our residents feel at home.
“Our focus is on creating a supportive and vibrant community that not only cares for our residents but also celebrates life at every stage.”
The celebration highlighted Copperfield Court’s commitment to environmental sustainability, partnering with LNT Care Developments to aim for net-zero carbon emissions.
The entire facility is powered by Solar PV panels.
Navigating the sea of employment law changes – what you need to know
By Ian Pace
A FLURRY
of changes to employment rights legislation came into force recently.
A key objective for the legislature has been to make employment law more family friendly with a recent spate of employee rights changes aimed at increasing the availability of leave allowances for parents and carers and those requesting to work flexibly; and simplifying the processes for those accessing these rights.
While making it easier for employees to manage care and family commitments, these legislative tweaks will give care home staff more opportunity to take paid leave, and at shorter notice, potentially making planning harder for managers and HR teams.
Understanding the impact of this is going to be important.
New caregiver empowerment
April 2024 saw The Carers’ Leave Act 2023 come into effect. In a nutshell, the act gives employees who are also unpaid carers the “day one” right to one week of unpaid leave each year to provide care.
This week can be taken separately as half or full days or used consecutively, to suit the employee’s caring responsibility needs. If the employee works a different number of hours per week, working out their exact “one week’s” leave entitlement can be complicated.
The ACAS guide on carer’s leave provides helpful guidance in these cases.
While this change may spark concern, given the ongoing resourcing challenges, care home managers can be assured that at least three days’ notice should be given by the employee, up to a maximum of 12 days’ notice depending upon the
amount of leave requested.
Again, the ACAS guide provides very helpful, practical examples to assist managers and employees to calculate the correct notice, but ACAS also suggests the employer should be flexible where possible.
Additionally, if the leave causes undue disruption to the business, employers also have the right to postpone the leave requested for up to one month but it is good practice to exercise this right only when necessary.
Although carer’s leave is unpaid, employees are entitled to keep all their other terms and conditions during their leave and return to the same job once the leave is over. It is also important for care home managers to be mindful that legal challenges in the employment tribunal will potentially arise if they treat employees detrimentally (or dismiss them) for looking to exercise these rights.
Enhanced flexibility in paternity leave allowances
Recent updates to paternity leave
regulations also provide more flexibility for fathers/partners. Previously, parental leave could only be taken in a single one – or consecutive two-week block but parents will now be able to take the two-week allowance as two one-week non-consecutive periods.
The legislative updates also allow fathers / partners to take this leave at any time within the first year following the birth or adoption –instead of only in the first eight weeks of the child’s life, as was the case previously.
The notice needed ahead of starting a period of parental leave has also been shortened from 15 weeks to 28 days, or seven days in cases of adoption; and can be changed so long as they give 28 days’ notice (this can be shortened in certain circumstances).
Although the notice period for starting a period of paternity leave has reduced as described, care home managers should note that fathers / partners must still have given notice of their entitlement to paternity leave, including the expected birth date, 15 weeks before the due date; and inform the employer of the child’s birth date as soon as practicable after the birth.
More inclusive flexible working rights New and updated provisions coming to force for The Flexible Working Act and the associated ACAS Code of Practice on Handling Flexible Working Requests were also introduced in April.
The most notable change being that all employees, regardless of their length of service, will be able to file a flexible working request.
Employees can also make two requests a year, as opposed to one, and no longer have to provide an explanation of the potential impact
of their request on the employer and details of how this can be managed. Time is of the essence in dealing with these requests. Previously, employers had up to three months to respond to flexible working requests but now they have to respond within two months. If an employer plans to decline the request fully or partially, they also need to consult with the employee at a meeting to discuss the request before a response is given.
Given these revised time constraints, employers need to respond to these requests in a timely manner and if this request cannot be processed within the allotted period, the employee’s written agreement is needed for an extension to be given.
What the changes mean in practice
From an employee perspective, these updates are changing employment law for the better, making it easier for them to try to balance work around their family and caring responsibilities.
For care home managers, as well as implementing the changes into their business working practices, to minimise the risk of these new obligations being breached, they will also need to proactively review and update HR policies and procedures to incorporate the changes.
When dealing with flexible working and carer’s leave requests in practice, the key for employers is active and effective communication with employees to understand their caregiver responsibilities and needs; and to openly explore any genuine issues they present for the care home with a view to reaching a reasonable and mutually acceptable arrangement.
n Ian Pace is a Partner and employment solicitor at national law firm Weightmans.
Manager and deputy retire after 38 years
A DUNDEE care home manager and deputy manager are both retiring after 38 years served together in the social care sector – having both never missed a day of work.
Lynn McLean and Vera Scrimgeour, who work at HC-One Scotland’s Balcarres Care Home , will celebrate their retirement recently after lengthy careers spanning almost four decades together.
Lynn said: “We’ve always referred to ourselves as the Balcarres family. My team includes carers and a laundry assistant that have been with me for more than 25 years, my administrator has been here 15 years, and my chef has been here 30 years.
“I have been so lucky, but I am getting older. My husband also recently retired, and we would like to spend more time together. Leaving will devastate me, but I must step away. I will continue working to my own high standards until my last moment at Balcarres.”
Lynn started working in the social care sector as head of house at Balcarres Care Home. She initially helped the team to welcome and care for new residents, but soon became
deputy manager.
Lynn subsequently became the home manager at HC-One Scotland’s Balnacarron Care Home in St Andrews in 1987. She spent 12 “very happy” years at Balnacarron, where she helped increase occupancy levels.
Lynn was then contacted again by Balcarres Care Home regarding the home manager position. She initially
offered her services to support Balcarres on an interim basis until they secured a long-term home manager. However, Lynn has remained in the home manager role at Balcarres since 1999. She undertook a management degree at university, attended night classes and weekend seminars, and gained a driver’s licence – all while
managing Balcarres.
Lynn has continuously achieved high Care Inspectorate ratings at Balcarres. The home recently maintained its ‘exceptionally highquality care’ and ‘outstanding leadership’ ratings to achieve the highest rating of grade six.
Lynn helped to build a “new village” at Balcarres during the pandemic, with a coffee shop called Vino’s Brew, a bistro named The Café, and Dandy’s Candy sweet shop. All the amenities remain close to the home, which provides comfort and convenience for residents and relatives.
Deputy manager Vera has been on the same journey as Lynn, and the pair are known as ‘Vera Lynn’. She added: “It has been hilarious working with Lynn during our 38 years together. We could write a book about all our experiences. We have worked through thick and thin together and she has been a great manager.
“I have loved every minute working here. It has been a great experience, and I shall truly miss it. I am proud of our high Care Inspectorate grades throughout our careers, especially for the residents and their families.”
Ian Pace
Lynn McLean and Vera Scrimgeour.
Visit our Caring UK website, the UK’s number one magazine for the care sector
Packed with news, features and information, the Caring UK website provides a central hub for anyone who works within the UK sector to keep up-to-date with all the latest developments in care. The site delivers more content, news features and information, and is the one-stop site for everything
