While we are all enjoying the festive season, a council residential care home has had an extra reason to celebrate.
South Lanarkshire Council’s Meldrum Gardens Care Home in East Kilbride marked its 20th anniversary this month.
Residents, staff and special guests gathered to mark the occasion with entertainment and good cheer at the care home that received a shining Grade 5 assessment following its most recent inspection by the Care Inspectorate.
Among those joining the celebrations was South Lanarkshire Provost Margaret Cooper, who said: “Having met with residents and staff, it is easy to see why Meldrum Gardens has been so successful.
“Everyone I spoke to told me of the brilliant care here, and I met former staff members who returned for the occasion, showing an incredible bond that is generated by the care that is consistently provided by and supported here.
“The exceptional care that is provided here once again shows how important social care is to life of our communities, and why we should value the work of our social care staff.”
Unit manager Susanne Mason added: “This is always a busy time for us because we try to organise as many events as possible to let our residents enjoy the magic of the season, but this anniversary was a lovely added bonus for us all.
“When you think how many residents and members of staff have been able to enjoy these homely premises since they opened, this celebration is not just for today but for every one of those 20 years.”
Professor Soumen Sengupta, Chief Officer for South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership, also expressed his delight and appreciation.
He said: “The last 20 years has seen significant changes in how social care is delivered, with many improvements delivered because of the professionalism, dedication and compassion of local staff such as our team at Meldrum Gardens.
“So in marking this anniversary and the festive season, my thanks go to all of the staff who have brought, and continue to bring, their expertise, hearts and souls into caring, to all of the families who have given their support and, of course, to all of our service users who welcome us into their lives.”
When Meldrum Gardens Care Home marked its 20th anniversary, one family provided a living link from its start to the present day.
Present at the official opening was the then Chair of Social Work, the late Councillor Jim Handibode – and currently working at the East Kilbride home is his granddaughter, Chloe Bain.
Chloe began her career 17 years ago, at the age of 17, as a Skillseeker at Meldrum Gardens.
She moved on to work in other homes but returned just over two years ago as a Senior Social Care Worker.
She said: “I’ve loved all of the homes I’ve worked in but Meldrum Gardens has a special place in my heart. It is wonderful to be here when it is reaching this anniversary, and even more so to think of my Papa being in these very rooms 20 years ago.
“He was an inspiration to me and did so much for this area and for people across South Lanarkshire, and hearing people talking about him at the anniversary celebration was really quite emotional – it means a lot that he’s remembered so well by others.”
The Chief Officer for South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership, Professor Soumen Sengupta, said: “Several generations of Councillor Handibode’s family have served the people of South Lanarkshire in various capacities as elected members and council employees, but it is especially poignant that his granddaughter is now part of our dedicated health and social care family.
“It is testament to the powerful difference that our social work staff and our social care teams – past, present and future – have made, and continue to make, to the lives of our communities.”
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