Forres care home welcomes new manager
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
THE new manager of a Forres care home has unveiled plans for its future including an intergenerational focus.
Meadowlark Care Home has welcomed Liz McRae to oversee operations in the 57-bed home.
Formally heading-up Nairn’s St Olaf Care Home, Ms McRae is a trained nurse who has held various managerial positions after starting her career as a carer in 2004.
She plans to place a focus on employee training and development, while ensuring that care is person-focused and tailored to specific requirements on individuals.
Already beginning to build its team, Liz is recruiting another activities coordinator who will be tasked with creating a weekly schedule of activities and events for the elderly residents.
The home is also keen to build its links with other organisations in the local community, including youth groups, nurseries and primary schools – giving residents the opportunity to interact with young people as a rewarding activity.
Intergeneration working is a highly effective practice within care, helping toddlers with language development, reading and social skills, while studies have reported improved mental wellbeing, lower blood pressure and benefits from social interactions amongst the elderly.
Ms McRae said: "Meadowlark is a fantastic care home and I'm honoured to be appointed as its manager.
"It has been wonderful spending time getting to know each of the residents and hearing some of their suggestions for new ideas for the centre.
"Staff training will be my biggest focus but we're also looking at ways to further develop our connections with the surrounding community.
"Whether that’s inviting nursery groups to visit the home or working on a joint project with a youth organisation, there are many benefits of these types of partnerships for both young people and our elderly residents."
Louise Barnett, managing director of Renaissance Care, said: "Liz brings a wealth of experience which will be a real benefit to the home and its residents.
"We’re really excited about her plans for Meadowlark and look forward to being part of its progression."
The home is situated on the outskirts Forres, providing 24-hour nursing care to elderly residents.
