GR Care Forres owner Gillian Ross named Carer of the Month UK by Social Care TV
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A LOCAL businesswoman has won a national contest promoting the good work of carers.
Tytler Street resident and GR Care Forres owner, Gillian Ross (53), was named Carer of the Month UK by Social Care TV.
She said: “I was very surprised, first of all to receive a call to say I’d been nominated by families I’ve worked with, then that I’d won. I was delighted they confirmed I’d made a difference to their loved ones.”
Gillian spotted an opportunity to provide home care while she worked at Leanchoil Hospital and Taigh Farrias, both of which were eventually closed down.
She said: “I saw the lack of care at home available in Moray. Five years ago this November, I started my own care business working with self directed support and private clients, to help people leaving hospital back in their own homes.”
Clients entitled with help to pay for care through Moray Council can choose self directed support. The client and family manage their package to suit their needs and employ a personal assistant of their choice. Gillian and her employees are an option.
She said: “We help make life more comfortable for clients - while having a laugh! We make sure we have time to assist clients’ needs - helping showering, personal care, administration of medication, making meals to dietary requirements, housework, bed changing ... even changing cat litter trays!”
Gillian also has a befriending service which she uses to encourage clients to go for a walk or drive, pick up a coffee or have a chat.
“Anything to get out and about,” she said. “Choice is all part of the job - if I can do it I will. I have two very reliable carers who are on hand to step in on a rota system.”
GR Care Forres complete Social Care TV training programmes, organisers of the competition Gillian was successful in.
She added: “I won 50 courses of my choice and £100 Marks and Spencer vouchers.”
