Lorna’s award for being heart of care home
Dedication goes way beyond day job
A popular east Perthshire care home employee whose dedication to her residents extends way beyond her day job has won a prestigious Scottish Care Award.
Lorna Menzies, a home administrator at Balhousie Coupar Angus, triumphed in the Ancillary and Support Staff category at a ceremony held at the Hilton Glasgow on Friday, November 18.
Lorna, who lives in Blairgowrie, has worked at the Meadowside Close care facility for five years and in the sector itself for 22 years.
She said: “I was overwhelmed and delighted to be a winner.
“I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone for making it happen.
“I have received some lovely messages and comments, which mean so much to me.”
Morag Shea, manager at Balhousie Coupar Angus, said: “From doing weekly shopping for residents to personally engaging with relatives and finding creative ways raise funds for our residents’ comfort fund, Lorna is so much more than a home administrator.
“She is the glue that holds the place together.
“Lorna believes the home isn’t a home to our residents, it’s their home, and she has instilled that in our culture.
“She has built amazing relationships with residents and their families, getting to know them from day one.”
Before joining Balhousie Coupar Angus, Lorna worked at another care home.
Barry Fergusson, one of the residents from that home, whom she bonded with, moved to Balhousie Coupar Angus and Lorna joined the home shortly afterwards.
Once a fortnight, Lorna took Barry to a meeting of Headway in Perth – a charity which works to improve life after a brain injury.
“With no family to take him, Barry wouldn’t be able to go if not for Lorna. It was the highlight of his fortnight,” said Morag.
Barry sadly recently passed away and Lorna organised the funeral.
Lorna is much more than a home administrator. She is the glue that holds the place together Morag Shea
Lorna was one of two Balhousie Care Group employees to be nominated for an award at the ceremony, which was hosted by TV presenter and singer Michelle McManus.
Orlando Aguilon, the deputy home manager at Balhousie Ruthven Towers in Auchterarder, was a finalist in the Nurse of the Year category.
Jill Kerr, group chief executive officer at Balhousie Care Group, said: “We’re so proud of Lorna and Orlando for reaching the finals among such stiff competition nationwide, and huge congratulations to Lorna for her win.
“Both of them show such outstanding commitment to their residents, it’s so heartening to see that recognised.”