The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Recognition for dedicated care worker
Acare home worker’s commitment to both her residents and her job has been recognised after she scooped a prestigious Scottish Care Award.
Lorna Menzies, who is the home administrator at Balhousie Coupar Angus, won the Ancillary and Support Staff category at a glittering awards ceremony at the Hilton Glasgow on Friday evening.
Lorna has been an employee at the Perthshire care home for five years and has been involved with the sector for 22 years.
Morag Shea, home manager at Balhousie Coupar Angus, commented: “From doing weekly shopping for residents to personally engaging with relatives and finding creative ways to fundraise 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.”
Before joining Balhousie Coupar Angus, Lorna worked at another care home, in her home town of Blairgowrie.
One of the residents of that home, who she bonded with, moved to Balhousie Coupar Angus, and Lorna joined the home shortly afterwards.
Once every two weeks, Lorna took Barry Fergusson to a meeting of the charity Headway in Perth, 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,” Morag added.
“It was the highlight of his fortnight.”
Barry recently passed
away, and Lorna organised the funeral.
Lorna said: “I was overwhelmed and delighted to be a winner.
“A big thank you to Morag for nominating me and everyone at Coupar Angus for making it happen. I have received some lovely comments which mean so much to me.”
Lorna was one of two Balhousie Care Group employees to reach the finals last Friday, which TV presenter and singer Michelle Mcmanus hosted.
Orlando Aguilon, deputy home manager at Balhousie Ruthven Towers in Auchterarder, was a finalist in the Nurse of the Year category.