A popular and much-loved member of the team at Balhousie Rumbling Bridge Nursing Home is retiring this week after over three decades providing the very best care to the residents.
Adelina ‘Babs’ Somerville has been a constant at Rumbling Bridge, beginning work as a Care Assistant on the very first day the home opened, on May 5, 1987. 36 years later, Babs is reflecting back on her time caring for the residents who have become like a second family to her.
“It’s been a pleasure looking after the residents,” says Babs. “And being there for the families. I feel humbled to have cared for their loved ones. I’ve met so many residents over the years and heard their stories. I’ve learned so much from them.”
It’s not just the residents that Babs will miss. The staff have become extended family to Babs as well. “You’re working with them all the time so they become like another family,” says Babs. “You could go around the world twice and you wouldn’t meet such lovely people as they’ve all been, every single one of them.”
On what has kept Babs at Rumbling Bridge for so long, her kind, compassionate nature has made care a natural vocation for her. “It’s a true enough the saying, if you find something to do that you love, you’ll never work a day in your life and that’s how I’ve always felt here.”
With all those years of experience, Babs advice for anyone considering a career in care is simple. “It’s a lovely profession. Treat the residents like you’d treat your own family and, if you have compassion in your heart, it’s hard work but very rewarding.”
Her colleagues will miss Babs as much as she will miss them. “Babs has been part of Rumbling Bridge for 36 years and to say she’ll be missed by everyone here is an understatement,” says Rumbling Bridge Home Manager, Morag Shea.
“Babs has compassion and kindness running through her veins and is a wonderful carer to all our residents. She’ll be sorely missed by all of us, but we are delighted for her to be getting to spend more time with her family as she retires. On behalf of all the residents and staff at Rumbling Bridge, we’d like to wish Babs the very happiest of retirements. We’ll miss you, Babs!”
Now she’s retiring, Babs is planning to spend more time with her own family, including her grandchildren on whom she dotes. Her daughter, Adele Smart, has many happy childhood memories of visiting Rumbling Bridge over the years with her mum.
“I remember watching my mum talk with the residents and care for them in the most gentle and patient way,” says Adele. “Mum felt it was important for us to learn from the older generation, learning from their stories and life experiences. I know Mum is retiring with a heavy heart as she will miss her residents, but she hopes to visit them regularly – with her grandchildren, Zoe , James and Ozzy.”
From everyone at Balhousie Care Group, we’d like to wish Babs a wonderful retirement!
