MEDIA RELEASE Thursday January 21, 2021

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When Balhousie Glens care home asked its residents to share their wishes for 2021, one in particular stood out.

The words of Kathleen Mills, 88, were startling in their simplicity: “Wish for a better year,” she wrote on a whiteboard, summing up the sentiment of everyone after the challenging and emotional year we’ve had.

Kathleen’s positive words were not a surprise to staff at the home in Edzell, Angus.  Known for her signature bright colours and in particular her wide array of crocheted hats, Kathleen – also known as Micky or Kathy – is a positive force to be around, says The Glens’ Home Manager Jacqueline Donley.

“Kathy loves listening to music and chatting with staff. She keeps up with everyone’s lives and always asks after our family members. She’s just lovely to be around,” says Jacqueline.

A former teacher, she enjoys spending time on her laptop and iPhone to keep in touch with her family members. Daughter Cheryl Williamson, who lives close by, says: “Mum’s brighter than we are! We miss our daily visits and excursions but she’s very aware of the technology for keeping in touch and has daily Facetime calls.”

Kathy, who followed Cheryl to the Angus area with her husband George, adds: “It has been a hard 2020. We need to look forwards and hope for a better 2021.”

Kathy was born in India and moved back to the UK to live in Middlesex. She joined the Women’s Royal Naval Service as an Air Radio Mechanic for four years them met George. They travelled around the UK for George’s career; he was in the Navy for 32 years.

A mother of four, Kathy went into teaching which she did for 21 years.  Kathy retired at 62 and lived life to the full, dancing, reading and spending lots of time with their grandchildren.

George had spent four years at The Glens before he passed away. Kathy has been a resident since last year. She says of living in Angus: “I love Edzell and it has made me feel at home.”

For more messages from Glens residents visit https://balhousiecare.co.uk/residents-from-the-glens-share-their-new-year-resolutions/

For more information about Balhousie Care Group visit www.balhousiecare.co.uk

ENDS

For media enquiries please contact Gillian Drummond on 01738 254254 or 07492 163614 or email gillian.drummond@balhousiecare.co.uk

 

About Balhousie Care Group

Balhousie Care Group was formed 27 years ago to fill a gap in quality residential care in North East Scotland. Today, with 26 homes in the area, it is one of the leading providers of care for the elderly in Scotland, providing care to over 900 residents.

Balhousie Care prides itself on its person-centred approach to care. Putting people right at the forefront of everything they do; it’s inclusive of everyone. They capture this philosophy through the roll out of ‘Together We’re Great’, an initiative which recognises the skills, talents, attributes and support areas for each and every person involved in the organisation. Together We’re Great aims to value individuality and promote excellence across the organisation.

A Participation Charter – a first-of-its-kind in the care home sector – commits to residents getting a bigger say than ever in the care they receive, from writing care home policies to recruiting staff.

Balhousie Care Group is the recipient of numerous awards. These include three Scottish Care Awards, 2019 Growth Business and 2018 Service Business of the Year at The Courier Business Awards, 2019 Growth Business of the Year Perthshire Chamber of Commerce STAR Award, and SME Scotland Business Man of the Year 2019 for Chairman Tony Banks.