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Inverness
Wednesday, March 27, 2024

The Gift of Time

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Meet the team working Christmas Day to keep vital services running

The festive period is a time many people cherish, it’s a time to spend with family, a time to enjoy quality moments together and a time to make memories.

But, for some this festive period, they are putting family plans on hold as they dedicate themselves to keeping essential services running.

Suzie Langham will be enjoying Christmas Day and Boxing Day with the elderly residents of Meadowlark Care Home in Forres.

Suzie and her colleagues at the home will be going above and beyond to ensure residents have a magical day and that the festive spirit is truly sprinkled on every activity throughout the day.

Speaking about why she chose to work Christmas Day, Suzie said:

“There is no feeling quite like it when you see the sparkle in the eyes of the residents when we tell them it’s Christmas Day, they truly light up.

“I’m known for my singing around the home so I’ll be keeping the residents entertained with Christmas carols while getting them ready for the day – we’ll be getting them dressed in their Christmas jumpers or their special Christmas Day outfit, I’ll be doing their hair and then we will come together to have a lovely breakfast to kick off the day.

“Many of the residents will have visits from friends and family where they will exchange gifts and enjoy the day together.

“For lunch, we get a big traditional table set with Christmas crackers and party hats and all sit down to enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner together, making sure all of the trimmings are just as the residents like them and then to round off the day the residents relax and watch a Christmas film … or continue singing Christmas carols and enjoying the festivities that Christmas brings.”

Suzie has worked at Meadowlark for three years and in that time has built meaningful relationships with many of the residents.

Suzie continued:

“Our role for Christmas Day is simple, we want to make that day as special as we can for our residents.

“They’re like family to me and I want them to have a fantastic day with us and with their families when they come to visit.

“Over the years I’ve witnessed a huge change in some of our residents on Christmas Day, we’ve had people who have previously been quite withdrawn come out in the communal areas, dancing and enjoying a glass of bubbles.

“It’s magical to see the effect that the nostalgia of Christmas has on people.

“I choose to work Christmas Day because, for me, it gives me a sense of purpose.

“It’s such a boost to see the joy on the faces of our residents and I’m so thankful that I can be a part of that.”

Meadowlark’s spacious environment – which currently caters for 57 residents – has been designed to create a safe and supportive home for all residents that is focused on person-centred care.

The home is part of the Renaissance Care Group, it currently operates 16 homes located across Scotland and currently provides care provision for 760 residents and employs around 1,150 staff.

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