Norma-Anne Christie (85), a resident at Renaissance Care’s Glencairn Care Home in The Grange Edinburgh, says she is thankful and happy to be living in the care home during this difficult time.

Norma had not long moved into her own modern flat back in 2017 when she was advised by doctors that moving to a care home would give her and her family the peace of mind they needed after she had taken a few falls in her own home which resulted in poor mobility.

Norma’s son undertook extensive research into care homes which would allow Norma the same level of independence and freedom she had in her own home, but this time with care staff on hand should she need it. Norma said she was surprised when her son showed her Glencairn Care Home as it more than measured up to her expectations. She said: “I have very high standards, so when my son showed me Glencairn Care Home online, I was taken with it right away. We were all surprised by how quickly I liked the look of it and after my first visit, the care and attention of the staff upon my arrival made me sure this was the right place for me.”

During Covid-19, Norma has been keeping up with the news and has felt lucky to be living in the Edinburgh based care home. She said: “Since lockdown, I have followed the news on the TV and the radio, so I have been well aware of the different situations many vulnerable persons like myself were in, and had it’s been clear that me and my fellow residents are extremely lucky to be here.

“Much of the success can be attributed to the manager, Jozi and her team. The staff worked efficiently and with kindness to make sure all protocols were in place to keep us protected as best they could.”

Norma, who is originally from southern Ireland, has friends and family throughout the UK, including four grandchildren in London. She continued: “I have missed my family very much but I knew the strict rules were in place for a reason and Jozi and the team had implemented these rules according to the guidelines, while still making sure they were sensitive to our needs and feelings.

“It is well known how much I enjoy going to the theatre for concerts or musical performances, so I was lucky enough that the staff helped me access live performances from The Met in New York to keep me entertained while we were isolated in our rooms. I also have my own hands-free telephone in my room which is a real bonus as I have a way of connecting at length with friends and family whenever I want.

“I always like to keep a smart appearance, so at times it was difficult that my hairdresser wasn’t allowed in, however the staff helped me take care of my hair and nails during this time and made sure I was still looking my best.

“I would like to thank Jozi and her team at Glencairn for the work they have done in ensuring that Glencairn remains a happy place to be whatever challenges Covid-19 presents.”

 

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When my mum needed to be looked after 24 hours a day, I visited Whitecraigs and on my first visit, I knew this was a lovely place.
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