Huntly care home's 81 year old activities co-ordinator picks up national award at glittering ceremony
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A Huntly woman branded the oldest care worker in the country has scooped a national award.
Liz Thomson, one of two activities co-ordinators at Balhousie Huntly received one of the top accolades at the s1Jobs Recruitment Awards at a glittering ceremony in Glasgow last week.
Liz was 81 on April 6, and older than some of the residents at the home.
She received the award, which recognises those who “go above and beyond their call of duty, offer excellent service and take pride in their work” from comedian Jo Brand.
The award is the latest in a line of accolades for Liz who was recently a finalist in the Great British Care Awards, but the Octogenarian is modest about her achievements.
She said: "I just really enjoy what I do. People ask me am I not tired when I go home at the end of the day and I can honestly say no, I just love what I do and it's never a thought to come to work."
Liz, has worked at the care home in a variety of roles since it opened in 2012 but says her current role is the one she enjoys the most.
There are around 60 residents at the home and with her colleague, Liz creates a unique activities programme for them with at least two each day - one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
She said:"It can be tricky to meet everyone's needs but we try to plan things to include as many of our residents as possible depending how able they are. Friday afternoon bingo sessions are a firm favourite and we have a prize for the winner.
"This week in the fine weather we have had a group out for a walk through Deveron Park and round about Tesco - they really enjoyed that. There's a lovely garden and a lot of the residents enjoy pottering with me there.
"There's a knitting group, we do baking, painting, drawing and play dominoes. Fee and Fiona from Networks of Wellbeing come in and we have a singing session and a quiz in the cafe area of the home.."
Ahead of his show in The Gordon Schools tomorrow night, Brandon McPhee is to do perform for residents, free of charge during the afternoon.
A spokeswoman for Balhousie said of Liz: "She is always on the move, doing something great with our residents. She’s very caring and empathetic. Being older, she has a wonderful understanding and rapport with our residents. She’s tremendously hard working too and always has a spring in her step."
Liz said: "I really love my job and being with the residents, some of whom I know are younger than me. I’ve known some of them for years now, so organising and leading activities is always enjoyable. I have tried retiring but I like working.”
Liz was joined by colleague Lynn Angus at the awards event where Jen Aitchison, Manager at ASC, Balhousie’s specialist services arm was commended in the same category. Jen is Manager at ASC, Balhousie’s specialist services arm.
Jill Kerr, group chief executive officer said: “It’s wonderful to see Liz and Jen’s achievements recognised. They are both an absolute credit to the company and represent everything our staff stand for - commitment, exceptional work and going above and beyond.”
