Aberchirder woman Elaine Robertson named Carer of the Year at Moray and Banffshire Heroes awards ceremony
A woman whose care career began after doing research to help members of her family won the Carer of the Year award at the Moray and Banffshire Heroes event.
Elaine Robertson from Aberchirder was presented with the accolade at the glittering ceremony in the Banff Springs Hotel.
She said after receiving the award: “I am very overwhelmed.
“When you come from a small village in Aberdeenshire you don't expect to win.”
Research into the standard of care at the former Ladysbridge Hospital led her to discover her dream job.
More than 20 years ago, Elaine began asking questions as her uncles were due to become residents.
She wanted to ensure they would have opportunities to stay active, rather than spending their days confined to a room watching TV.
Her curiosity led to a job in the sector, and she quickly fell in love with the work.
She is employed at Community Integrated Care.
She added: “I had two uncles at Ladysbridge who were disabled and I wanted to know how they would get on in their daily lives.
“I didn't want them just sitting in a chair watching TV, I wanted to know what the protocol was.
“I made sure that they were getting the treatment that they should have been getting.
“This led me to a job with Community Integrated Care and I've been there for 23 years.”
More recently, Elaine helped two brothers move into their own homes, find employment and enjoy their first holiday abroad.
She said: “Six years ago I got a job with the boys, Kevin and Robert McPherson.
“They are twins that were fostered at Portsoy and we helped them set up a house.
“Both are in different houses and have challenging ADHD and autistic disabilities.
“They're my life and my family gets involved with them.
“They give me a smile every day. They have got their ups and downs but if they're having a good day, I'm having a good day.
“You want to allow them to live their best lives possible.
“When I care for people, I understand their diagnosis and limitations, but that doesn’t mean those challenges are permanent.
“If someone is non-verbal, I continue speaking to them and making eye contact because you never know what they might be able to communicate.
“It's vital we don't judge people by what they can't do; they can often be supported to achieve new things that enhance their daily life.”
The carer of the year award was sponsored by Parklands Care Homes.
