The Laurels Care Home appoints new home manager

THE LAURELS Care Home has promoted Louise Spooner to home manager – after more than 24 years at the home.

The dementia care home is one half of The Laurels and The Limes Care Home, on Manchester Road, Sheffield.

Louise is the longest serving member of staff at the home, having started as a secretary and receptionist in 1993, before The Limes was constructed.

She then became liaison officer, managing the marketing, social workers and admissions.

Shortly after The Limes was built, Louise took on the role of administrative manager, managing the buildings and ancillary staff, and working alongside the registered nurse manager.

In this role, she completed a Level 4 Certificate in Management with the Chartered Management Institute, before being promoted to home manager.

The care home, owned by the Hill Care Group, provides nursing and residential care for those living with dementia.

Louise said: “The Laurels is a care home in its own right, providing personal care for those individuals that have dementia.

“We prepare personalised plans for each of our residents, after liaising with their relatives, ensuring we provide stimulating activities.”

One of those activities introduced by Louise is the creation of a life story book, which encourages residents and their loved ones to recall events of the past.

Louise added: “We can build up a profile of each of our residents and tailor their living around what they enjoyed previously.

“The life story work will improve outcomes, as stimulating memory is very important in delaying the advance of dementia, as well as making them more comfortable and their time here more enjoyable.”

Another of Louise’s innovations was the creation of a garden café in one of the home’s rooms overlooking the gardens.

Complete with garden furniture and plants, the café allows residents and their visitors to enjoy a hot drink and a chat.

Louise said: “We strive to provide a happy, homely atmosphere at The Laurels and the new café room is playing an important role, alongside our other facilities and engaging activities.”