Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has praised the, “warmth and companionship” on display during his visit to Lisburn’s Laurelhill House. The facility provides a homely environment for residents living with Dementia and Alzheimer’s.
The care provided at Laurelhill is designed to enable older people to lead more meaningful lives while aiming to meet their individual physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs, where residents and families feel involved.
The Health Minister had the opportunity to meet with some residents, their families and care staff who were taking part in afternoon baking, games and craft activities.
The Health Minister said, “I am really impressed with Laurelhill House, sometimes when you walk into a building you really get a sense of atmosphere and at Laurelhill, during my visit, there was warmth, there was companionship and humanity. We have to give older people, frail people, care in the community and this is the sort of facility we need, right in the heart of the community where we can look after and show respect to our elderly population.”
The Health Minister was welcomed by the South Eastern Trust’s Director of Primary Care and Older People, Clare Marie Dickson who was delighted to showcase the facility. Clare Marie added, “Our facilities are designed to be as homely as possible where residents and their families are at the heart of everything that we do. It was heartening to chat with residents and their families with the Minister and hear the positive feedback on their care experiences in Laurelhill.”
Laurelhill Care Home Manager, Glynis Ellison shared how she had been a Care Assistant at the facility in 1998 and described how much the staff and residents had enjoyed the Ministerial visit. Glynis stated, “We are delighted to welcome the Health Minister to Laurelhill House. Laurelhill House provides a warm and welcoming environment for up to 30 residents. All our residents are encouraged to participate in a range of activities within and outside the home. Their care is based on an individual assessment with each person being supported to be as independent as their condition allows.”
