Barchester Balclutha Court Care Home

48 Forsyth Street, Greenock PA16 8DY
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9.8 73 Reviews
  • Barchester Balclutha Court Care Home, Greenock
Balclutha Court provides high-quality 24-hour nursing care for frail older people, as well as expert dementia care for those who require help living with the condition.

The team of qualified and dedicated staff are focused on the individual needs of residents. and are committed to providing professional and respectful care and maintaining Barchester's exceptional standards. These standards stretch from the care provided to hospitality, housekeeping, maintenance and administrative services.

Whether you’re a resident, a relative or a friend, everyone gets a great reception at Balclutha Court in Greenock. As part of Barchester Healthcare, their home benefits from attractive décor, landscaped gardens with outside seating and modern facilities.

Staff at the home welcome visitors at any time and are happy to offer helpful advice if they can, so please feel free to call or to drop in.

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Care Provided by Barchester Balclutha Court Care Home

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Respite Care
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Nursing Care
  • Nursing Care
  • For a maximum of 83 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Cancer Care
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Colitis & Crohn's Disease
  • COPD/Pulmonary Disease
  • Epilepsy
  • Head/Brain Injury
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Huntington's Disease
  • Motor Neurone Disease
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Muscular Dystrophy
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Speech Impairment
  • Stroke
  • Visual Impairment
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • End of Life Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care
  • Physiotherapy
  • Separate Specialist Dementia Care Unit

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Alison Dickson (Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 55+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (77)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (3)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes
    • Last Refurbishment: 2002

Funding & Fees Guide for Barchester Balclutha Court Care Home

  • Funding Types Accepted
  • Self funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top-Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Funding
  • Weekly Charges per Person
    • Self-Funded Nursing Care from £1,276

  • This Weekly Fee rate is an indication only of a typical standard fee rate for a resident living in a standard, comfortable room. A final Weekly Fee rate will be confirmed once we have carried out a pre-admission needs assessment, which is required to fully understand the level of care and support required by each individual and to ensure that the care needs of the individual can be met by the Home.
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Barchester Balclutha Court Care Home to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access

Barchester Balclutha Court Care Home Reviews (73)

Total of 73, showing 21-40
9.8

Barchester Balclutha Court Care Home has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.816) out of 10, based on 17 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Barchester Balclutha Court Care Home has 73 reviews.

Overall Experience

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Review from Sandra G (Daughter of Resident) published on 31 October 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum is a resident at Balclutha and I have written a review before detailing the excellent care she is given. I would like to reiterate this in view of the incident that was published in the local paper. I feel deeply sad for the hard working and compassionate staff who work tirelessly to look after
the residents. This incident is not a reflection on Balclutha the staff or management and our family are all in support of you all and continue to be grateful for the hard work you all do. Thank you for taking such good care of our mum and all the residents at Balclutha. It's a fantastic care home with fantastic staff and we hope this incident does not effect you all for too long.

Reply from Jane Longstaff, Divisional Sales and Marketing Manager ' North at Barchester Balclutha Court Care Home

Thank you for your review. We value all feedback as this helps us to improve our service where required. Thank you also for your positive comments regarding our home and team, who work hard to deliver high standards of quality care at all times. I will pass on your feedback to the team.


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Review from S M (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 30 June 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father-in-law has been resident in Balclutha Court for almost three years now. During this time, the care and compassion shown by nursing and management staff has been exceptional. I would have no hesitancy in recommending Balclutha Court to anyone who is looking for the best standard of care for
their loved one.

Reply from Jane Selkirk, Divisional Sales & Marketing Manager at Barchester Balclutha Court Care Home

Thank you for your review. We value all feedback as this helps us to improve our service where required. Thank you also for your positive comments regarding our home and team, who work hard to deliver high standards of quality care at all times. I will pass on your feedback to the team.


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Review from Janine M (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 May 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All phone calls to the home are dealt with efficiently. Staff are very friendly at all visits. Can visibly see staff going out of their way to care for the residents. An active and varied entertainment programme. Residents fed well and often, and drinks for hydration are always on hand to the residents.
Staff have made an obvious effort to get to know my mum in supporting her care. Welcoming reception area on entry to the home.

Reply from Alison Dickson, General Manager at Barchester Balclutha Court Care Home

Thank you for your lovely comments. The staff work hard to provide the best care for our residents and to hear such feedback means a lot.


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Review from Anne W (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 May 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My dad is a temporary resident, awaiting a homecare package. From his initial day until now he has been made to feel very welcome. He wasn't impressed, to begin with as he was confined to his room because of various covid restrictions. However, now he is free to wander around and sit outside he is
much more settled. All staff are very friendly and helpful and concerns are dealt with quickly. He is very impressed with the overall standard of meals. The rooms are clean and comfortable. Overall everyone is doing a great job during quite difficult circumstances. If he wanted to stay I would be quite happy, but he is desperate to get back to his own house.

Reply from Jane Selkirk, Divisional Sales & Marketing Manager at Barchester Balclutha Court Care Home

Thank you for your review. We value all feedback as this helps us to improve our service where required. Thank you also for your positive comments regarding our home and team, who work hard to deliver high standards of quality care at all times. I will pass on your feedback to the team.


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Review from Richard D (Son of Resident) published on 13 January 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

During the recent issues with the omicron variant, the standard of infection control and access to the home to see mum has been first class. The staff are flexible and understanding. I feel mum is in a secure, safe and importantly a friendly and caring atmosphere.

Reply from Jane Selkirk, Divisional Sales & Marketing Manager at Barchester Balclutha Court Care Home

Thank you for your review, we value all feedback as this helps us to improve our service where required. Thank you also for your positive comments regarding our home and team who work hard to deliver high standards of quality care at all times. I will pass on your feedback to the team.


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Review from Paul M (Son of Resident) published on 13 January 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

In February 2020, and with some trepidation, we accepted that my mum needed residential care. We visited a number of care facilities in the area, but knew instantly that Balclutha Court was head and shoulders above the rest. The empathy, warmth and care shown to my mum (and to us during the process)
was without parallel. We will be forever grateful for that. Sadly my mum passed away in December. Every aspect of the care, management, information exchange and dignity shown to my mum, and to our family, was exceptional. The staff are great, they operate as a team… A sign of strong leadership… and they clearly have the care of their wards as their principal focus. COVID added an extra level of complexity to their job, balancing the safety of their residents with the needs of the families must have been a challenge, but the team cheerfully got on with the task in hand.
I would not hesitate to recommend these lovely people to anybody facing similar tough decisions on behalf of a loved one.

Reply from Jane Selkirk, Divisional Sales & Marketing Manager at Barchester Balclutha Court Care Home

Please accept our sincere condolences to you and the family at this time. Thank you for taking the time to review our home, we value all feedback as this helps us to improve our service where required. Thank you also for your positive comments regarding our home and team who work hard to deliver high standards of quality care at all times. I will pass on your feedback to the team.


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Review from Alison M (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 December 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum has recently moved to Balclutha Court from another care home in Inverclyde. She has settled so well and the staff have just been amazing with her, especially two members of staff. Mum enjoys a bit of a laugh and joke and the staff have picked up on this. They are also so respectful of her
wishes in relation to what activities she participates in (or doesn’t!).


A fabulous team.


Reply from Alison Dickson, General Manager at Barchester Balclutha Court Care Home

Thank you very much. We are so glad to have your Mum with us. She gives us lots of pleasure.


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Review from Ronnie M (Husband of Resident) published on 1 December 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My wife transferred to Balclutha Court in September and I couldn’t be happier. The staff are all so caring and friendly and keep you updated. It really is like a second family. It is so reassuring knowing she is so well looked after.

Reply from Jane Selkirk, Divisional Sales & Marketing Manager at Barchester Balclutha Court Care Home

Thank you for your review, we value all feedback as this helps us to improve our service where required. Thank you also for your positive comments regarding our home and team who work hard to deliver high standards of quality care at all times. I will pass on your feedback to the team.


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Review from Rhona F (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 October 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Mum recently moved into Balclutha Court and we couldn’t be happier. The staff are so caring - like an extended family! Not only the care staff - all staff - they are all so friendly and helpful. It is such a relief knowing she is being so well looked after. Would not hesitate in recommending Balclutha
Court to anyone.

Reply from Alison Dickson, General Manager at Barchester Balclutha Court Care Home

Thank you for your lovely comments. It is a pleasure looking after your Mum.


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Review from Thomas H (Son of Resident) published on 25 August 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

During my mum’s time in Balclutha Court, the staff have always treated her with kindness and care. All of the staff are approachable and show genuine compassion towards her and our family. During the pandemic, they kept us up to speed and made every effort to accommodate visits as soon as restrictions
started to ease. Not being able to spend time with my mum during the pandemic was made more bearable by knowing that she was being cared for by the staff at Balclutha Court!

Reply from Alison Dickson, General Manager at Barchester Balclutha Court Care Home

Thank you very much for your kind words. Your Mum is such a pleasure to care for.


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Review from John S (Cousin of Resident) published on 5 August 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5

My first visit to the home since before the COVID outbreak in 2020.
I would compare my visit today being similar to the prison visits you see in the movies. Why when the sun is splitting the sky and the temperature in the low 20’s that the visit could not have been conducted outdoors, it beggars belief.

Reply from Feedback Team, The Feedback Team at Barchester Balclutha Court Care Home

Dear John,
Thank you for your review. We are sorry to hear your visiting experience with Balclutha did not meet your expectations. It was my understanding that given certain risks which have been discussed directly with yourself it was agreed that outdoor visits with your relative would not be possible. I would like to assure you decisions like this are not taken lightly and the safety and well-being of our residents, patients and staff remains our utmost priority in every decision we make. If you had any outstanding concerns please feel free to contact myself or a member of my team directly on the following; Phone: 01475 729000 or email: Balclutha@barchester.com, we would welcome the opportunity to action any requests to improve your visiting experience for you and your loved one where possible.
Kind Regards,
The General Manager, Balclutha Court Care Home


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Review from Karen F (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 July 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father came to the home at very short notice and we’ve been really impressed and grateful for how comfortable the staff have made him. Everyone we’ve come into contact with at the home has impressed us with their friendliness and professionalism. It is clear that they truly do care about the well-being
of the residents. The rooms are clean and comfortable, as are the common areas. We know he is safe and being well looked after.

Reply from Alison Dickson, General Manager at Barchester Balclutha Court Care Home

Thank you for your lovely comments. We are so happy your dad has settled well.


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Review from A M (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 15 July 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I have previous experience of a family member being in a care home, and the staff at Barchester Balclutha Court Care Home are much better. They are caring, attentive and friendly. Management and staff keep us informed and included. It's the staff that make Balclutha such a good care home, they are excellent.
My
only criticism is the standard of the rooms (broken drawers in my father in laws room) but they are kept spotlessly clean.

Reply from Jane Selkirk, Divisional Sales & Marketing Manager at Barchester Balclutha Court Care Home

Thank you for your review, we value all feedback as this helps us to improve our service where required. Thank you also for your positive comments regarding our home and team who work hard to deliver high standards of quality care at all times. I will pass on your feedback to the team.


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Review from Jim N (Son of Resident) published on 29 June 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum is given the best of care at Balclutha Court Care Home where the carers are friendly and very patient. My mum was diagnosed with Dementia which made living at my home difficult. We looked for a suitable home and Balclutha has been great with my mum who at times, can be a bit of a challenge (depending
on what mood she is in).

Reply from Alison Dickson, General Manager at Barchester Balclutha Court Care Home

Thank you for your kind words. It is a pleasure looking after your Mum.


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Review from Melanie M (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 14 June 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Gran has been cared for by Balclutha Court for over 4 years now I can’t fault anything within the home. The staff are all very caring and the home is spotlessly clean. And the main thing my Gran is very happy. The staff have also welcomed us with open us and we feel very much part of the Balclutha
Family. Thank you for looking my Gran especially in the last year during these difficult times.

Reply from Alison Dickson, General Manager at Barchester Balclutha Court Care Home

Thank you for your lovely words. It is a pleasure to look after your gran.


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Review from David W (Husband of Resident) published on 7 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My wife has been cared for for nearly two years in Barchester Balclutha Court following a stroke. She has been very well looked after during this time by very caring staff who are also only too happy to assist the resident and family members in any way.
It is very important to the relative if they
can leave their loved one in the hands of kind, caring staff in the knowledge that they will be well looked after twenty-four hours a day. You can tell that the staff have a good connection with your relative with the big smile my wife gives to the carers when they visit the room. And the big smile the carers give to my wife. The staff nurses are also always prompt in informing the relative of any medical issues and further actions taken.

Reply from Jane Selkirk, Divisional Sales & Marketing Manager at Barchester Balclutha Court Care Home

Thank you for your review, we value all feedback as this helps us to improve our service where required. Thank you also for your positive comments regarding our home and team who work hard to deliver high standards of quality care at all times. I will pass on your feedback to the team.


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Review from Catriona B (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 6 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This last year has been difficult for us all. All of the staff at Balclutha have been amazing in trying to get us back together as quickly and safely as possible. I know papa loves all the staff and has been cared for so well in the time that I have not been able to be with him. Everyone that works
in the home across the board goes above and beyond to make sure that all the residents get 10/10 care and support. I can never thank you guys enough for everything that you have done through this last year to try and make it easier, from video calls to installing a window room so we can be one step closer to our family. Everything you all do is from the heart and I can’t put into words how grateful I am.

Reply from Alison Dickson, General Manager at Barchester Balclutha Court Care Home

Thank you so much for your lovely words - it really does mean a lot. It is so good to see the families reunited.


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Review from Scott M (Son of Resident) published on 14 April 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum has been in the Barchester Balclutha Court Care Home since September 2020.
She seems to have settled pretty well and is getting well looked after.
It's been really hard with her going in during Covid, as we can't get to see her as much as we would like.

Reply from Jane Selkirk, Divisional Sales & Marketing Manager at Barchester Balclutha Court Care Home

Thank you for your review, we value all feedback as this helps us to improve our service where required. Thank you also for your positive comments regarding our home and team who work hard to deliver high standards of quality care at all times. I will pass on your feedback to the team.


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Review from Susie K (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 14 April 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother-in-law is very well cared for and has become extremely fond of all the staff who look after her.
Whenever I visit, she is clean, tidy and looks well cared for.
Since admission to Barchester Balclutha Court, she has gained the weight she had previously lost.
She takes part in many of the
activities and always looks very engaged and happy in the photos I see of her enjoying these activities.
We are completely happy/satisfied with the care and attention my mother-in-law receives, and I would have no hesitation in recommending Balclutha care home to anyone.

Reply from Jane Selkirk, Divisional Sales & Marketing Manager at Barchester Balclutha Court Care Home

Thank you for your review; we value all feedback as this helps us to improve our service where required. Thank you also for your positive comments regarding our home and team, who work hard to deliver high standards of quality care at all times. I will pass on your feedback to the team.


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Review from T H (Wife of Resident) published on 8 April 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

During the pandemic, the management and staff have been amazing. They have gone the extra mile, I have been kept up to date with all my wife needs and wants. They couldn't do any more for my wife and us as a family. The staff at Balclutha have become a part of my wife's family too. Knowing my wife is
being very well cared for makes this pandemic a lot easier to cope with. Thank you all.

Reply from Alison Dickson, General Manager at Barchester Balclutha Court Care Home

Thank you very much for your kind words. It means a lot to us all.


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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.816)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.816) out of 10 for Barchester Balclutha Court Care Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 17 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 17 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Care Home is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.816 for Barchester Balclutha Court Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (163 Excellents x 5) + (30 Goods x 4) + (3 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 196 Ratings = 4.816

  • b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5').

    The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Barchester Balclutha Court Care Home is based on 17 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4

    • ii) 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the registered maximum number of service users in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Care Home registered for a maximum of 50 service users has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 83 registered maximum number of service users is 16.6, which has been reached with 17 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Care Home does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Performance

Care Inspectorate (CI) Rating

Date: 17 Dec 2024

How well do we support people's wellbeing? Good

(4)
How good is our leadership? Good

(4)
How good is our staff team? Good

(4)
How good is our setting? Good

(4)
How well is care and support planned? Good

(4)

Care Inspectorate is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in Scotland.

View Latest Report

Bed Vacancies

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (11)

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Meet the Team (13)

Alison

Alison Dickson

Job Title: General Manager

Joined: 1991

Alison started at Balclutha Court as a newly qualified Nurse in 1991, she was the first staff nurse to be employed within the home and can still remember the first day she walked through the door, over the years she has been promoted and became General Manager in 2000. Alison is responsible for the day to day running of the home ensuring that all the staff provide excellent care to the residents and promoting a happy and friendly atmosphere. She never thought she would take up the post as General Manager, however, it is the best thing she has ever done. Alison sees the residents and staff at Balclutha Court as her family and it plays a big part in her life. Alison loves to take part in the activities, especially if there is a chance to dress up, fun is key within the home.


Alison is married and has a Border Terrier called Poppy, who visits the home regularly. She has always been a seasoned traveller, travelling far afield such as Mexico, Thailand and the Dominican Republic but since Poppy arrived things have changed for Alison, it is now more Gran Canaria and Arran. Alison enjoys eating out, shopping and spending quality time with her husband and Poppy and is also a big fan of Gary Barlow!!


Julie

Julie Wilson

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Joined: 1995

Julie began her career here at Balclutha Court as a newly qualified Staff Nurse in 1995. She was promoted through the years, first becoming Sister, then Senior Sister and then finally becoming Deputy Manager. Julie is responsible for assisting the General Manager in the daily running of the home and is a great support to Alison. She is also the home trainer, providing and co-ordinating all the training for the staff.


Julie lives at home with her partner, daughter and her dog Benji, she met her partner within Balclutha Court a good number of years ago when he worked here as a Carer. Julie loves her family time, reading a good book, going walks with the dog and girlie days out with her daughter.


Rhona

Rhona Findlay

Job Title: Administrator

Joined: 2000

Rhona is the Administrator at the Home. She assists the manager with all aspects of the administration and finance within the home. Rhona started her career at Balclutha Court in 2000.


Rhona is married with two beautiful children, a boy and a girl - they often pop in to say hello to the residents and staff. Her family life keeps her extremely busy trying to balance work and kids activities. Rhona is a music fan and you often can’t get her off the karaoke. She also enjoys walking, reading and spending quality time with her friends and family.


Anne

Anne Foreman

Job Title: Admin Assistant

Joined: 1992

Anne is part-time Admin Assistant, assisting the Administrator in the finance and the administration of the home. Anne started working at Balclutha Court in 1992 and since then she has become someone everyone knows and loves to speak to. She is always happy and bubbly, you will always find her this way. She can multitask, answer the phone, count money, solve a staff members problem and have a full conversation with a resident all at the same time!!! Anyone who visits the home always gets a kind word.


Anne has two daughters and four grandchildren, they play a huge part in her life and when she is not at work she keeps herself busy spending time with the children. Anne’s hobbies are shopping, especially for unusual jewellery (you always know what to get her for a present) and reading, she often tells us of the latest romance story that she has been reading. She also loves to dress up and join in with the activities in the home.


Jill

Jill Magee

Job Title: Admin Assistant

Joined: 2004

Jill is part-time Admin Assistant, assisting the Administrator in the finance and the administration of the home, she also covered when the Administrator was off on maternity leave. She has been with the home since 2004, starting when she was only a young girl of 18.


Jill was recently married and shared her big day with the residents, attending the home straight after the ceremony. Jill lives at home with her husband and her two cats Coco & Cosmo, who are very mischievous. She takes pride in her “wee” flat and is very house proud. Her hobbies include reading a good book, swimming, shopping and housework


Heather

Heather McDowall

Job Title: Sister

Joined: 1997

Heather trained at Stirling University and qualified in 1997, Heather first started working in Balclutha Court as a newly qualified Staff Nurse, she was promoted to Sister in 2002. She is responsible for ensuring a high standard of care is delivered to the residents. In the absence of the General Manager, she ensures the home runs smoothly.


Heather lives with her partner and her two girls, the girls keep Heather on her toes and her extremely busy. Her hobbies are reading a good book, being creative around the house, gardening. She also enjoys spending time with family and friends, especially large family gatherings when her family visit from Australia which is also a dream of her and her family.


Sita

Sita Ali

Job Title: Sister

Joined: 2001

Sita was recruited by the home in 2001 from Guyana as a Staff Nurse, to be quite honest we weren’t sure whether Sita was going to stay as the General Manager served her some Scottish cuisine, however, she is still here and is now Sister. She is responsible for ensuring a high standard of care is delivered to the residents. In the absence of the General Manager, she ensures the home runs smoothly. Sita also is the Moving & Handling Trainer for the home.


Sita lives at home with her husband, two grown-up children who she is extremely proud of. She has worked extremely hard over the years to put her children through university. Sita loves to shop and likes to keep up with the latest fashions. She also likes to return home to Guyana to be with her family and visit her sisters in Canada and New York. She plans to return to New York with her daughter this year, which she is really looking forward to. Her hobbies include relaxing at home and having “me time”, socialising with her friends and dining out.


Karen

Karen Dillon

Job Title: Activites Organiser

Our activities team is made up of Karen Dillon, Magi Bell and Sharon McArthur. Between them, they ensure the residents are happy and have loads of fun.


They have a jam-packed weekly activities programme which includes, excursions, tea parties, knitting bee, arts & crafts, Mega Scrabble, Carpet bowls, Domino and Jigsaw Clubs and much much more. Every fortnight we have local entertainers who provide live music and we all party, having a dance and a wee tipple should it take your fancy. We also have movie afternoons showing on our big screen and another favourite of our residents is our exercise class.


We are very keen to involve the residents in the decision making within the home to enhance their experience, they take part in the resident's meetings, catering forums and assist the General Manager in interviewing new staff. The residents really enjoy this and take great pleasure in offering the right candidate the position.


Our aim at Balclutha Court is to ensure the residents are happy as they possibly can be and enjoy living within the home


Poppy

Poppy Dickson

Job Title: The Wee Dog

Poppy is the General Manager’s dog, she is a Border Terrier. She enjoys regular visits to the home, and has been coming in since she was just a pup. She loves to come in and see all her Aunties and Uncles who spoil her with her favourite titbit carrots! She can be a Diva at times this tends to be with her Mummy and Daddy and everyone else gets the kisses and cuddles. Poppy’s hobbies include leisurely walks along the beach and a good hike up the hills. She is often found lying in the sunniest spot in the reception area.


Liz

Liz Gallacher

Job Title: Housekeeper

Joined: 1999

Liz started at Balclutha Court in 1999 as a Domestic Assistant and was promoted to Housekeeper in 2008. Liz is responsible for ensuring high standards of cleanliness within the home and managing her team of four laundry assistants and five domestic assistants.


Liz is very family orientated, spending a lot of her time away from work with her sister, grown-up son & his wife. She enjoys going for long walks, reading and going holidays abroad.


Brenda

Brenda Storey

Job Title: Charge Nurse

Brenda is our Charge Nurse on the night shift. She came to Balclutha in June 2019 and is responsible for ensuring that a high standard of care is delivered to the residents.


Brenda has three daughters and lives at home with the two youngest. She enjoys having girly nights with them along with her mum and sister. She loves spending quality time with her partner and his son, even though they make her walk up big hills and mountains. Family and friends are really important to Brenda.


Angelica

Angelica Docherty

Job Title: Senior Staff Nurse

Angelica started working at Balclutha Court in September 2013 as a Staff Nurse, and was promoted to Senior Staff Nurse in October 2019. She is responsible for ensuring a high standard of care is delivered to the residents.


Angelica is originally from the Philippines and has two gorgeous grown-up children. Angelica is happily married and lives with her husband Billy, and Toffee, their beloved cat! Angelica and Billy fell in love at Balclutha Court, as he also works as a Staff Nurse. Angelica has many hobbies, including handbag shopping, cooking and baking, watching films and listening to music. She also shares the love of travel with her husband—they are always off on their travels! She is a social butterfly and loves spending time with her family and friends.


Gerry

Gerry Thomson

Job Title: Head Chef

Gerry started work at Balclutha Court in 2012 as an Assistant Chef, in early 2019 he was promoted to Head Chef. He is responsible for the daily running of the kitchen, ensuring that residents nutritional needs are met, providing a varied menu. He is also responsible for ensuring that there are high standards of cleanliness throughout the kitchen. Gerry’s team consist of two Assistant Chefs and seven Kitchen Assistants.


Gerry has two children, a boy and a girl, he also has two dogs, Nico and Bella. Gerry is great fun and loves music, you can always hear him singing away as he carries out his work. He loves the great outdoors and can often be found fishing on his time off.