New owners of Belfast care home draw on local history to demonstrate values

After heavy investment in renovation and focused training initiatives, the owners of a West Belfast care home have now renamed the accommodation ‘Glenalina Lodge’, after an important figure from local history, in order to demonstrate their commitment to community life.

Despite a difficult past, The saw potential in the struggling home back in 2012 and have spent three years updating the interior and developing the workforce, turning round a facility that had a doubtful future.

As managing director, Ciaran Sheehan, explains: “Previously named Owenvale Court Care Home, this home has faced a range of challenges over the years, including the threat of closure. We took on management of the home in 2012 and, with the great support of Helm Housing, have invested heavily in terms of physical improvements to the building, the outdoor environment and, as an award-winning employer of choice, we put emphasis on making sure we have the best and highly trained people working for us to care for residents.

“We chose the name Glenalina Lodge as it has historical significance in this local area. Lord Glenalina, or William Sinclair, was a very influential person in the establishment of the Upper Springfield area in the mid-eighteenth Century. He played an important role in the shaping of Belfast during the linen industry revolution. Glenalina Lodge is located in what was originally Glenalina Vale – an area which housed a number of Belfast’s Bleach Greens owned by Lord Glenalina. The first social housing in Belfast was established around the linen mills and these mills provided important employment for people of the area, just as this home does today. Just as the linen mills were an essential part of the community, this home is an important community asset for the people of West and North Belfast. We are incredibly proud of it and of our people who work here.

“At Care Circle Group, across the twelve homes we own and manage, we endeavour to provide homes that provide excellence in terms of care; homes that are caring, friendly and welcoming. I’m looking forward to seeing Glenalina Lodge continue to flourish in West Belfast under its new name.”

The renaming ceremony was completing with the assistance of Age NI chief executive Linda Robinson, who recognises the renovated home as being fit to fulfil the increasing challenges the care sector is facing.

Ms Robinson comments, “The projection is that the number of older people in Northern Ireland is predicted to grow dramatically in the next decade. Taking care of our older people is a very important role and I am delighted to have the honour of renaming this important facility in West Belfast. I have seen for myself today the quality of service provided by the staff here. The residents are well cared for and it’s a happy place to be.

“I am conscious that we all need to plan for the future and care for the elderly is a vital consideration for everyone – for government, for families and for individuals. Ultimately we all want the best care for our loved ones and for ourselves. Glenalina Lodge Care Home is an excellent facility and high standards exacted by Care Circle Group are clear to see. I wish the home continued success under its new name.”