Agnes and Angus, special VIP couple, do the honours at Huntly opening

A special VIP duo representing the power of intergenerational work did the honours of opening exclusive new accommodation in Huntly at the weekend. Agnes Rae, 92, and friend Angus Johnson, 6, cut the ribbon on the luxury new Milton Mews development - a low-dependency accommodation offering of 10 upscale suites which opened next to Balhousie Huntly care home. Agnes, a resident at the care home, has been friends with Angus for more than three years after Angus visited the home with Rothiemay and District Playgroup. They bonded over the similarity of their names and a special relationship developed which has seen Agnes become a part of Angus’s family. Debbie Johnson, Angus’s mother, said: “We were more than happy to keep their friendship going after Angus started primary school. Angus started coming to Balhousie Huntly as part of the nursery’s intergenerational visits. They’ve been thick as thieves from day one. The fact that their names were similar caused them both some hilarity, and added to that they’re both very chatty, outgoing, happy people.” Angus pays regular visits to the home to see Agnes, and his family often take her out for lunch or tea. Debbie added: “We try and see Agnes every four to six weeks. I have to give credit to Rothiemay Playgroup and Balhousie Huntly for these intergenerational visits, which really do break down age barriers. If you ask Angus who is friends are, he rattles off Agnes among the list of names that include children his age. He doesn’t see Agnes as an older person. Age really is no barrier for him.” It helps that Agnes is a retired primary school teacher – she taught at Skene School from the age of 22 - and Angus’s parents are both teachers. “She gives me some great advice,” said Debbie. Agnes and Angus took centre stage on Saturday at an Open Day organised to celebrate Milton Mews’ opening. Nicola Sanderson, Home Manager at Balhousie Huntly, said: “Both Agnes and Angus have a special connection to the home so they were an obvious choice for the ribbon cutting of Milton Mews. We’d like to thank them and everyone else who supported the opening, including Dean's of Huntly who provided a hamper of goodies as a prize.” Milton Mews is now taking enquiries from anyone interested in enjoying all the benefits of independent living, along with the security and support of a care home. Named Milton Mews following a public naming competition, the stunning high-spec units have a dedicated staff, wi-fi and smart TVs, cooking facilities, a carvery and breakfast-in-bed meal options, plus access to all the facilities, activities and dining facilities of Balhousie Huntly care home - which is just steps away. For more information about Balhousie Care Group visit www.balhousiecare.co.uk ENDS For media enquiries contact Gillian Drummond on 01738 254 254 or 07365 284994 or gillian.drummond@balhousiecare.co.uk About Balhousie Care Group Balhousie Care Group was formed 27 years ago to fill a gap in quality residential care in North East Scotland. Today, with 25 homes in the area, it is one of the leading providers of care for the elderly in Scotland, providing care to over 900 residents.

Balhousie Care prides itself on its person-centred approach to care. Putting people right at the forefront of everything they do, it’s inclusive of everyone. They capture this philosophy through the roll out of ‘Together We’re Great’, an initiative which recognises the skills, talents, attributes and support areas for each and every person involved in the organisation. Together We’re Great aims to value individuality and promote excellence across the organisation.

A Participation Charter - a first-of-its-kind in the care home sector - commits to residents getting a bigger say than ever in the care they receive, from writing care home policies to recruiting staff. Balhousie Care Group is the recipient of numerous awards. These include Growth Business of the Year 2019 and Service Business of the Year 2018 at The Courier Business Awards, SME Scotland Business Man of the Year 2019 for Chairman Tony Banks and a National Care Award 2018 and RCNi 2018 Leadership Award for Yvonne Manson, Operations Dementia Manager.

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