GUERNSEY CARE HOME residents are seeing changes to their home with a new manager. Gerald Lee took on the role in January. While the home is currently undergoing a major refurbishment, he aims to ensure that the quality of care is continued.

‘The home has a very simple goal – to give the residents compassionate, dignified rest in their older years.

‘We do everything in our power to make life much more comfortable for them. Hopefully, we bring something to enrich their lives,’ said Mr Lee, a South African who has been in Guernsey for more than two years.

Areas of the home, which is next to Kings Club and has just changed its name from the Guernsey Residential Home, are being transformed.

The sitting rooms and sun lounge have been redecorated and bedrooms are being systematically improved. Building extensions are being investigated and the home, which has 27 residents, could expand by 16 bedrooms if planning permission can be secured.

Residents are also enjoying a programme of activities under the guidance of Caroline Amer, including crafts such as making gifts, having singalongs and playing games. The programme could also involve visits from primary schools and concerts by the Healing Music Trust for residents, relatives and friends.

Mr Lee hopes to have a barbecue, making the most of the revamped back garden, and an open day so that family members, friends and other islanders can learn more about the home.

The residents also now have a wider choice of meals thanks to a new chef, Alnardo Sousa, formerly of St Pierre Park Hotel, whose menu features a choice of three starters, two main courses and hot or cold desserts, with tea, coffee and even wine.

The dishes are tailored to residents’ dietary needs and to ease any medical conditions they may have.

The home, owned by brothers Martin and Stephen Joyce, has also a new intercall and bathing system. Members of its 15-strong staff are on duty 24 hours a day and doctors, community nurses, physiotherapists, Health and Social Services nurses and chiropodist Jane Falla visit regularly.

Mr Lee, 47, previously a PA for Sueco and a marketing executive in England, used to work in hotels and was involved in the church in South Africa.

He first worked with the elderly as a hospice chaplain in Port Elizabeth.

He said that Guernsey was much more considerate of older people, with a more-established social security system than in his homeland.

Family orientation and greater understanding were crucial in the care of the elderly, he said.

He finds his job very rewarding.

‘The job satisfaction of working with older people is absolutely superb. You can be shattered at the end of the day, but it’s worth every moment.’