Abercorn House Care Home was deeply touched by the generosity of the Shepherd family, who kindly donated a beautiful bench in memory of their beloved father and husband, Jim Shepherd.

Engraved with a special marker, this bench stands as a lasting tribute to Jim and his time at Abercorn House. It will provide a peaceful spot for reflection and remembrance for residents, families, and staff alike.

Jim was dearly loved by both his family and the care home team, and his gentle presence is fondly remembered by all who knew him. One of the most cherished moments during Jim’s time at Abercorn House was when he and his wife, Joan, celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary with a vow renewal organised by the home.

This thoughtful gift will offer a peaceful place for reflection and remembrance for residents, families, and staff.

From Salon to Senior Leadership – Gemma’s Inspiring Journey at Meallmore

Every care home has its pillars – the people who quietly step in, step up and naturally become the ones families rely on, colleagues trust, and residents feel safe with. At Meallmore, one of those people is Gemma, now Deputy Manager at Antonine House. Her journey from part-time hairdresser to senior leader is a powerful example of what’s possible when talent, opportunity and compassion come together.

A Beginning in an Unexpected Place

Gemma left school at sixteen and took a practical path, working in a local salon where she built confidence and strong people skills – skills she had no idea would shape her future leadership style. A call from Antonine House changed everything: they were looking for an in-house hairdresser, and as a young mum balancing childcare and work, the job offered the perfect fit.

What she didn’t expect was how deeply she would connect with residents. Although she had little experience supporting older adults, something clicked almost instantly. She listened to life stories, formed bonds and discovered a level of compassion she hadn’t known before. Completing the HEARTS course at Strathcarron Hospice further strengthened her understanding of sensory connection and end-of-life support. These early experiences planted the seed for something bigger.

Finding Her Calling

As Gemma became more involved in daily life within the home, she stepped in wherever help was needed. She supported residents beyond her hairdressing role and quickly realised that care was where she truly belonged. She saw the difference she could make and fell in love with the work.

When the pandemic hit, everything changed. Hairdressing stopped, families were separated, and uncertainty was everywhere. Instead of stepping back, Gemma stepped forward. She helped with staff testing, supported the office team and provided reassurance when it was needed most. Her manager recognised her potential and encouraged her to consider a permanent role in care. With her husband furloughed and childcare more manageable, she embraced the opportunity. She never looked back.

Pictured: Gemma Palferman and a resident, Jemima Hylands (known as Mima)

Training That Transformed a Career

If there’s one theme running through Gemma’s journey, it’s learning. She took every opportunity to grow and develop. She completed her SVQ3, joined Meallmore’s Upskill Senior Carer programme, and became responsible for running her unit – a role that strengthened her confidence and leadership.

Later, she progressed to Senior Carer Practitioner, completed Meallmore’s self-directed learning programme and achieved her SVQ4. In 2024, she joined the Leadership and Management programme – a turning point in her professional development. The programme broadened her knowledge of leadership, compliance, communication and decision-making. Presenting to Meallmore’s Board of Directors on end-of-life care helped her realise she could lead not just at team level, but organisationally too. Learning didn’t just build her skills – it built her belief in herself.

Stepping Up When It Mattered Most

In March 2025, Gemma became Team Leader. With this came new responsibilities: compliance, audits, staffing, partnership working and supporting residents with complex needs. She and the management team made significant improvements to internal audits and Care Inspectorate grades.

When the Deputy Manager was seconded to another home, Gemma was offered the chance to step into the role. It was daunting, but she knew she was ready. Looking back at her progression, she saw a clear path built through hard work, learning and the encouragement of those around her.

What Drives Her Every Day

Gemma’s motivation stems from a personal experience in which she witnessed non-person-centred care as a family member. She knows how it feels when loved ones aren’t supported the way they should be, and she vowed never to let anyone in her care feel that way. That promise shapes everything she does – her leadership, her decisions and her drive for high standards. For Gemma, this work isn’t just a job. It’s a purpose.

Becoming a Deputy Manager

Today, as Deputy Manager, Gemma sees leadership as an opportunity to lift others up. She mentors colleagues the way she was mentored. She creates an environment where staff feel confident, capable and valued. She listens, leads by example and lives the Meallmore values every day. She understands what it feels like to start in an entry-level role with doubts, and she knows what can happen when the right support and opportunities are given. Through her leadership, she hopes to inspire others to follow a similar path.

A Story That Shows What’s Possible

Gemma’s journey is just one story, but it reflects something far bigger. It shows what happens when an organisation believes in career pathways, invests in development and recognises potential early. It’s proof that a supportive culture can change the direction of someone’s life. It demonstrates the power of training, mentorship and opportunity.

Her progression showcases everything Meallmore stands for: growth, learning, values and compassion. It highlights that great care starts with great people – and when those people are supported, encouraged and developed, they flourish. Most importantly, it shows future colleagues what’s possible. At Meallmore, there is no single starting point. A carer can become a practitioner. A practitioner can become a leader. And yes — a hairdresser can become a Deputy Manager. Gemma is living proof of that.

Please see below for another amazing good news story from Abercorn House Care Home!

🎭 A Huge Thank You to Hamilton District Youth Theatre! 🎶✨

What an absolutely fantastic afternoon here at Abercorn House Care Home! Our residents, families and staff were treated to a wonderful performance from the incredibly talented Hamilton District Youth Theatre.

The group brought back the magic of their recent Hamilton Town House show, “All Shook Up”, filling our home with the timeless music of Elvis Presley. Their energy, passion and professionalism lit up the room, and every song had our residents smiling, clapping and singing along. 💛🎤

We are truly grateful for the joy they shared with us today. Thank you for giving your time, your talent and your hearts, it meant so much to everyone here at Abercorn.

Well done to all the young performers, you made our day unforgettable! 🌟💙

One of our amazing care home members at Westwood House Care Home has been busy spreading joy! They donated some blankets to the local Dogs Trust for the lovely furry friends, for over winter! Residents loved it and are planning the next visit to donate some more items over the coming months. This was so meaningful for one resident, Christine, as she loves dogs and misses seeing her dogs daily.

They even had alpacas in and had a Fiesta Party. The kitchen cooked some lovely snacks and families also enjoyed spending the day with their loved ones! The home wished that they could have kept the alpacas.

To top it off, they arranged a lovely visit to the Link Nursery. The children gifted Westwood House with a homemade gift, which is now hanging in the house’s lounge!

What a truly magical evening Abercorn House had celebrating Bonfire Night! Residents, family members and staff gathered under the starry sky for a night filled with laughter, warmth and sparkle.

The bonfire crackled gently, lighting up smiling faces as everyone sang along to the music and watched fireworks dance across the sky. The scent of roasted marshmallows filled the air, adding a sweet touch to the festive atmosphere.

It wasn’t just the fire that warmed us, it was the joy of being together. Moments like these remind us of the power of community, connection and celebration.

Abercorn was transformed into a haunted haven of fun as residents, staff and families came together for a Halloween party to remember! From clowns and witches to Pokémon, grannies, and delightfully funny characters, everyone showed up in their best costumes- and the creativity was off the charts!

The party was packed with laughter, music and spooky cheer. A live singer kept the energy high, while a tasty mini buffet satisfied every craving. And when the dancing and singing kicked off, the whole home came alive, a true celebration of joy, togetherness and community spirit.

It was a magical night where memories were made, friendships deepened, and the Abercorn family shined brighter than ever.

Abercorn was bursting with pride  as their celebrate their wonderful resident Rojane, whose cherished Chicken and Peach Pie has been featured in Sanctuary’s cookbook, A Lifetime of Flavours!

This heartwarming dish is more than just a recipe- it’s a slice of Rojane’s life. Lovingly prepared during family celebrations, especially for her son’s birthday, it carries memories, meaning, and the warmth of tradition. It’s deliciousness and comfort became so beloved that it even made it’s way into the hospital kitchen where Rojane works, bringing joy to both staff and patients alike.

A huge congratulations to Rojane for sharing not just a meal, but a piece of her heart. Your story reminds us how food can connect generations, heal spirits, and celebrate life.

Abercorn was buzzing with excitement recently as residents embraced a magnifique experience – a French class right in the heart of the home! From learning greetings to trying out fun phrases, the atmosphere was filled with laughter, curiosity and a true sense of togetherness.

Residents of all ages joined in, some reminiscing about past travels, others discovering the joy of a new language for the first time. The room lit up with smiles as everyone practiced their “bonjour” and “merci”, and even tried a few French songs!

It wasn’t just a class, it was a celebration of culture, connection and community. The joy was contagious, and the engagement was incredible. One resident said, “I never thought I’d be speaking French at my age- and loving it”.

Moments like this remind us that care homes are vibrant places where learning and laughter go hand in hand.