A world of experience: meet Lynemore’s Wellbeing team

On any given day at Lynemore Care Home, wellbeing coordinators Janet Keighley and Kirsten Joy Strugnell might be organising a group activity, encouraging a resident to try something new, or simply sitting with someone who needs company more than conversation.

They have taken very different routes to this corner of the Cairngorms, bringing different backgrounds and experiences that shape the activities and one-to-one support available to residents.

Kirsten grew up in South Africa, where she trained as a primary school teacher and spent 25 years in classrooms. When she moved to Scotland in 2019, she tried a series of roles that took her from an outdoor centre in Nethybridge to a short, unfulfilling stint in bookkeeping. “I found it boring and didn’t enjoy working alone in an office,” she says.

She found her footing again as a support worker before moving to the Highland Wildlife Park, where her role focused on education and community engagement, working with schools, visitors and organisations such as Alzheimer’s Scotland. One of the highlights was getting to feed the polar bears and Bactrian camels, but it was the people-facing work she enjoyed most.

When the wellbeing coordinator role at Lynemore came up, it felt like a natural fit. Her days now are a blend of structured activity and quieter, one-to-one support. “It’s about organising stimulating activities that engage the mind and body,” she explains, “but also providing individual support, whether that’s a chat, taking someone out for a walk, doing someone’s shopping, posting letters, or hand and nail care.”

What keeps her motivated is the response. “I love to see the smiles on residents’ faces when an activity has made them laugh or given them joy,” she says. “It can be an exhausting job, giving of yourself to others, but it’s rewarding too.”

One moment stands out in particular. “I’m most proud of the Burns supper we organised at a moment’s notice,” she says. “With the wonderful help of Emmeline, one of our shift leaders, we pulled together something really special for the residents.”

Janet’s journey to Lynemore has been anything but conventional. Originally from North Yorkshire, she has spent nearly three decades moving around the UK, Europe and the United States alongside her husband’s military career. During that time, she worked as a civic support officer, business development manager and patient advocate, while also raising two children. She also volunteered extensively on RAF, USAF and NATO bases, supporting armed forces families wherever they were posted.

When it came time to settle, she and her husband chose the “beautiful” Cairngorms for semi-retirement. “The wellbeing coordinator role was the only position that spoke to me,” she says. “I’m so glad I applied.”

Her focus is on ensuring every resident feels supported in a way that suits them. “It’s about emotional support, a chat, hand holding, enabling hobbies, reminiscence, socialising, heading outside or introducing someone to a brand new experience,” she says.

What she enjoys most is the variety. “The residents are unique, each with their own story and interests,” she says. “When residents chat about an event in the 1950s with such clarity, it brings it alive. Much more interesting than any newspaper or history book.”
Some of her most memorable moments come when residents – some in their nineties – try something for the first time, from virtual reality headsets to painted nails or aromatherapy.

The role is not without its challenges. “Learning how to connect with residents who are non-verbal or have cognitive decline has been one of the biggest,” she admits. She has found that simple, tactile approaches can make a difference. “Hand massages can be reassuring and calming, or looking at familiar historical buildings and scenes can bring a smile.”

Janet is most proud of the home’s place within the wider community. “Everyone in Grantown seems to have a connection with Lynemore,” she says. “I’m often asked how ‘so and so’ is doing when I’m out and about,” she adds. “It shows how embedded Lynemore is in the local community.”

If you’re inspired to work in care, visit our website for the latest career opportunities – parklandsgroup.com/careers