Anderson's Care Home manager Kathy McGrath-Gunn speaks of her pride after 46 years at home
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SUPPORTING people to squeeze the maximum enjoyment from life was always the philosophy of Anderson’s care home manager Kathy McGrath-Gunn.
Kathy (62) bowed out earlier this month after a career devoted to the residents of the Elgin home.
Her final day on December 10 proved an emotional one as staff and residents bid a fond farewell to the popular figure, who thanked everybody for the gifts, flowers and kind words.
“It has been such a huge part of my life,” said Kathy, who started there at the age of 16 as a kitchen domestic, working her way up as a housekeeper, senior carer, assistant manager and manager since 2013.
For 14 years she combined her role at Anderson’s with that as a counsellor with Elgin Community Surgery.
Kathy, who is originally from Glenlivet, moved to Elgin when she got her first role at Anderson’s, which was a live-in job.
The former Tomintoul Primary and Keith Grammar pupil plans to take a short break before considering a new path.
“Life can begin again when you enter the doors of a care home and it was wonderful to be a part of that,” she said.
“For the hundreds of people who passed through Anderson’s while I was there I hope it felt like that for them and that I helped to contribute making them feel valued in their latter years.”
Kathy thanked all the staff and relatives for supporting her over the last two years while they dealt with the Covid pandemic.
“It has been challenging, stressful and demanding but I am exceedingly proud we managed that and have been Covid-free during the entire pandemic.”
The home has 51 residents and 110 staff.
She will devote time to looking after her mother Rosemary Gunn (84) and has returned to her passion of ballroom and latin dancing with dance partner Brian Watt. She has been a student of Caroline Coomber for nine years.
She wished Anderson’s every success for the future.
“Anderson’s will continue to thrive and be a big part of life in Elgin and Moray.” She said it had been an honour to be part of its history and will always have a place in her heart.
