A family has taken over the reins at Newlands Care Home in Dunfermline following a six-figure refinance package from Unity.

Husband and wife, Trevor and Nikki Henn, along with Nikki’s mum Susan, were part owners at the home for 11 years and are thrilled to have finally made it their own.

Nikki, a former nurse, said: “When we first walked into Newlands it felt really homely and that’s still what everyone says today.

“We want to make a difference to the 22 people who live here and make their last years comfortable and enjoyable.

“That was our drive for having a care home, as well as the autonomy of having our own business.”

It’s not been an easy ride for the couple having navigated the challenges of the pandemic and then enduring a protracted buy-out process.

Trevor said: “We were introduced to Unity through a broker and our relationship manager, Michelle Wilson, has been great.

“Michelle understood that this wasn’t a straightforward refinance, but she was on the ball and we felt reassured and secure.

“We had an offer from another bank but it felt like it was just a finance deal to them – they didn’t even want to see Newlands.

“Michelle was in contact with us throughout and supportive, and that’s why we chose Unity.”

Impact:

Trevor and Nikki say their success is down to looking after staff as well as residents.

Nikki said: “I can’t emphasise enough how much the staff team make or break a home.

“We’ve doubled the number of staff since we’ve been here and every single role is vital.

“We have a brilliant team and I’m so proud of them and the care that they provide”

Newlands, which caters for elderly care and dementia, is resident-led with the help of a wellbeing coordinator.

Nikki said: “Our residents make decisions about what food they eat, what activities we put on, what we use the rooms for, what colours we paint the walls.

“Last year we built a secure garden for them and they planned it all with us.”

Nikki added: “It might be the resident who comes to live at Newlands but we’re supporting the whole family too.

“It can be stressful looking after a loved one who needs 24/7 care, but once they’re with us and settled, a massive weight is lifted off their shoulders.

“Families say they don’t know what they’d have done without us, and that’s what keeps us going.”