Belper care home marks 40th anniversary with special community party
A Belper care home has marked its 40th anniversary with a special party in the town centre – where staff past and present and local residents came together to celebrate four decades of community care.
Milford House, on Derby Road, recently threw a party at the town’s Masonic Hall to commemorate the significant milestone, celebrating with current and former staff as well as the wider Belper community.
Previously the country residence of the pioneering industrialist Jedediah Strutt, Milford House first opened its doors as a care home in 1985. Today, its distinct Georgian architecture is coupled with a warm and friendly atmosphere, having recently benefited from a contemporary and chic refurbishment – including a number of luxury en-suite bedrooms.
The milestone anniversary also coincided with 38 years of service from staff nurse Gillian Sharpe. Gillian became a nurse in 1982 after qualifying from Derbyshire Royal Infirmary. She went on to work at a care home in Cheshire for four years before joining Milford House in 1987. “I’ve seen many changes across almost four decades at Milford House – it has expanded and evolved with the residents in its care, always meeting their individual needs in a person-centred way,” said Gillian.
With a strong family ethos and deep-rooted ties to the community it serves, Gillian soon welcomed her mother and mother-in-law into Milford House, where they experienced the high-quality care the home has become renowned for. “Having had my mother as a resident for eighteen months and my mother-in-law for seven and a half years, I felt it developed my understanding of what relatives expect for their loved ones,” said Gillian. “My mother-in -law in particular enjoyed her last years at the home’s Coach House, being invited and taken out by staff to their own family parties.”
Reflecting on her time at Milford House, Gillian said: “The home sets itself apart by having a robust management structure and by offering support for residents and their relatives at their time of need. Some of the staff I work with now are actually the children of former staff. I look forward to continuing my journey to retirement here and often joke that I already have my bed booked for when that time comes!”
Nicole Thompson, Home Manager at Milford House, said: “Gill is an asset to our nursing team. She always puts the residents at the heart of her work and looks after her colleagues; the nursing team would not be the same without her. We can’t thank Gill enough for all her hard work and dedication to her role.”
Speaking on Milford House reaching its 40th anniversary, Nicole added: “It’s an incredible milestone that reflects the lasting impact Milford House has had within the Belper community. For four decades, we’ve been privileged to support countless families and provide a safe, welcoming environment for those in our care. The anniversary has been a wonderful opportunity to celebrate not only our history but also the people – both residents and staff – who make Milford House such a special place.”