WITH the Covid-19 pandemic causing job loss and redundancies, the opening of a new Salisbury care home has enabled some to test out a new and “enjoyable” career path.

Hostess Aimee Ormsby previously worked for a Salisbury retailer but was furloughed in March and made redundant in June.

Declan Hadrick had served in the military and then marketing sector, before deciding to retrain as a carer and dedicate his career to helping others.

Care home Old Sarum Manor was there to offer this job opportunity - to join the care home family - to a number of residents in the community impacted by the pandemic, who wanted to retrain or try something new.

Aimee said being made redundant was “a blessing in disguise”, adding: “I’m really proud to be part of the Old Sarum Manor team.

"I see this as a fresh start and I’m really enjoying it. I was thinking of going to university to train as a nurse but now I’m planning on training and developing my career in care here.

“Everyone in the team is very welcoming and I’m really excited to start getting to know our new residents.”

Earlier this week the home in Longhenge celebrated 87-year-old Bob Harper from Fleet as the first of many residents moving in, picture above.

An in-house cinema, library, coffee shop and tea room, hair and nail salon and bar and restaurant where residents can request favourite meals are some of the amenities the new site in Longhenge has to offer, with residential and dementia care available for up to 66 people.

To prevent the infection and spread of Covid-19 the care home also has a number of facilities including wide corridors to enable social distancing, specifically designed air flow systems and a private ensuite wetroom for every resident.

Staff will be tested for Covid-19 weekly and residents monthly.

Claire Lousteau, general manager of Old Sarum Manor, said: “We are so pleased to be able to open Old Sarum Manor and to offer families in and around Salisbury a new option in residential care.

"Many of our new residents will have spent the last seven months shielding so we’re really looking forward to showing them around the home and offering them a safe and stimulating environment where they can socialise and enjoy our wonderful home.

"The staff have been here for several months now to complete their training and there is a lovely family atmosphere and positive energy within the team. I’d like to thank them for all their hard work so far and extend the warmest of welcomes to all our new residents.

“Their happiness is our number one priority and we will do everything we can to help them lead rewarding and fulfilling lives.