40 Years of Caring Celebrated at Highgrove House

Sally and Clive Neil-Smith celebrated a Ruby Anniversary at the weekend. Not that unusual you might think, but this Ruby celebration was for the couple’s 40th anniversary of working in and owning care homes in Worthing.
A Ruby themed garden party was held at Highgrove House Care Home in Winchester Road, one of two care homes owned by Sally and Clive. All the residents and their families were invited and many dressed in red to honour the ruby theme. Guests were treated to a hog roast and live entertainment, plus a raffle was held in aid of dementia charities, raising £200 on the day.
Sally Neil-Smith originally trained as a nurse and then specialised in care for the elderly. This led to the setting up of the couple’s first care home. Sally says, “When we started out, there was no real home from home specialised care, it was all very clinical. The ethos at both Heaton House and Highgrove House has always been to provide the absolute best care possible, to make the residents feel as happy as if they were still living at home.”
Sue Lamb, the Homes’ Registered Manager, has worked with Sally and Clive for many years and is continuing this same ethos today, ensuring our Residents are at the centre of everything.
“This is why our Ruby Anniversary celebration has involved as many of our residents and their families and our wonderful caring staff as possible. I think we had attendees aged between 3 months and 98 years at the party.”
The party was attended by both the Mayor and Lady Mayoress, Vic  and Rosemary Walker, who gave a short speech congratulating Sally and Clive on their achievements, both in Care and in Business and Bob Smytherman, the Town Crier, who rang in the official celebration with his very loud bell!
You can find out more about Sally and Clive’s care homes on their websites: www.heaton-house.net and www.highgrove-house.net or call them on 01903 700251 to arrange a visit.