Newtownabbey care assistant reflects on 30 years of service

Margaret Braiden has worked at the Doagh Road location since it opened in 1990.

She applied for a position at the Four Seasons Health Care-operated home after watching it being built 30 years ago.

Margaret, who previously worked at Abbots Cross Primary School, said: “It is a brilliant home and I really couldn’t have asked for a better job. I often tell people it is like a home from home for me.

“I actually got to care for my own mother and other relatives over the years and it meant a lot.

“It is more than a job- it’s a vocation. There have been some fantastic residents, their families and colleagues over the years and it has been enjoyable.

“I had worked as a cleaner at Abbots Cross school and had watched the care home being built and decided to give it a go. I’m really glad I did.”

Mrs Braiden, who is a member of the People’s Church in Newtownabbey, added: “My links to the church have been important over the years with the church providing pastoral care and taking funerals for people from the home.

“I’m fortunate to have been able to have supported people like this.”

With the coronavirus pandemic, celebration of the home’s major anniversary and Margaret’s long-service in the Spring have been put on hold until it is safe to mark them - something Mrs Braiden is looking forward to.

--

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper whenever you are able to do so.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper when you can safely.

You can also enjoy unlimited access to the best news from across Northern Ireland and the UK by subscribing to newsletter.co.uk

With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Thank you.