Construction is progressing well on Simeon Care's new purpose-built care home extension in Bieldside, as the Aberdeen charity continues its £2million fundraising appeal to help deliver the next phase of the project.
The charity, which provides residential nursing care for older people and is part of the Camphill movement, says the development will help address the region's growing demand for high-quality elderly care by increasing capacity and expanding the support it can provide for people with more complex needs.
Building work is well underway on the new facility, which will create 18 additional bedrooms, increasing Simeon Care's capacity while providing modern, purpose-built spaces designed around comfort, dignity and wellbeing.
For more than 40 years, Simeon Care has provided compassionate, person-centred nursing care to people from across the North-east of Scotland and beyond. The charity offers a holistic approach that combines conventional nursing care with anthroposophical medicine, supporting residents living with dementia, learning disabilities and other age-related conditions.
Currently operating at full capacity, Simeon Care says the new development is increasingly important as pressures on social care continue to grow. With delayed hospital discharges, increasing demand for residential care and the number of care home beds required expected to almost double over the next 30 years, according to Knight Frank, the region's care infrastructure is facing significant challenges.
The new development will feature en-suite bedrooms with direct access to a therapeutic, dementia-friendly garden, alongside new communal spaces including a residents' kitchen and lounge, therapy room, family room, hair and nail salon and laundry facilities. The project will also increase the number of local authority-funded places available by 60%.
Jennifer McAughtrie, General Manager at Simeon Care, said: "Seeing the new building taking shape is incredibly exciting for everyone connected with Simeon Care. Every stage of construction brings us closer to creating a home where more older people can receive the specialist care, comfort and dignity they deserve.
This project represents a significant investment in the future of care within our community, enabling us to support more people closer to home in an environment designed around their needs and wellbeing.
"While we're making excellent progress on site, our fundraising campaign remains an essential part of making this vision a reality. Every donation helps us create a welcoming homely environment where residents can continue to live fulfilling lives surrounded by compassionate care, while giving more families access to the support they need during later life."
Simeon Care is recognised for delivering sector-leading care, receiving a rating of 5 ("Very Good") across all three assessed areas in its latest Care Inspectorate report.
The charity has already secured a significant proportion of the overall build cost, with the £2 million fundraising appeal continuing to help deliver the completed development, which is expected to open summer 2027. Construction has been carefully planned to minimise disruption, allowing residents to remain in their current home throughout the build.
As part of the appeal, Simeon Care is inviting supporters to attend its Saturday Spritz fundraising event at Union Kirk on Saturday 3 October.
Hosted by entertainer Steven J Innes, the afternoon will include an arrival spritz, a two-course lunch, live music featuring favourite classics, a photo booth and fundraising activities throughout the day. Running from 12pm until 5pm, the event aims to bring together friends, families and local businesses to support the creation of a new home where more older people can receive outstanding care.
Tickets cost £60 per person, or £440 for a table of eight, with sponsorship opportunities also available. Every ticket sold will directly support Simeon Care's £2million appeal.
To book tickets, enquire about sponsorship opportunities or support the appeal, contact murron@camphillestates.org.uk.