In this special live edition of Carecast, Ron Taylor, Managing Director of Parklands, shares his remarkable journey from caring for his World War I veteran grandfather to leading a network of care homes across the north of Scotland.

With over 750 dedicated staff members, Ron's commitment to providing exceptional care has made Parklands one of the region's largest employers. Drawing from his personal experiences, Ron emphasises the importance of ensuring peace of mind for families, with a focus on safety and quality care.

His passion is evident as he reflects on his life and work, and the people who have inspired and supported him along the way.

Thank you to Moray Chamber of Commerce and Highland News & Media for their support in bringing this inspiring conversation to life.

Welcome to a special festive edition of our Carecast podcast. Settle in as we reunite with familiar faces from the main series and introduce a chorus (quite literally) of new voices. We talk to residents about their treasured memories of Christmas past, meet staff gearing up for the busy festive period and find out what it's like for our international staff to celebrate Christmas here in Scotland, far from friends and loved ones.

In the series finale, producer Pennie Latin Stuart catches up with Parklands’ MD Ron Taylor to reflect on the year. It was a year with low points such as the decision to closure Parklands’ smallest care home in Ullapool amid spiralling costs – “the hardest decision I’ve made in 30 years in care.” But 2023 also saw Parklands save two under threat care homes in its Moray heartland, safeguarding 80 jobs and ensuring continuity of care for 70 residents. And as hundreds of residents, staff (past and present) and friends gathered in Buckie to celebrate Parklands’ 30th anniversary, Ron Taylor reflects on what his grandfather – the inspiration behind Parklands – would have made of it all. “I think he’d be proud,” he says modestly. He’d arguably be prouder still of Parklands’ ambitions for the future as it continues to expand its presence in the Highlands, Moray and Aberdeenshire.

Parklands’ investment Moray and the Highlands has brought care and career opportunities to thousands. In this Carecast episode, local business leaders assess Parklands' impact, and care experts discuss the social benefits of delivering quality local care. We also explore how the way we deliver care is changing as design standards evolve and new concepts – like later living villages – emerge, complementing the traditional care home model.

Parklands is a family affair, with husband and wife team Ron and Elaine Taylor – MD and Ops Director respectively – just one of several family partnerships working to deliver care. In this episode we meet other family groups – including Speyside manager Louise Gillies and her son and daughter, mum and daughter duo Mel and Darley who live together and work together, and sisters Gillian and Lisa whose late father was a resident at Glenisla. “I get a lot of comfort knowing that Dad was here and I feel that he’s still here.”

They say the kitchen is the heart of the home – even more so when you’re cooking hundreds of meals every day for Parklands’ discerning residents. Old favourite mince and tatties is on the menu at Innis Mhor in Tain as cook Fiona Ross prepares lunch, while over in Buckie Paul Buxton and his team are busy preparing meals for not one, but five local care homes. Food plays a hugely important role in the physical and mental well-being of residents, with many dishes bringing back happy memories of their childhood. “It’s traditional, but it’s what our residents grew up with as kids so it brings back the memories,” says Paul.

Parklands attracts care professionals from as far afield as Poland, India, Nigeria, South Africa and the Philippines. Setting up home in a new country brings its own challenges – from the local accents to the Scottish climate – but Parklands’ international staff have embraced their new life in Scotland and are relishing the opportunity to progress their careers. Patience from Zimbabwe feels confident about her future. “I feel my tomorrow will be better because of Parklands.”

Forget any preconceived notions you had of care homes being dull and depressing as Carecast visits Speyside care home in Aberlour. Speyside personifies Parklands’ commitment to meaningful connections that inspire and empower residents. On a busy day at Speyside - a home very much at the heart of the community - we meet local families at a children's holiday playscheme, and hear performances from the home's Heartstrings Choir. They've proved such a hit, they’re now embarking on a tour of neighbouring care homes, and residents from nearby Glenisla have also joined the ensemble.

This episode is dedicated to our dear friend Betty Hay, loved and cherished by all at Speyside Care Home.