Eventide manager cares with her heart and soul

“I was involved here many years ago never knowing that one day I would work here as a manager."

January 10, 2020

Fathima Zubane 2 minutes read

Karen Glasgow enjoys working with the elderly at SAVF Eventide.

Karen Glasgow, Manager of Eventide SAVF Dundee Old Age Home lives by a simple life motto:

“If I can go to bed tonight knowing that I have made a difference in one person’s life, I will sleep peacefully.”

Karen’s journey to Dundee began in Birmingham, England where she lived with her parents. After immigrating to South Africa, she lived first in Port Elizabeth and then moved to Dundee, taking up a position as sales consultant at First National Bank. She held this post for 15 years.

During this time, she began as a volunteer at Eventide in 2000 and joined the home’s committee. In December 2011, Karen took up the reigns as Manager of the home and said she never looked back.

“I was involved here many years ago, never knowing one day I would work here as a manager. Having a passion for the elderly is what motivates me to care for the elderly to the best of my ability.”

Karen explained working with the elderly could be challenging at times, but was equally rewarding. For her, the hardest part was seeing residents become weaker with age and particularly those with Alzheimer’s disease.

“We are with our residents for five days in a week and because of this, we have become a family and have grown closer. It’s quite saddening when someone passes away.”

Despite the challenges of the job, Karen looks forward to coming to work each day and said it was wonderful to know residents were happy to see her. This ties into her belief that a little kindness goes a long way.

“Residents enjoy the little things most, like when I come to their room to greet them or say a little prayer with them.”

Eventide offers varying levels of care, with single and shared cottages available to rent. A total of 27 permanent residents live at the facility, cared for by 42 staff members varying in experience from 10 to 32 years.

“I am very blessed to be working with such amazing staff members, who are very loyal and caring to Eventide residents. Without them, I would not be able to do what I do.”

Daily exercise routines and Bible studies keep residents’ bodies, minds and spirits strong. To keep her own mind sharp, Karen is an avid photographer with the Battlefield Camera Club. She is fully bilingual and enjoys socialising with friends and family.

In conclusion, she pleaded with volunteers and visitors to spend time at Eventide.