THE Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Al Garthwaite, attended Ghyll Royd Care Home's house-warming celebration on Friday, October 13, to officially open the Guiseley home's new Blossom Community.

Blossom welcomed its first residents in late September, and the home allowed time for residents to settle in before hosting a celebration.

"It was with great pride that we officially opened our new Blossom Community on Friday," said Philippa Young, Group Operations Manager for Spellman Care. "We have worked hard to transform the space into a community that those living with dementia can call home."

During her visit, the Lord Mayor took part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony and cut a Blossom cake prepared especially by the home's chef Luke.

The Lord Mayor was accompanied by Director Steven Spellman and Group Operations Manager Philippa Young for a tour of Blossom Community. The Lord Mayor commented on the home's proximity to the historic Esholt Woodland and the calming views from lounges and bedrooms.

Following the tour, the Lord Mayor joined the house-warming to enjoy canapés, drinks and cake.

Blossom is Ghyll Royd's first Residential Dementia Community, with two General Nursing Communities and one Dementia Nursing Community already existing.

Blossom is a small residential dementia community that accommodates up to 14 residents. It features a secure garden, a new state-of-the-art washroom, a new bathroom, beautiful lawns, and quick access to the Westside Retail Park.

Having a Residential Dementia community at Ghyll Royd provides residents and family members with the peace of mind that should their needs develop, they can be transferred within the same home, without having to relocate elsewhere.

Spellman Care is a family-run group of residential and nursing homes which has been operating the local area for over 30 years. The group includes Craven Nursing Home, Ghyll Royd Care Home, Springbank Care Home and Steeton Court Nursing Home.