Meet Lara, Clinical Lead

Lara has been part of Simeon Care’s team for over 12 years. Since joining as a newly qualified nurse, she has progressed to become Clinical Lead, now overseeing a team of 15 nurses. She spoke to us about her role at Simeon and how Simeon’s unique combination of conventional medicine and Anthro Health, an integrative approach, supports residents’ health and wellbeing. 

What led you into nursing? 

I’d always wanted to go into a caring profession, but I wasn’t sure which path to take professionally. At first, I thought it might be with animals and completed an HNC in animal nursing. However, spending so much time in hospitals while my grandparents were ill gave me a deep understanding of the difference compassionate care can make, and led me to study nursing at university. 

How did you hear about Simeon, and what was it that appealed to you? 

Honestly, I hadn’t heard of Simeon or Camphill before. I was fresh out of university, looking for a role in an environment that would be supportive and enriching. When I came across Simeon’s job advert, I knew I wanted to find out more. It felt like a place I could be proud to work. 

Have you worked in care home settings before, and if so, how does Simeon differ from other places you’ve worked? 

Before my nursing training, I worked in a nursing home owned by a large-scale provider to gain experience. Simeon is completely different. We provide the most person-centred care I’ve ever seen. Everything is tailored to the individual from what time they get up in the morning, where they sit, which cup they use, what they eat, to how their day is structured. It’s this attention to detail and respect for individuality that makes a real difference to residents’ quality of life. It is often something that students, new staff or visiting professionals comment on when they witness the level of person-centred care we deliver. 

What does a typical day at Simeon look like for you? 

My role has changed a lot over the years. I worked on the floor as a nurse for ten years, but now I’m based in the office and work more autonomously. I supervise all the nurses, oversee residents’ wellbeing and play a key role in service improvement and clinical governance, regularly reviewing practices, supporting audits, implementing policies, and ensuring that care standards are continuously maintained and developed in line with best practice and regulatory requirements. Even though I’m based more in the office, I still join residents for meals, chat in corridors, and perform clinical tasks like taking bloods, changing wound dressings, administering medication or managing catheters when needed.

I continue to visit residents in their rooms not just to remain approachable and visible, but also to maintain the relationships I’ve built over the years. I genuinely care and am interested in hearing how they are and what’s new in their lives — whether it’s a new grandchild, family weddings they’re looking forward to, or how their daughter is getting on in a new job, for example. These moments of connection are some of the most rewarding parts of my day.

Simeon combines conventional medicine with Anthro medicine. Can you explain what this is and what it looks like in practice? 

Anthroposophic medicine — to give it its full name — is an integrative approach to health that we use alongside conventional medicine. It’s not a direct ‘alternative medicine.’ Our holistic approach doesn’t focus solely on physical symptoms; it supports the whole person - body, soul, and spirit - alongside conventional care. Rooted in respect for each person’s individuality, this approach honours natural rhythms and recognises that wellbeing is deeply personal.

In practice, if a resident struggles to sleep or experiences anxiety, a resident in a typical nursing home might be prescribed medication like a sedative or sleeping aid by their GP. At Simeon, residents can choose to try anthro approaches first, such as a lavender footbath or relaxing drops made from Aveena Sativa (oats). These are prescribed by specially trained GP’s. For those residents who do choose to try the anthro approach, and these aren’t effective, we would then consider conventional medicine. Anthro medicines often have fewer side effects, and some residents prefer them exclusively.

We also use anthroposophic skin care products such as balsamicum ointment, which we have found to be effective in reducing redness to the skin caused by pressure, for example. This is used alongside regularly readjusting position and offering a nutritious, home-cooked organic diet to maintain and optimise skin integrity.

Have you noticed the benefits of Anthro medicine for certain groups of residents, such as people living with dementia? 

Yes. Relaxing drops made from Aveena Sativa (oats) can help dementia patients stay calmer and reduce agitation during sundowning, while natural sleep aids help maintain a good night’s rest. Urinary tract infections are also common in elderly residents. We often use cranberry supplements or probiotic cranberry medicine proactively to reduce infection risk, or Catharis, Argentum Nitricum and Apis/belladonna, especially before procedures like catheter changes.

Is there a resident experience you can share that shows how Anthro medicine and care can support wellbeing in later life?                                                                                      

I recall a resident who joined us during the opening ceremony of our new building who said, ‘I didn’t come to Simeon to end my life, I came to Simeon to begin a new life.’ That encapsulates what our care strives to achieve. Many conventional medicines, such as antipsychotics, can dampen personality and alertness. With Anthro medicine, residents retain more of who they are without feeling sedated. It’s not that conventional medications aren’t necessary; sometimes they are, and we endorse their use in the right circumstances, but if residents choose to, we always try methods with fewer side effects first. Residents often feel more themselves, more engaged, and more able to enjoy daily life. 

What do you find most rewarding about working with residents at Simeon? 

The relationships are reciprocal. Helping residents and seeing the difference we make in their lives is incredibly fulfilling. That sense of connection is truly special and feeds the soul. We’re considered an extended family by the residents and their loved ones, and even after a resident passes, their families often continue to visit or volunteer at Simeon, continuing to share in their joys, milestones, and everyday stories, makes the work deeply meaningful. 

Staffing numbers and ratios of nurses to patients is often a concern to families considering moving a loved one to a nursing home. How does Simeon compare to other homes? 

Connection is an important factor in a resident’s wellbeing. In some nursing homes, carer-to-resident ratios may be lower, and care can feel rushed or basic, leaving residents feeling alone. At Simeon, we strive to ensure we have the right number of nurses and carers on each shift to meet residents’ needs safely, but also to spend meaningful time with them.

Because our approach is so person-centred, it’s not just about numbers; it’s about having the time to build relationships, notice small changes, and respond proactively. 

We also have the added bonus of local and international volunteers. Our international volunteers live and work with us for up to a year or longer, in fact some come and never leave! These additional team members help us maintain the time and attention each resident deserves. 

If you had to describe Simeon in three words, what would you say? 

Unique, nurturing, soulful. 

When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing? 

I spend time with my husband and two children. We enjoy walking, visiting, and camping in the Scottish Hebrides, and exploring beaches. I still have a love for animals and share my home with a dog, Mac, and a cat, Monty.