A Heart for Care – The Story of Grace Sloan, Care Home Manager of Abbeydale Court

25 October 2025

At Abbeydale Court Care Home in Hamilton, exceptional care begins with exceptional leadership. At the heart of our home is Grace Sloan, our dedicated and passionate Home Manager, whose lifelong commitment to nursing and older adult care has shaped the warm, person-centred environment our residents experience every day.

Grace’s story is one rooted in compassion, service, and a deep connection to the people she cares for.


 Early Beginnings: A Calling to Care

Born in Edinburgh, Grace’s journey into nursing began with a desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. She completed her nurse training at South Lothian College of Nursing and Midwifery, registering as a nurse in 1988. This was the beginning of what would become a rich and impactful career.

Her early years in the NHS gave her invaluable experience across medical, surgical, trauma, and elderly care settings. Over her ten years in the health service, Grace developed not only clinical expertise but also a deep understanding of the emotional and practical needs of older adults.

It was during this time that she discovered where her true passion lay: supporting, advocating for, and enriching the lives of older people.


 A Career Grounded in Passion

Motivated by this passion, Grace transitioned into the private sector, where she served as a nurse, senior unit manager, and eventually stepped into higher management.

Her rise through senior leadership roles was defined by her unwavering commitment to quality care, team development, and resident wellbeing. Yet, despite excelling in senior management, Grace felt a meaningful pull back to the heart of care—the care home environment.

Returning to home management at Abbeydale Court is, for Grace, a return to where she feels she can make the most direct and positive impact.
“This is where I can truly affect people’s lives,” she says, “and help them meet their outcomes for later life.”

Her leadership reflects this philosophy every day.


Home, Family, and Values

Grace now lives in Bathgate with her husband and their beloved wee pug, Jacob, who brings as much joy to the household as he does mischief. Her grown-up daughter lives nearby, keeping family connections strong—something Grace treasures deeply.

Family plays an essential role in her life, which naturally influences her approach as a manager. She believes that a care home should act as an extension of a resident’s family, stepping in to provide both physical and emotional support, especially in moments when families need help the most.

For her, building trust, maintaining open communication, and forming meaningful relationships with families is a cornerstone of her work.
“We are here to assist families in caring for their loved ones,” she says, “to support them through both joyful and challenging moments.Beyond the Uniform: A Life Full of Joy

Outside her professional life, Grace enjoys a rich variety of hobbies. She loves cooking, experimenting with flavours and recipes that bring comfort and creativity to her home. Music is another passion—she often attends live events featuring a wide range of genres, simply for the joy of hearing good music in good company.

She also finds relaxation in reading and exploring new places. Among her favourite destinations is the North of Scotland, a place filled with cherished childhood memories, beautiful landscapes, and a sense of home she carries with her even today.


 A Leader Who Inspires

Grace brings warmth, understanding, and decades of experience to Abbeydale Court. Her leadership style is grounded in empathy, strong values, and a belief that older adults deserve dignity, joy, and personalised support.

Under her guidance, Abbeydale Court continues to thrive as a place where residents feel safe, families feel supported, and staff feel empowered.

We are proud to have Grace as our Home Manager—someone who leads not only with skill and experience, but with heart.