AN £8.5MILLION care home for the elderly is set to open mid-August on the site of the former Quay restaurant, leisure complex and function suite in Musselburgh.

Operated by Scottish-based company Morar Living, Harbour House, overlooking Fisherrow Harbour, will create about 45 new jobs and cater for 43 residents aged over 65.

The transformation of the building, which has taken 17 months, has involved a total redesign and rebuild of the interior to deliver “a luxurious and comfortable environment for those who choose to live here”.

Manager Lynne Mekshi said: “The home is designed to offer residents a small-scale living environment which delivers a feeling of home.

“Each small scale area consists of a cluster of between seven and 13 bedrooms, each with en suite wet room facilities. In addition, each area has an assisted bathroom, a lounge/dining room, and a quiet lounge.

“The entrance to the home leads to a reception area with grouped and cosy seating where residents and visitors can relax and enjoy the music from the electronic piano and the bar area.

“The home provides residents with a hairdressing and beauty salon, a cosy relaxed cafe area, a private dining room for the use of residents, families and guests, and a cinema room.

“The exterior of the home provides two safely enclosed garden areas offering residents a choice of outdoor seating in secure and comfortable settings.

“We have an air-conditioned Mercedes people carrier, fitted with wheelchair facilities to enable residents to retain community links and access the community.

“Our philosophy of care respects the individuality and person of the resident, supporting their personal needs, wishes and expectations. Our approach to care is one of personalised care, enablement, choice, and individuality, encouraging people to live a happy, content and fulfilled life, within a luxurious and comfortable setting.”

Care and support planning will be carried out in participation with residents and, where appropriate, families.

Harbour House will provide care for residents who were frail, had nursing needs and those who were living with dementia. In addition, there will be a “boutique residential area” on the second floor with views across the water for clients with residential care needs.

Mrs Mekshi said: “The home is designed to deliver frail and nursing care and dementia care on specialist floors, each with their own designated staff teams. We also offer palliative and end-of-life care with compassion and care that supports residents and their loved ones in the last days of their life.”

The facility will be accepting both private and local authority residents.

Mrs Mekshi added: “The care home will strive to deliver the best possible care and support to people, from experienced and skilled staff, who choose to come live here.

“It has been a fantastic journey, watching Harbour House develop and change into such a welcoming and homely environment. The setting and picturesque view of the beach and harbour from the home are beautiful, making this an idyllic setting for the home and residents.”

She said the home would open with staff who have been trained in infection control protocols and practices, Covid-19 and health and safety.

She added: “In addition, the home and staff will follow guidance and advice from Health Protection Scotland (HPS). Admission protocols for residents will adhere to best practice guidelines and HPS advice, with residents screened for Covid-19 prior to admission and admitted within 48 hours of testing following receipt of a negative test result. Following admission, residents will be barrier nursed for 14 days to minimise the risk of infection.”

For more information, call 07987 973 074. Enquiries are now being taken and assessments conducted.