Pitfodels Wood Care Home has welcomed experienced nurse and care leader Kay Anderson as Deputy Manager, strengthening the leadership team ahead of the home opening in Winter 2026.
Kay brings almost 20 years of experience across the private and public sectors, with a career spanning clinical and management roles in care homes and the NHS.
Originally from Orkney, Kay moved to Aberdeen in 2004 to begin her nurse training. What was meant to be a temporary move quickly became home, and she has since built a career focused on safe, compassionate and person-centred care.
Now, she is joining Home Manager Amanda Rennie at Pitfodels Wood at one of the most important stages in the home's journey.
Joining from the very beginning
For Kay, the opportunity to help shape a brand-new care home was a major part of what attracted her to the role.
I'm genuinely excited to join Pitfodels Wood at the very beginning of its journey. There's something incredibly rewarding about helping to shape a new home from the ground up.
She added: "I'm looking forward to creating a warm, fun and safe environment where future residents, families and colleagues feel welcomed, supported and valued.
"I also know Amanda and I will work exceptionally well together. We share the same commitment to person-centred care and to leading with kindness, consistency and professionalism."
With Pitfodels Wood preparing to welcome its first residents this winter, Kay will work closely with Amanda to help establish the culture, standards and everyday experience within the home from day one.
Creating a home where people feel valued
Kay's approach to leadership is centred around visibility, trust and strong relationships. For her, a great Deputy Manager is someone who is present, approachable and able to support residents, families and colleagues while maintaining a clear focus on quality.
A great Deputy Manager leads with kindness, consistency and clarity.
"It's about being approachable, supportive and visible, while keeping residents at the heart of every decision," Kay said.
"I want to help create a culture at Pitfodels Wood that feels warm, inclusive and genuinely person-centred. A place where residents feel safe and heard, families feel involved and reassured, and colleagues feel confident, supported and proud of the care they provide."
Kay also places a strong emphasis on making the home feel vibrant and enjoyable.
"Most importantly, I want to help create a culture where people enjoy coming to work, where laughter is encouraged and where compassion guides everything we do."
Supporting residents and families through change
Kay is particularly passionate about the role care home teams can play in supporting residents and families through the transition into care.
She said: "Moving into a care home can be an emotional and sometimes challenging transition for residents and their loved ones.
"I believe it's our role to guide people through that journey with compassion, clarity and reassurance.
"Being able to build those relationships and help families feel confident and at ease is one of the most meaningful parts of the job for me."
That focus on relationships will be central to Pitfodels Wood as the home begins welcoming its first residents and families.
Building the right team before the doors open
Home Manager Amanda Rennie said Kay's appointment is an important part of preparing Pitfodels Wood for opening.
I'm delighted to have Kay joining me at Pitfodels Wood.
"Having the right people around you is so important, and Kay shares my passion for creating a home where residents, families and colleagues feel valued and supported," Amanda said.
"Kay is full of fun, always smiling and naturally encouraging. She's warm, approachable and genuinely cares about people. I know she'll bring lots of positivity, laughter and support to our residents, families and team."
Amanda added that establishing the right leadership culture before opening is essential.
"The culture of our home starts before we even open the doors.
"We want to lead by example and create a team that feels supported, valued and proud to be part of Pitfodels Wood.
"I'm looking forward to building a happy, supportive team with Kay and creating a home full of warmth, fun and laughter. Most importantly, we want Pitfodels Wood to be somewhere residents truly feel at home and families feel part of our community."
Looking ahead to Winter 2026
For Kay, the next few months are about seeing Pitfodels Wood begin to move from a new building into a living, breathing home.
"I'm most looking forward to seeing Pitfodels Wood come to life," she said.
"I can't wait to welcome our first residents and families, support them through those early days and build relationships that help set the tone for the whole home.
"There's something incredibly special about being there at the very start."
Outside work, Kay says life is "delightfully chaotic" thanks to her two daughters, dog Nala and a tendency to take on DIY projects that may be slightly beyond her skill level.
"I approach every job with enthusiasm, optimism and absolutely no guarantee of success," she joked. "But I always learn something, even if it's just that I should have left it to a professional."
With Kay now joining Amanda and the wider team, Pitfodels Wood continues to take shape ahead of its Winter 2026 opening. The focus from the beginning is simple: creating a warm, welcoming home where residents can live well, families feel involved and colleagues are proud to be part of the team.
Register your interest in Pitfodels Wood
Pitfodels Wood is our newest home in Aberdeen, and you can register your interest now ahead of the Winter 2026 opening on the Pitfodels Wood Care Home page, or by calling the team on 01224 676 610.
If you would like to join Kay and Amanda as the team grows, take a look at our careers at Meallmore and the roles across our homes.
