The Laurels care home, in Market Deeping, taken on by Nene Valley Care Group after owners retire

A family-run care home has changed hands after the retirement of a husband and wife who have run it for almost 35 years.

Desmond and Jacqui Shiels last week handed over The Laurels, in Market Deeping, to another family business, Nene Valley Care Homes.

They took on the home, set in a Grade II listed building, in June 1988, with former nurse Jacqui working as both registered manager and owner.

“Her commitment has been 100 per cent every day,” said Desmond.

“It has been a long time so we are definitely ready to take a step back now - the time is right to move on to a new chapter.

“But you can’t just walk away and forget about it because it’s been 35 years of our lives so we leave with a lot of good memories.”

As a 20-bed home, The Laurels bucks the modern trend for much bigger homes, often as part of a large chain.

Desmond said: “Because of economic necessity, many new care homes are now 70 or 80 beds so our type of home still appeals to people who want to be in a smaller care home where you can have direct access to the owner and manager.

“And it works both ways. Over the years you do build a genuine rapport and relationships with family members of our residents because you are always there.

“When people come to the home they tell us what a lovely atmosphere there is and that’s something you can’t manufacture.”

Nene Valley Care Group began life in 1999 when Touran Watts opened Garden Lodge Care Home in Glinton.

Last year the group stepped in to save Peterborough home Florence House from closure, and The Laurels has become its third home.

Mrs Watt’s’ daughter Yasamine joined the family business about 10 years ago and will be registered manager.

“We don’t see ourselves as a big chain,” she said.

“We really love small care homes because we know they can give more of a homely environment and, ultimately, better care.

“You can really get to know the residents intimately and the next of kin and build good relationships with them.

“Jacqui and Desmond have such a good reputation. The home is a beautiful building in a beautiful location.”

After investing almost three-and-a-half decades in The Laurels, getting the right owners was important to the Shiels.

“Yasamine is only 32 so has youth and enthusiasm on her side, but because her mother has owned a care home for many years she knows exactly what she is doing,” Desmond explained.

“That is reassuring for our residents because they are the most important people.

“Relatives entrust their mothers and fathers to us to look after and that is a big responsibility.”