Residents Lead the Way in McGonagall House’s New Wellness Suite

The purpose-built, 31-bed care facility in the heart of Dundee already boasts a beautiful salon and a tranquil relaxation suite, both of which were previous projects designed to turn underused areas into vibrant spaces shaped by resident feedback. This month, the team tackled another room that was in need of a rethink. They turned their attention to the shared wet rooms; practical, but underused.

Although functional, the rooms lacked the warmth and personality that residents had come to expect from their home. At the regular residents’ meeting, staff asked for suggestions on how the bathrooms could be improved. With an array of ideas being suggested, three themes were put forward: mountains, waterfalls, and the Amazon jungle. After some discussion, residents voted to choose two of the themes, one for each bathroom. Mountains and waterfalls came out on top, and the team got to work bringing those ideas to life.

The result is what is now proudly called McGonagall House’s Wellness and Relaxation Suite. The plain bathrooms have been transformed with murals of mountain landscapes and rushing waterfalls, while LED lighting, bath lights, and battery-operated candles create a gentle, soothing atmosphere. Bluetooth speakers allow residents to listen to their favourite music while they relax, turning what was once a clinical task into a personalised spa-like experience.

To celebrate the transformation, McGonagall House held a grand reopening with residents gathering to cut the ribbon, officially opening the new suite to the rest of the home. Since then, the space has already been embraced by residents, who describe it as calming, enjoyable, and far more inviting than before. Staff have noticed clear benefits too, reduced tension, less anxiety, and a more positive bathing experience overall.

For the staff team, seeing residents take ownership of the space has been hugely rewarding. What started as a simple suggestion has grown into a project that has made a real difference to daily life, encouraging more residents to use the baths and ensuring they can do so with dignity, comfort, and joy.

By continuing to reimagine underutilised areas and listening to the voices of those who call McGonagall House home, the team has shown how resident-led ideas can transform everyday spaces into something truly special. We pride ourselves on making sure our clients are at the heart of our care, and a huge part of that is listening to our residents. It is their home after all, and they should not only be consulted on changes but actively involved in the decision-making process. This ensures that every improvement reflects the needs and wishes of the people who live there.