Kentford Manor

I started working here in 2012 and after leaving for few years to work for the NHS, I returned back as a full time member of the team as it is a great place to work. Since qualifying as a registered Nurse in 2007, I have gained valuable clinical experiences and knowledge working in various intensive care units within private and NHS hospitals. As a keen learner, I have completed various courses throughout my career including management of a person with diabetes, and I recently completed my Level 5 in Leadership and Management in health and social care. I feel privileged to be given an opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of the residents we look after, which is the most rewarding part of my job.

I trained at Addenbrookes Hospital and started working at Kentford Manor in 2015 as a nurse, before working my way up to Clinical Nurse Manager and then being made Deputy Manager in 2022. 

For my role, successful time and people management is essential – but I always make time to have some fun with the residents too, and you always have to lead by example. There’s no job that I wouldn’t, or haven’t, done in the home when needed. Working at Kentford Manor is my biggest career highlight to date, we have a real sense of family.

Before I moved to the Kentford Manor team I ran my own recruitment company. I’d also worked in health and social care roles for 15 years before that. I used to supply agency/bank staff to Care UK homes in East Anglia, so I knew the company’s reputation. I knew Kentford Manor was a fantastic home, so when I was looking for a new challenge, I was keen to join the team on an in-house basis.

In this role it’s vital that you have a compassionate approach: moving a loved one into a care home – even if it’s a great one like ours. I ensure I give everyone the information and support they need to make the right decision for them.

I get a huge boost from seeing a new resident settling in and feeling at home, especially if they initially had their reservations about moving in. The feeling that a family trusts you with their loved one’s care is a very rewarding part of my role.

I joined the home in August 2020 after deciding working in care was something I was passionate about and wanted to build a career out of. Prior to this I have taught in primary and secondary schools in various subjects including dance, drama and english. During my studies at university I frequently volunteered at care homes teaching exercise and craft clubs, and I found this so rewarding being able to bring joy and entertainment into the residents' lives. My role is to organise events and activities throughout the year for residents and their loved ones to attend to ensure they have a fulfilled experience during their time with us. I believe bringing a smile to someone's face is the most important part of any day!

Prior to joining the care industry I was working in financial services. However, in 2007 I reached a crossroad in my life where I felt it was time to make a difference - I wanted a career that was meaningful. So in 2007 I started as an Activities Coordinator in a care home. Over the next few years I transitioned into administration and dementia care. I joined the home in 2017 as the Home Administrator. I am proud to work for one of the best care homes in the Suffolk. The most rewarding part of my day to day job is interacting with the residents and their families, a simple 'thank you' really goes a long way!

During my career so far I have had many different experiences, from office work to retail - I even owned and ran my own pub! I then came to a time in my life when I wanted a change, so I decided to head into housekeeping in a care home. This was a big, but positive, change for me and I have been in housekeeping ever since. I love how every day is different working at the home, and I really feel like I make a difference to the residents who we support.