Meet the Home Manager of Hunters Creek

As a general manager what does your role entail?

The role as a general manager is to lead the team, to deliver a high-quality service to our residents. For me it is important to know the residents well and knowing the team too and all their little quirks. Creating a happy, fun, and caring environment is all about the people, ensuring that we all work to the same goal is vital in supporting people to live happy and fulfilled lives.

To work in the care sector, you must be caring, have large amounts of patience and resilience, be trustworthy, honest and have good communication skills and be ready to listen. Compassionate, with the ability to put others before yourself.

I believe that the relationships we build with residents, their relatives and loved ones, health professionals and the team drive the high-quality care that residents deserve.

Why did you choose a career in the care sector?

I left education having secured a qualification in Business administration but at that point I realised the prospect of being sat in an office for 7 hours a day was not what I wanted to do.

I joined the care sector in 2009 after thinking ‘ill give it a go’, little did I know, 14 years later I would still be involved and enjoying it as much as I did back then.

What qualifications do you have?

• 2012 – NVQ level 3 in Health and Social Care
• 2015 – NVQ level 5 Registered Managers in health and social care.

How do you relieve the anxiety of people coming to live in a care home?

When transitioning into care, this can be difficult for the resident and for their loved ones. Often placements into care are a result of an incident or a situation that has occurred requiring immediate placement for safety or other reasons out of anyone’s control.

Creating relationships with the individuals and their loved ones is important. Providing a listening ear and a non-judgemental approach is imperative. To be understanding, open to suggestions and wishes whilst being honest with those looking for care and making that decision.

A person is not just a person, they are an individual and I work to provide a holistic approach to their care. This involves families, friends, and other people; therefore, it is important that they also feel supported.

Being available, having an open door and a visible presence in the home, supports effective communication. When people feel, they are listened to, and that people are open and honest this a basis for building trust and confidence in the service we provide.

Anxiety is alleviated once all the foundations are in place.

Which part of the role do you enjoy the most?

I love my job. I enjoy people management learning what makes them thrive to be unique.

I believe in positive Leadership it is important to learn about those we care for and those that we employ to enable us to fully support in a wholly person-centred way.

I like to see positive changes being made and driven forward towards providing better experiences for those we support.

I have built a strong, effective, caring, and forward-thinking team. Who are united in their visions of providing the very best care possible.

How do you spend your free time?

I love to read; I would be lost without my Kindle.

I have a wonderful family, time with family is extra special as mine live away from me. Facetime is a god send, however teaching my Grandparents how to use WhatsApp was certainly an experience.