Hemel Hempstead
Please detail any relevant education/training
RGN
Registered HM award
Year started working at Healthcare Homes
2020
Why did you decide to work at Healthcare Home?
Opportunity to work in care home closer to home and with a better work-life balance for a credible company.
What role did you carry out before you came to Healthcare Homes?
Various including HM, Quality manager, Regional support and regional director.
What do you think a person needs to do to be good in your role?
Open, transparent, committed and hard-working.
What’s your favourite part of your working day and why?
Staff coaching and meetings.
Talking and supporting the residents and relatives.
What’s been your biggest professional challenge in your current role, or in your career to date?
Most days offer new challenges some you have experienced before and some not, this is what working in social care is all about.
What has been your biggest career highlight to date?
I received a number of awards for my previous care company.
What qualities do you think make a good home manager?
Listening skills.
Get the full picture first.
Open and transparent.
Do what it says on the tin – be credible.
What are your interests outside of work/how do you unwind?
Walking my dog.
Playing with my grandchild.
Cooking/ gardening/ DIY.
What do you enjoy/are you looking forward to the most about working at this care home?
Making life better for the residents.
Developing a cohesive staff team.
Please detail any relevant education/training
NVQ level 4 in management and team leadership.
Dementia care framework.
Year started working at Healthcare Homes
2020
Why did you decide to work at Healthcare Home?
We were taken over by healthcare homes.
What role did you carry out before you came to Healthcare Homes?
Deputy Manager.
What do you think a person needs to do to be good in your role?
Reliable, flexible, easy to adjust to changes, polite, willing to take the extra mile.
What’s your favourite part of your working day and why?
Being able to make a difference in residents lives and make a positive change.
What’s been your biggest professional challenge in your current role, or in your career to date?
Managing the router and accommodating all employee’s requests and ensuring that we have the right skill levels to provide good quality of care.
What has been your biggest career highlight to date?
Becoming Deputy Manager and being nominated for Deputy of the year.
What qualities do you think make a good home manager?
Good communication skills, a good understanding of complex human nature.
What are your interests outside of work/how do you unwind?
Camping, cooking/baking, gardening and walking dogs.
What do you enjoy/are you looking forward to the most about working at this care home?
Being able to put smiles on our resident’s faces. Helping people who are no longer able to take care of themselves.
Please detail any relevant education/training
Level 2 & 3 in Care.
Level 2 in Business Admin.
Completed train the trainer in phlebotomist, housekeeping, dementia.
Year started working at Healthcare Homes
I started working at Alexandra Care Home 2012
Why did you decide to work at Healthcare Home?
I was asked to join the team at Alexandra Care Home.
What role did you carry out before you came to Healthcare Homes?
I have worked all roles in care, started in domestic, moved onto carer and senior carer, team leader and finally offered the role of the administrator in 2003.
What do you think a person needs to do to be good in your role?
Communications, building relationships.
What’s your favourite part of your working day and why?
Not knowing what challenges face me and how I will resolve them, reassuring families if distressed.
What qualities do you think make a good home manager?
To be understanding, approachable and supportive.
What are your interests outside of work/how do you unwind?
I enjoy arts and crafts and reading. I am very family orientated so family time is very important to me, it is a big part of my life.
What do you enjoy/are you looking forward to the most about working at this care home?
I feel part of an excellent team and feel we all work well together and help each other problem-solve.
Please detail any relevant education/training
Nursing schools.
Year started working at Healthcare Homes
03/20
Why did you decide to work at Healthcare Home?
I’ve worked in this care home since 2012 and Healthcare Homes took over.
What role did you carry out before you came to Healthcare Homes?
RGN in the same care home before Healthcare Homes took over.
What do you think a person needs to do to be good in your role?
Competent, hard-working, good communication skills and first aid training.
What’s your favourite part of your working day and why?
My favourite part of the day is masking the residents feel happy and comfortable after I’ve done my job.
What has been your biggest career highlight to date?
When the families appreciate the hard work Nurses and the carers are doing.
What qualities do you think make a good home manager?
Support, caring, experienced, good listener, good communication, and appreciation of staff.
What are your interests outside of work/how do you unwind?
Shopping, coffee with my friends, family programs or just relaxing alone and writing.
What do you enjoy/are you looking forward to the most about working at this care home?
I am enjoying working with my team in my unit and other units, we are all such a happy team!
Please detail any relevant education/training
NVQ Housekeeping
Fire Wardens
Dementia
Infections control
Year started working at Healthcare Homes
2004
Why did you decide to work at Healthcare Home?
I was a line leader at an inkjet factory and decided I wanted something completely different and I’m so glad I did.
What role did you carry out before you came to Healthcare Homes?
Housekeeper for four seasons.
What do you think a person needs to do to be good in your role?
Be organised, good communications and to care about the environment that I am looking after.
What’s your favourite part of your working day and why?
I like my walk around every morning and having a chat with the residents.
What’s been your biggest professional challenge in your current role, or in your career to date?
Going from domestic to housekeeper and learning the role.
What has been your biggest career highlight to date?
My department getting the managers award for their hard work and dedication.
What qualities do you think make a good home manager?
Someone that sees all jobs in the home as being as important as each other.
What are your interests outside of work/how do you unwind?
Decorating and gardening.
What do you enjoy/are you looking forward to the most about working at this care home?
As a housekeeper, I am always looking to improve the home.
Please detail any relevant education/training
NVQ Level 2 in Activity Leadership
Year started working at Healthcare Homes
2014
Why did you decide to work at Healthcare Home?
I finished school and was looking for a part-time job whilst at college and decided to stay as I enjoyed being with the elderly.
What role did you carry out before you came to Healthcare Homes?
I didn’t have a job, I just finished school.
What do you think a person needs to do to be good in your role?
Being confident, active and willing, to be enthusiastic at all times, willing to help others, be creative and mindful.
What’s your favourite part of your working day and why?
Keeping the residents active and happy.
What’s been your biggest professional challenge in your current role, or in your career to date?
Passing my exams, college and exams and securing a job I enjoy.
What qualities do you think make a good home manager?
Friendly, honest, to be there at all times, spending time with the residents.
What are your interests outside of work/how do you unwind?
Going on days/trips out with my little boy. Enjoy seeing friends and spending time with family.
What do you enjoy/are you looking forward to the most about working at this care home?
To continue thinking of new ideas for the residents to participate in, arranging future events and keeping the home busy.
Year started working at Healthcare Homes
2019.
Why did you decide to work at Healthcare Home?
It was a job I was interested in doing.
What role did you carry out before you came to Healthcare Homes?
I was a builder.
What do you think a person needs to do to be good in your role?
A level of DIY skills, good communication, be able to sort out problems quickly and efficiently.
What’s your favourite part of your working day and why?
Doing my checklist in the rooms as you get to talk to the residents.
What’s been your biggest professional challenge in your current role, or in your career to date?
Starting work in the care home as it was a completely different environment to what I was normally used to.
What has been your biggest career highlight to date?
Passing my construction courses at college.
What qualities do you think make a good home manager?
Being very helpful when a problem occurs, good communication and has a good knowledge of the care home.
What are your interests outside of work/how do you unwind?
I enjoy playing snooker and watching movies.
What do you enjoy/are you looking forward to the most about working at this care home?
I like getting involved in the events throughout the year and help setting up.
Watford, Hertfordshire
Please detail any relevant education/training
BA (Hons) Social Work, Learning and Development level 4, PTLLS, A1 – NVQ Assessor and registered manager’s award
Year started working at Healthcare Homes
May 2018
Why did you decide to work at Healthcare Home
A growing organisation. I would like to contribute in making a difference to residents living at The Chase
What role did you carry out before you came to Healthcare Homes
Home Manager, Support Manager and Regional Support Manager
What do you think a person needs to do to be good in your role?
Common sense, dedication, understanding the job role and responsibilities that come with it. Being accountable for the work that we do. Robust induction and ongoing training is important too.
What’s your favourite part of your working day and why?
Being able to make a difference to people’s lives
What’s been your biggest professional challenge in your current role, or in your career to date?
I am currently managing a home that is rated inadequate. My aim is to move the home forward and to make necessary changes to achieve the best possible outcomes for residents, staff and the organisation
What has been your biggest career highlight to date?
I turned around a large multi-site that was not performing well, regained its reputation in the community and amongst professionals, achieved 100% occupancy and showed profitability under 2 years. Nominated Deputy Manager of the Year as well as Home Manager of the Year.
What qualities do you think make a good home manager?
Good listener, supportive, visible, flexible, firm but friendly, well organised and have good people skills. Not being afraid to ask for help or advice when needed.
What do you enjoy/are you looking forward to the most about working at this care home?
Cinema, theatre, TV, exercise and spending time with my family and friends
To achieve a Good CQC rating, developing and coaching team, identifying talent. Residents enjoying their stay at The Chase and families feeling confident leaving loved ones in our care
Please detail any relevant education/training
Level 2 NVQ in catering/hospitality
Year started working at Healthcare Homes
2018
Why did you decide to work at Healthcare Home
I am passionate about achieving results and enjoy a challenge
What role did you carry out before you came to Healthcare Homes
Head Chef
What do you think a person needs to do to be good in your role?
Dedication, patience, willingness to learn new things, a team player, be able to achieve results and multi task
What’s your favourite part of your working day and why?
Interacting with residents and fulfilling their needs
What has been your biggest career highlight to date?
Creating new and fresh ideas with food. Building new and strong working teams
What qualities do you think make a good home manager?
Patience, good communication, willingness to build relationships, understanding, be able to implement new ideas and encourage all.
What do you enjoy/are you looking forward to the most about working at this care home?
Socialising, family time and sports
Implementing new ideas, helping the team to adjust to change, listening to the team’s ideas. Creating and building great relationships through food
Please detail any relevant education/training
BS Nursing, FHP (Foot Health Practitioner)
Year started working at Healthcare Homes
2018
Why did you decide to work at Healthcare Home
New challenges and I used to work at The Chase. This is the home for me.
What role did you carry out before you came to Healthcare Homes
Clinical Services Manager
What do you think a person needs to do to be good in your role?
Be a role model, understand people’s personalities and respect diversity. Be equipped with knowledge.
What’s your favourite part of your working day and why?
All day – my adrenaline seems to stay the same all day
What has been your biggest career highlight to date?
Being nominated twice as employee of the year
What qualities do you think make a good home manager?
Be pro-active, a good listener and a doer
What do you enjoy/are you looking forward to the most about working at this care home?
Travel
To have a good/outstanding CQC report.
Please detail any relevant education/training
Degree in business management, University of Sri Lanka. NVQ Level 3. Dementia awareness level 2. Currently working towards NVQ level 5.
Year started working at Healthcare Homes
May 2017
Why did you decide to work at Healthcare Home
It’s a growing organisation and I would like to contribute in making a difference to residents living at The Chase
What role did you carry out before you came to Healthcare Homes
Care assistant, senior health carer an senior team leader
What do you think a person needs to do to be good in your role?
Common sense, dedication, understanding of job role and being accountable for the work that we all do. Being honest and hardworking. A robust induction and ongoing training is important too.
What’s your favourite part of your working day and why?
Being able to make a difference to people’s lives. Make them happy and satisfied.
What’s been your biggest professional challenge in your current role, or in your career to date?
My aim is to move the home forward and to make necessary changes to achieve the best possible outcomes for residents, staff and the organisation
What has been your biggest career highlight to date?
I was awarded best employee of the year and gem of the year by a previous employee.
What qualities do you think make a good home manager?
Be a good listener, supportive, visible, flexible, firm but friendly, honest, well organised and have good people skills.
What do you enjoy/are you looking forward to the most about working at this care home?
TV, travelling, watching documentaries, spending time with friends, used to play rugby and now I enjoy watching, safari and visiting ancient places
Helping staff, supporting manager, communication with relatives to achieve a Good CQC rating, developing and coaching the team and identifying talent.
Please detail any relevant education/training
GCSE’s, A level and Level 2 in Health and Social Care.
Year started working at Healthcare Homes
2018.
Why did you decide to work at Healthcare Homes
I am from a care home background and administration. The vacancy came up for lead administrator and I took this opportunity to combine my experience and skills.
What role did you carry out before you came to Healthcare Homes
Care team manager in a residential home.
What do you think a person needs to do to be good in your role?
A person needs to carry out all the relevant training first. They need to use their existing skills and experience and a lot of common sense. The person needs to be highly organised and have the ability to multi-skill as this is a very busy office with a wide variety of tasks. They need to be professional, honest and work well with others.
What’s your favourite part of your working day and why?
I enjoy all the tasks that I carry out as I know that this ties in with making a difference and supporting our residents who are vulnerable people that require support.
What’s been your biggest professional challenge in your current role, or in your career to date?
My biggest challenge was moving from an administration background, as I was a civil servant for 16 years and transitioning into the care sector first as a carer then as a care team manager and undergoing all the required training, however I really enjoyed this challenge.
What has been your biggest career highlight to date?
This would be receiving an outstanding marking 5 consecutive years whilst I was a manager in the civil service and completing my NVQ in health and social care.
What qualities do you think make a good home manager?
Being open and fair. Approachable and supportive. Organised and knowing the role well. A role model, a leader and not a dictator.
What are your interests outside of work/how do you unwind?
I like to spend time with my fiancé and family. I enjoy going out for dinner and drinks with friends. Going on holiday to new places. I enjoy reading and watching TV. I carry out car boots sales which are great fun.
What do you enjoy/are you looking forward to the most about working at this care home?
Doing a good job day in and day out and knowing that I am helping people and our residents. Gaining further experience and working with lovely people.
Please detail any relevant education/training
National Diploma, Bahman College of Technology
A Level – Natural Science, Bahman College of Technology
End of Life Care ABC Programmed facilitated Certificate
EDI Level 3 Award in Awareness of Dementia (QCF)
OCR Level 1 Certificated in Adult Literacy
Certificate of Attendance in Positive Behavior Support – Dementia and the Environment
Champion Dementia Level 3 from HCPA Centre
Completed Deaf Awareness training course at Jewish Deaf Association’s
Engagement Champion Pathway
Year started working at Healthcare Homes
December 2018
Why did you decide to work at Healthcare Home?
I wanted to work in a large care home environment because it provides opportunities for me to expand my knowledge with training and by working alongside experts.
What role did you carry out before you came to Healthcare Homes?
Activities Lead
What do you think a person needs to do to be good in your role?
Responsible for both planning and facilitating activities, implementing a realistic, exciting person-centered programmer of events.
Make close contact with a range of outside bodies that may be in a position to assist the home. This could include the Alzheimer’s Society, the WI; Help the Aged, Age Concern, local churches and other charitable and similar organizations etc.
Responsible for organising in-coming entertainers and specialists, liaising with relatives and building a rapport with local community groups and businesses.
What’s your favourite part of your working day and why?
Being able to make people happy.
What has been your biggest career highlight to date?
Successfully Nominated for the best Activity Coordinator Award at HCPA in Hertfordshire.
Successfully Nominated for the 2017 Care Awards
Achieved / contributed to achieve Outstanding following CQC inspection – 2018
What do you enjoy/are you looking forward to the most about working at this care home?
Cinema, travelling, music, shopping, spending time with family and friends.
To achieve GOOD CQC rating, developing good and meaningful activities. Making residents life enjoyable, making their wishes come true.
Apex
The Beeches, Apex 12,
Old Ipswich Road, Ardleigh, Colchester, Essex, CO7 7QR
01206 987440
Healthcare Homes Holdings Limited. Registered in England. Company No. 6545256. Registered Office: The Beeches, Apex 12, Old Ipswich Road, Ardleigh, Colchester, Essex CO7 7QR
Healthcare Homes © 2012 - 2021
We are pleased to announce that many of our homes will be able to start to re-open to visits using their visiting pods or window visits from Monday 22nd February. This is strictly subject to a home having no positive test results for COVID over the preceding 28 days and the home gaining the support of local directors of public health.
As we remain in lockdown with non-essential travel disallowed, we may not always get the permission we require from the local authority to re-open to these visits.
In any event, visits will still be limited to a single – or at most two – consistent visitors and all visitors will need a negative lateral flow test result (carried out at the home before visiting). In all our homes we are continuing to facilitate compassionate visits in end-of-life circumstances.
First vaccinations have been delivered in all of our homes and we are progressing to second vaccinations as soon as we are given access. We continue to provide safe staffing levels and have rigorous safety precautions and testing in place in all of our homes.
Please be assured that in all our actions and decisions, our priority remains the safety and well-being of every individual that lives or works in our care homes and we thank you once again for your continued support and patience.