What do you find most rewarding about your job?
I like it when we achieve the little things as much as the big ones. When I got my CQC registration the Seniors got me some lovely little gifts which meant a lot. It’s such as supportive team. We make a real difference to the lives of the residents we care for. When I arrived one of our gentlemen was blind, a condition he had been living with for a number of years. We arranged for his cataract to be removed and he is now reading books and is much more outgoing, chatting and socialising, it’s an amazing thing. One of the ladies we have been supporting for a couple of months had spent years confined to her bed and frequently called ambulances before she came to us. After a short time at Belvedere Lodge she is getting up and starting to socialise and join activities. Her happiness and quality of life are so much better.
What has been your proudest moment?
It was supporting one of our gentlemen through his end of life journey. When I worked in nursing care the nurses dealt with that aspect of care. I had support from my Group Manager and was able to ensure everything was in place according to his wishes. As in Irish Catholic it was important to him to receive the last rights. It was difficult to arrange this during the Covid-19 pandemic but after ringing around a number of priests and voluntary organisations I found someone who had known him as part of the congregation and immediately came in to the home, just a few minutes before he passed away.
What has been your greatest challenge and how did you overcome it?
Implementing new changes and putting systems in place is difficult when you have staff who are used to certain ways. I think that has been the hardest thing I have had to do. Making changes to systems people are used to, to make them run better.
Tell us some of the key things you need to provide great care?
A caring nature first and foremost. Staff need to want to learn different techniques, we need to empower each other and want to work as a unit. Patience – definitely. The staff have to be very adaptable to changing and trying different ways to meet outcomes for people. Kind, caring, compassionate, patient are the qualities needed.
How do you relax?
I love to spend time with my children who are 3 and 17 and 20. The older ones are independent now, but the little one likes going out on adventures. We especially enjoy nature walks and canoeing. We have an inflatable canoe that we take to Keynsham.
