A Caring Vocation

Date of article: 11-Jan-12

‘Putting people first and ensuring they have a good quality of life’ is the key to a successful career in the care sector, says Mark Birchenough, the new manager of The Oakes in Huddersfield.

Celebrating 24 years in the care sector, much of which has been with Meridian Healthcare, Mark will start his new role when the £4.7 million care centre on Willwood Avenue opens in the spring.

Built on the site of a former care home, the purpose built home's facilities will include 60 en-suite bedrooms with walk in showers, raised bed attractive gardens, a cinema room, nail bar and hairdressing salon. It will offer both residential and dementia care and has specially designed facilities for residents with dementia related conditions.

Mark, who lives in Denton, will oversee up to 60 staff, ensure residents are being looked after to the highest standards and manage the home's budget and marketing.

Joining Meridian as a care assistant in 1988, Mark has been promoted through the company and over the past eighteen months has managed Acacia Court in Leeds. The new role will be the next step in what Mark says is a stimulating and rewarding career:

"I always wanted to work with people and originally thought I would become a social worker. I started work as a care assistant thinking I would just do the job for a year. Twenty four years on and I am still working with older people albeit as a manager rather than a care assistant. I stayed because I genuinely like older people and get a real sense of achievement in being able to improve their lives.

"Things have improved hugely over time though. Care homes have moved away from being institutions to being comfortable homes for residents with their well being at the heart of all we do.

"Two days are never the same and it can be very demanding at times, but at the end of the day we are helping to give older people comfort, security and hopefully fun times, when they most need it."

To find out more about a career with Meridian or jobs at The Oakes visit: www.meridiancare.co.uk/jobs or phone 0161 368 9099.

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