Oakwood Court

"I have worked at Oakwood Court since 2008, and started as a care assistant. I now have a Diploma in General Nursing, and both a Level 3 in Health and Social Care and a Level 5 in Leadership and Management of Care Services. I enjoy my role as care home manager and get satisfaction from helping residents and seeing them happy in our home.

I love my job because it's so rewarding leading a team and supporting our residents to live a bright life and putting them and their families at the heart of everything we do.

We do everything we can for them and it's brilliant to see the smiles on their faces. I look forward to meeting you and showing you around our friendly home."

"I have a wealth of experience and have worked in care since 2011. I began my career as a support worker and care assistant. I have worked with young children with challenging behaviour, young adults living in supported housing and have also been an assistant manager and registered manager in a residential care home for older people.

Working in a care setting is rewarding and fulfilling. I enjoy helping people to live a fulfilling life and leading the team to help them develop and grow and embrace the organisation's values, as well as provide the highest standard of care for our residents.

Outside of work, I am a pastor, parent governor and gym enthusiast!"

I have over 25 years experience in catering and have been a Chef Manager here since 2013. I love food and cooking and I understand the importance of food. My father was Spanish and my upbringing has revolved around family and food.

Mealtimes are one of the most important parts of the day, especially for socialising and residents' wellbeing. There's nothing better than seeing residents tucking into a home cooked, hearty meal and getting good feedback from them, it brings joy to me and makes my job rewarding. I am supported in the kitchen by a Chef and two Kitchen Assistants and spend time with residents listening to their feedback and menu ideas.

I started working at Oakwood Court in April 2022, and coming from mainly an administrative background, this is my first role in a care home. After only being here a short time, I sensed what a warm, friendly, caring home it is. It really does feel like “home from home”. I am the first port of call for all visitors to the home, such as relatives, friends, nurses and tradespeople and I keep all the administrative paperwork up to date. But what I enjoy most about my job is interacting with the lovely residents.

I deliver their post and help read letters from family and friends if they are unable to do so themselves. Seeing the joy on their faces when I am reading to them is what I find so rewarding.

"I take care of the day-to-day maintenance of the building making sure all the checks have been done, including fire and gas safety, water and electrical testing. My role includes more basic tasks such as unblocking shower wells, checking light bulbs and cleaning the bins - just as important! There is generally a lot of cleaning, tidying, and ensuring everything is in safe working order. I will also decorate rooms when they become vacant and keep the rest of the home looking as good as it can be.

I very much enjoy spending time talking to residents when I’m working in their rooms and supporting the care team in any way I can. Sometimes I have the opportunity to join in activities with residents such as gardening or singing, which is a great privilege.

I may have my week planned, but often my work can be reactive, you never really know what you’re going to walk into in the morning, one of the many reasons I love working here."