Windermere Grange

Donna has been employed by St Martins Care since January 2018, initially on a temporary basis to support the manager at the time and she is still with us but now as the home manager. Donna's career path has always been in care. After leaving school she joined a youth training scheme which involved “calling in” on the elderly. It may have been a call to have a cuppa and a chat or take an elderly person to the local shop for bits and bobs and she really enjoyed it. College and studies in health and social care followed. Donna's career in social care proper started in 2009 as a care assistant. After her children grew up, Donna was proud to continue her studies and completed Access to Nursing Course, NVQ level 2, 3 and 5 which provided her with the qualifications to be where and who she is today. Donna is living proof that care assistants can, with the right support, progress to a registered managers position. When asked about her plans for Windermere Grange, Donna says "Windermere Grange has that homely feel as soon as you walk in. I want that to continue whilst delivering the kindest care possible."

Nicola has worked in adult social care for over 20 years and has worked for St Martins Care for over 10 years. She did leave to try a different career path but found that it was not for her and she quickly returned to Windermere Grange because, she says, "this is my home". Nicola is the perfect example of the career progression that is possible in adult social care and at St Martins Care. Nicola started her career in care as a Care Assistant with no qualifications, obtained her NVQ 2 and NVQ 3 which enabled her to progress initially to Acting Senior for a year before being promoted to Senior Carer with her own team. After that, Nicola moved into the role of Deputy Manager in 2018 and still continuing to progress further. When asked why she wants to work in adult social care, Nicola explains, "I first started my care worker position in 2000 as I felt I could make some changes to the lives of those who required 24 hour support, and implement continuity and structure for those we support." Commenting on her career aspirations, Nicola says. "I have recently completed my NVQ 5 (Management and Leadership) as there is always room to progress your career with St Martins Care. I feel I can improve the quality of care for those we support at Windermere Grange care home, and that we can maintain and develop a comfortable homely setting for those who reside here. We want to create a real "home from home" experience. I feel good structure and support for those who reside at Windermere Grange is vitally important so that we are able to stimulate and motivate those we support, encouraging them to remain as independent as possible."

Joanne has worked in social care for 14 years most of that time with adults with learning disabilities. When Joanne first applied to work in social care she felt that she had the skills to support and help people. Time has proven her right and this soon became her passion and she has never looked back. Joanne joined St Martins Care in June 2015 and has been the manager of the Learning Disabilities unit at Windermere Grange since then. When asked about her role at St Martins Care, Joanne says, "My job is my passion and every day I learn something new. We laugh, we cry and, where we can, we laugh some more. Every individual we support is just that, an individual, and supported to live a full and meaningful life and always encouraged to reach for the sky. The look of joy at a new achievement, however big or small, and the feeling that gives is why I come to work each day." When asked about her vision for the Windermere Grange LD Unit, Joanne is clear, "To always put people first and share their vision for their home."