Acacia House - Tenterden

What is your job title?

I am the Registered Home Manager

How long have you been with the company?

I have been working for Abode Care Homes since November 2015

What sort of duties do you have at work?

Day-to-day managing of the home, ensuring that the highest quality of care is being offered to everyone as well as making sure that my residents and staff are happy.

What is your work experience/what are your qualifications in the care industry?

I started as a carer here in 2015, before qualifying for my UK PIN in 2016. I was then working as a nurse on both day and night shifts. I was then promoted to the position of Deputy Manager and lastly to that of Home Manager.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I like peace and quiet, watching films, cycling, playing football, going on long walks and exploring the world.

What do you enjoy about working in a Nursing Home?

The fact that we can make a difference, and we can be there for people in need.

What is your favourite thing about Acacia?

It feels like a second home, a place where you make sure everyone is being treated properly and they are happy. We have a really good team, and they all work together to ensure that everyone is being looked after.

What’s your job title?

Home Administrator

How long have you been with the company?

Since May 2022

What sort of duties do you have at work?

Supporting our home manager, Cristian, to ensure the smooth, effective service of the home! Other duties include being involved in looking after the residents' and staff's mental well-being by offering emotional support, friendship and advocacy.

What is your work experience / what are your qualifications in the care industry?

Previously worked for the NHS as 111 Health Advisor & Dental Practice Receptionist, also with a retail background in beauty, management, sales, marketing and training. I went to university and began studying Psychology and Counselling while living with my elderly grandmother and her partner, who had dementia. I have further qualifications in Counselling Skills and management, and I am currently studying Level 3 Health and Social Care. I have previously worked in another nursing home, but I left to join Acacia House as our Activities Coordinator, providing a range of diverse, inclusive, and person-centred activities suited to each and every resident, whether on a group basis or one-to-one. This also involved sourcing and booking Acacia's entertainment from external providers and arranging group outings to exciting places such as local farms, aquariums, coffee shops, and garden centres.

Tell us a little about yourself (hobbies/interests, etc.)

I'm always really pants at these autobiographical descriptions, but I would say something along the lines of "Hello, I'm Emily, easily excitable, passionate, empathetic and a people person. I love animals, especially cats and other small fluffy things, and I also have a daughter called Sasha who is 6 years old. Sasha loves to come to visit Acacia and refers to our residents as "The Grandmas and Grandpas" and enjoys getting involved with the activities, especially the arts and crafts club and our musical madness sessions. She has made some firm friends, and one of the "Grandpas" has taken her under his wing. Hobby-wise, I have a few, but I am usually happy to give anything a chance. But I do love swimming, reading, arts and crafts and chatting with a coffee. I have a keen interest in getting to know people, animals, psychology, and just making people happy, really. I'm not too sure what else to say!

What do you enjoy about working in a Nursing Home?

I love the togetherness between the residents and staff - it is a real team effort here - no day is the same, and it keeps me on my toes! I really treasure the ability to be able to make such a difference in people's lives, especially towards their last weeks, months or years - it is important to me that our residents feel valued, important, loved and respected and that they are enjoying their time here at Acacia.

What is your favourite thing about Acacia?

My favourite thing about Acacia is the friendly, family atmosphere. Everyone is loved and looked after as if they were our own grandparents/parents/siblings. The staff members are warm, approachable and genuine, which makes everyone feel at ease and very welcome - nothing is too much trouble, and everyone is eager to help out when needed.