Betsy Clara House Nursing Home

“Dementia care is my passion, and making a difference to those in our care, and their loved ones motivates me daily.

I have been a Registered Nurse for over 30 years, the last 8 of them as manager at Betsy Clara. Before this, I had many work experiences, including NHS hospitals, Community Nursing, a Hospice and several other Nursing Homes.

I enjoy working with the residents and our close-knit team, as a family are at the centre of everything we do. We promote a sense of family within the home, caring for everyone and getting to know our individual residents’ likes and dislikes so that we can provide genuine individualised person-centred care.

We have been on a long journey with our residents and are constantly striving to develop new and better ways of supporting them to live the best life they can with us and their families.”

“I have worked in health care for over 20 years; I started my career within the community, where my primary role was supporting people with various needs within their homes.

I then went on to work in several residential/nursing homes where residents had early onset dementia to later stages of dementia and caring for those at the end of their lives – I enjoyed making a difference in their day-to-day lives.

I came to Betsy Clara in 2014; I started as a care assistant and became a senior in my first year. I then went on to do a CHAPs course and became a Senior Care Home Assistant Practitioner, I enjoyed working alongside our nursing team, where I gained lots of knowledge and skills.

As the Deputy Manager position became available with the knowledge and skills I gained, it gave me the confidence to apply for the role, and I was successful. In this role, I aim to create a happy, safe, homely environment for our residents.”

“I began my career in hospitality, where I was part of a small family-run restaurant. While working there, I applied to university and completed a Level 5 in Health & Social Care Management to pursue a career in a care home setting. This would allow me to gain the skills and knowledge to become part of a successful management team.

While at university, I was on a placement in some care homes and hospital settings, which I enjoyed. This made me realise that this was the career I wanted.

Once I gained my qualification, I left our family business to join Betsy Clara House in 2019, where I first started as part of the care team. I enjoyed my role here, learning about different types of dementia and how many residents were suffering from this disease; although many residents have the same dementia, they all have other traits and require personalised care and treatment.

Then came the opportunity to enrol on the CHAP course, where I would learn additional skills around medication, catheter care, venepuncture, wounds and end-of-life care using the syringe driver.

My current role within Betsy Clara is Care Home Assistant Practitioner (CHAP), where I work alongside our nursing team.”

“After working for many years in administration, I came to Betsy in November 2024 as maternity cover.

I am delighted to now be a permanent part of the team.

I thoroughly enjoy meeting residents’ families and interacting with residents, which I have grown very fond of.

Being an Administrator is so rewarding, and Betsy has such a lovely atmosphere.

I am proud to be part of such a supportive, caring team.

My role is very enjoyable, and I hope to continue for many years, with what I feel is now my second family.”

“After gaining many years of experience working in dementia care, I came to Betsy Clara House in the summer of 2015 as a senior carer, then took my current role in the spring of 2018.

This exciting and enjoyable position enables me to engage and help our residents enjoy their lives thoroughly and be actively engaged.

Some of the many things that the team do include Namaste, supporting Spiritual needs, 1 to-1 time, cookery club with the support of a chef, music and exercise, and bringing fun and enjoyment into the house.

I feel honoured to do my job, and seeing a smile on a resident’s face makes my day.”