Maidstone Road, Sutton Valence, Maidstone ME17 3LW
Set in the picturesque Kent countryside, surrounded by parks and greenery, Sutton Valence is a bright and spacious residence five miles from Maidstone town centre.
With bedrooms set across two floors, the home thinks carefully about the type of room each resident needs. The home offers residential, nursing, and respite care.
Each floor has two of its own living rooms and on the ground floor there is a spacious, restaurant-style dining room and conservatory with views of the cricket pitch, meaning peace and quiet is never far away.
All furnishings and decor throughout the home are of an exceptionally high standard. The home also has a beautiful landscaped garden with various patios and seating areas, perfect for outdoor socialising.
Trained chefs prepare fresh, nutritious, tasty meals on-site, creating a varied daily menu which residents can enjoy in the communal restaurant-style dining room or in private.
Residents and relatives are consulted frequently to ensure everyone is getting the most out of the varied range of activities.
Care workers understand that moving into Sutton Valence will be a considerable transition, but one they try to make feel as easy as possible. By planning the colour scheme of your room with you, or bringing you your daily newspaper, they'll do the little things that make the biggest difference.
Group: brighterkind
Person in charge: Carla Bolding (Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services: Kent County Council (click for contact details)
Type of Service: Care Home with nursing – Privately Owned , Registered for a maximum of 73 Service Users
Registered Care Categories*: Old Age • Physical Disability • Sensory Impairment • Younger Adults
Specialist Care Categories: Cancer Care • Hearing Impairment • Parkinson's Disease • Speech Impairment • Stroke • Visual Impairment
Admission Information: Ages 65+.
Languages Spoken by Staff (other than English): Polish
Single Rooms: 61
Shared Rooms: 6
Rooms with ensuite WC: 13
Facilities & Services: Respite Care • Convalescent Care • Physiotherapy • Own GP if required • Own Furniture if required • Pets by arrangement • Close to Local shops • Near Public Transport • Lift • Wheelchair access • Gardens for residents • Phone Point in own room/Mobile • Television point in own room
Latest Care Quality Commission* Report on Sutton Valence Care Home: click here
* Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England.
The Review Score of 9.4 (maximum of 10) for Sutton Valence Care Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.
a) The Average Rating is 4.4 out of 5 from 31 Reviews over all time. This Average Rating is also the rating value for Sutton Valence Care Home in Google's Search Results - more info
b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5 out of 5 from 21 positive Reviews in the last 12 months.
a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating of all Reviews over all time. For each review the Care Home / service is rated Excellent, Good, Satisfactory, Poor or Very Poor on a number of areas eg Staff, Management etc. The Care Home receives points for each rating as follows: Excellent = 5. Good = 4. Satisfactory = 3. Poor = 2. Very Poor = 1. These points are added up and then divided by the total number of completed ratings to generate the average rating.
The Average Rating of 4.432 for Sutton Valence Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (199 Excellents x 5) + (129 Goods x 4) + (22 Satisfactorys x 3) + (5 Poors x 2) + (4 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 359 Ratings = 4.432
b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 12 months. If there are no Positive Reviews in the last 12 months, then 2.5 points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 2 years. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with 'Extremely Likely' or 'Likely' in answer to the question 'How likely are you to recommend this Care Home to friends and family if they needed similar care or treatment?'
The 5 points available are broken down as follows:
4 points are available for the first 5 Positive Reviews, 3 points for the first Positive Review and then 0.25 Points for each of the next 4 Positive Reviews.
1 point is available for reaching a target number of Positive Reviews based on 20% of the number of registered maximum number of service users. If the target is partially reached then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Care Home with 50 registered maximum number of service users has a target of 10 Positive Reviews, if it has 10 or more Positive Reviews it will receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews will receive 0.7 points.
If there are no Positive Reviews in the last 12 months, then 2.5 points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 2 years. The calculation is the same as above, except the points are divided by 2.
The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Sutton Valence Care Home is based on 21 positive Reviews in the last 12 months and is calculated as follows:
3 + 0.25 + 0.25 + 0.25 + 0.25 = 4
Target of 14.6 positive Reviews (73 registered maximum number of service users ÷ 5). 21 Reviews ÷ 14.6 Target Reached = 1
When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
Sutton Valence Care Home has a Review Score of 9.4 (9.432) from 31 Reviews
Review submitted from a Postal Card by Juliet M (Daughter of Resident) on Friday 6 April 2018. Relates to March 2018.
My mother has been a resident at Sutton Valence since September 2017. From the moment of her arrival, she has been treated with respect, warmth and often real affection. The staff are wonderful, getting to know my mum so well and responding to her so sensitively. A brilliant place!
How likely would you be to recommend Sutton Valence Care Home? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Shirley W (Wife of Resident) on Tuesday 20 March 2018. Relates to February 2018.
Extremely satisfied with the care of my husband. Our wedding anniversary recently was myself having dinner with him, which was absolutely delicious. All fresh food and brilliantly cooked, for a small fee. Compliments to the chef and also to the great, happy carer who served us! Thank you to you all.
How likely would you be to recommend Sutton Valence Care Home? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by D H (Daughter of Resident) on Tuesday 13 March 2018. Relates to February 2018.
Sutton Valence Care Home is a very caring, welcoming environment. The home is clean and bright with communal rooms for residents to enjoy. Food good and varied. Home tries very hard to make events enjoyable. Nursing staff very caring and efficient level of care.
How likely would you be to recommend Sutton Valence Care Home? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Lesley P (Daughter of Resident) on Thursday 8 March 2018. Relates to January 2018.
The staff are friendly, always willing to assist. The home has a very content, calm atmosphere. The cleanliness is very good and nothing seems to be overlooked. The food is of a very high standard. I'm extremely pleased with the care that dad's receiving.
How likely would you be to recommend Sutton Valence Care Home? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by L W (Resident) on Sunday 4 March 2018. Relates to December 2017.
I have lived at Sutton Valence since April 2017, I have Parkinson's and Parkinson's disease dementia. The staff and team are very caring and good company. I enjoy the variety of people, activities and food. There is always a cheery atmosphere with lots of things going on. If I want company it's there, but if I want quiet, I can choose. Having the choice and still maintain independence is important to me. I can do this with support and safety. I would highly recommend it to both family and residents.
How likely would you be to recommend Sutton Valence Care Home? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by J B (Friend of Resident) on Tuesday 5 December 2017. Relates to November 2017.
Friendly and helpful staff at all times. Downstairs public spaces are amazing, with plenty of room to entertain visitors. Daytime events for everyone to enjoy.
Always made welcome when visiting.
How likely would you be to recommend Sutton Valence Care Home? Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Clive R (Son of Resident) on Thursday 30 November 2017. Relates to November 2017.
I am really pleased with the way the staff at Sutton Valence Care Home look after my mother. They all know her and her ways and do their best to make her comfortable. If there are any issues they call me, even late at night.
How likely would you be to recommend Sutton Valence Care Home? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Joyce G (Mother of Resident) on Thursday 30 November 2017. Relates to November 2017.
Unfortunately, my daughter who is disabled and in a wheelchair, has several complicated medical problems and had to go into a home several years ago. Because of her age, it was proving very difficult to find a suitable place for her. Sutton Valence's manager made a visit to her in the London hospital she was in and agreed they had a place for her. Within days she was able to leave hospital and was made to feel welcome and settled quickly in what has now been her home for several years. I can only praise all the management and staff for their care and support they have given her myself over what has sometimes not always been easy.
How likely would you be to recommend Sutton Valence Care Home? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by C K (Daughter of Resident) on Thursday 30 November 2017. Relates to November 2017.
All the staff are friendly and helpful.
From the moment of emergency admission, they have been welcoming and attentive.
We are truly very appreciative of our parents care.
How likely would you be to recommend Sutton Valence Care Home? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Kathy W (Niece of Resident) on Tuesday 28 November 2017. Relates to November 2017.
Friendly staff, clean pleasant rooms. Good care.
How likely would you be to recommend Sutton Valence Care Home? Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Alison M (Friend of Resident) on Tuesday 28 November 2017. Relates to November 2017.
The care home is spacious, well lit, lovely ground floor provides an ideal indoor circuit for those residents able to walk/use a Zimmer frame to exercise.
Individual rooms are a comfortable size. Staff are pleasant and welcoming.
How likely would you be to recommend Sutton Valence Care Home? Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Britt M (Volunteer) on Tuesday 28 November 2017. Relates to November 2017.
I thoroughly enjoy residents visits, so much going on in the home. Today was a Rock and Roll day with the place decorated out with pretty pink tablecloths in the dining room and old records used for tablemats. Pink and white balloons hanging from light and decorations in dining room.
Staff dressed in Rock and Roll clothes and a lady entertainer dancing and singing with staff joining in and residents enjoying themselves. I often stay for lunch where the food is good and such good value. My resident is happy and treated with dignity.
How likely would you be to recommend Sutton Valence Care Home? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Website Submission by Adele G (Resident) on Tuesday 21 November 2017. Relates to November 2017.
A very comfortable and family run home.
All staff are very friendly and caring and will do anything to help.
How likely would you be to recommend Sutton Valence Care Home? Extremely Likely
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Iolanda Lucci, Business Development Manager at Sutton Valence Care Home responded to this review on 21 Nov 2017:
Thank you for your kind feedback Adele, its lovely to have you as part of the Sutton Valence Family.
Review submitted from a Postal Card by Sheila C (Friend of Resident) on Tuesday 21 November 2017. Relates to November 2017.
Always a warm welcome and warm temperature wise. Friendly atmosphere. Clean and cosy surroundings. My friends in the home seem happy and comfortable. Staff always friendly and helpful. Easy access to friends. Lift always feels a bit wonky so I use the stairs.
How likely would you be to recommend Sutton Valence Care Home? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by N C (Wife of Resident) on Monday 20 November 2017. Relates to November 2017.
I am more than pleased with the care my husband receives. Staff are extremely kind and helpful. Cleanliness is very good.
How likely would you be to recommend Sutton Valence Care Home? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by J W (Daughter of Resident) on Thursday 16 November 2017. Relates to October 2017.
My mother always appears to be well looked after. Standards of nursing care seem to be high and the food is of a good quality.
How likely would you be to recommend Sutton Valence Care Home? Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by John W (Son of Resident) on Friday 25 August 2017. Relates to August 2017.
When my mother needed to go into a home, this was my immediate choice. The home feels like a family run business and as I live close, I thought this would be an obvious choice.
Before she came to the home, my mother needed to be in another home for 3 weeks and although it was closer to where I live, with more facilities, the staff were not pleasant.
It just goes to show that it's the staff that make a huge difference in the choice of the home regardless of how up to date the facilities are or how much the home costs.
I would highly recommend this home.
How likely would you be to recommend Sutton Valence Care Home? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by H M (Daughter of Resident) on Tuesday 15 August 2017. Relates to July 2017.
Good respite care for my 83-year-old father (Parkinsons Disease) staff quickly responded to a few points. Would use the facility again.
How likely would you be to recommend Sutton Valence Care Home? Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by S R (Daughter of Resident) on Tuesday 8 August 2017. Relates to June 2017.
From the time my mother arrived at the Sutton Valence Care Home, she has been treated with respect and dignity. The staff are caring and considerate of her needs. Although my mum chooses not to "join in" with the activities, there are plenty of classes to choose from. The only thing that lets the home down is the poor décor of the rooms. My mum moved in in April 2013 and her room needed decorating then and it still has not been done.
How likely would you be to recommend Sutton Valence Care Home? Extremely Likely
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Carla Bolding, Home Manager at Sutton Valence Care Home responded to this review on 09 Aug 2017:
We are delighted that your mother has found her care needs have been met and that during her time with us she has felt happy, comfortable and cared for. We are sorry that the décor in your mother’s room has not met your expectations, as we aim for all of our rooms to be furnished to the highest specifications with comfort in mind, and each room has an individual décor. Following a discussion with your mother, we are very happy that we have been able to resolve the issue, and that we have been able to find a solution that suits everyone. However, as a Home Manager, I operate an open door policy, and if you have any further concerns, I would be happy to meet with you at your earliest convenience.
Review submitted from a Postal Card by J B (Daughter of Resident) on Tuesday 18 July 2017. Relates to July 2017.
Could not have found a better care home. The standards are excellent, the staff are very caring and professional, treating those in their care with dignity. The only criticism is the car park where much space is taken up by raised unkempt flower beds. It really can be quite hazardous when manoeuvring dodging pedestrians and other vehicles.
How likely would you be to recommend Sutton Valence Care Home? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by K P (Son of Resident) on Tuesday 27 June 2017. Relates to June 2017.
My mother has been in the care home for 11 months. She is unable to do anything for herself and we have found her care to be very good. She is always clean and well cared for in her personal care and is treated with kindness and respect. Any medical problems are dealt with promptly by the nursing staff. We have found all the staff to be caring, friendly and approachable. No complaints.
How likely would you be to recommend Sutton Valence Care Home? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Website Submission by Bethan G (Daughter of Resident) on Saturday 13 May 2017. Relates to May 2017.
This is a very good care home ......My mother is currently in her 4th week at SV for respite care. She has nothing but praise for the carers, she says they are all lovely.
There are activities arranged throughout the week. Some of the care team are very good at encouraging the residents to take part.
Two particular Care Assists are particular 'stars'.
Food; I have only seen the fish and chips and a quiche, but both looked really good!
How likely would you be to recommend Sutton Valence Care Home? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Sandra D (Daughter of Resident) on Friday 31 March 2017. Relates to March 2017.
My mother has been a resident at this care home for one year now.
She has settled in really well and loves the staff who are friendly and kind.
She can be rather difficult at times, they have always treated her with respect.
We can visit at any time and they make my father feel welcome and relaxed about my mother's care.
I am relieved that she is at the Brighterkind Sutton Valence Care Home.
How likely would you be to recommend Sutton Valence Care Home? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by JL (Son of Resident) on Tuesday 29 November 2016. Relates to October 2016.
Our mother/mother-in-law moved into Sutton Valence Care Home in July after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. She could no longer care for herself or cope at home. Sadly she passed away on 23rd October. Words cannot express how grateful we are for the care she received while at the home. The staff are understanding, patient, considerate and very caring. Our mother thought of them like her second family and very close friends. She felt very safe and secure and loved every minute she was there.
How likely would you be to recommend Sutton Valence Care Home? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Irene B (Volunteer) on Wednesday 17 August 2016. Relates to August 2016.
I visit on a weekly basis and find the home very well run and have been unable to find any faults.
How likely would you be to recommend Sutton Valence Care Home? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Sandee B (Daughter of Resident) on Monday 15 August 2016. Relates to August 2016.
Both my parents were in this home until they died. Both times the staff were very supportive, they gave my parents such good care and supported me through the hard times, can't thank them enough.
How likely would you be to recommend Sutton Valence Care Home? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Colin P (Son of Resident) on Thursday 11 August 2016. Relates to June 2016.
Mum feels at home and safe - all the staff are wonderful.
How likely would you be to recommend Sutton Valence Care Home? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Jean (Daughter of Resident) on Wednesday 27 July 2016. Relates to June 2016.
On initial viewing the home seemed bright and welcoming. Attractive brochure, encouraging. However, care needs proved lacking. Residents who were not bed bound were left for long periods either in their rooms or communal area. Communication between staff and residents was limited - weekends in particular. I did not feel that my mother was safe or getting the attention she required and deteriorated over her two week stay. The quality of the food was particularly poor and mealtimes a depressing experience. Staff did not interact with residents, menus poorly explained and food served to rooms cold and unappetising. Some effort was made to rectify some of these issues on complaint.
How likely would you be to recommend Sutton Valence Care Home? Unlikely
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Bethany Gibbons, Marketing Assistant at Sutton Valence Care Home responded to this review on 01 Aug 2016:
Thank you for your comments. We welcome all feedback that will help us to improve our services.
Sutton Valence provides care for residents with high dependency nursing needs. Our residents chose to sit in the lounge, conservatory and also on occasion on their own. The Sutton Valence team offer a range of planned activities and also spend quality one-to-one time with residents who prefer to stay in their rooms. We have also introduced our Magic Moments recreation and activities programme. The programme aims to encourage well-being by concentrating in equal measure on the mind, through mental agility; the body, through fitness and mobility; and the soul, through entertainment and personal interests, continued learning and emotional engagement.
We have recently made some changes to our catering service to enhance our resident dining experience and have introduced a new “Spring and Summer Menu” offering a choice of appetizing and nutritionally balanced meals. The Sutton Valence team seeks regular feedback from residents about the choice of meals served and this helps us to plan our menus. Furthermore, a new Chef is commencing post on the 15th August here at Sutton Valence.
The issues you mention have been discussed with the manager. If there is anything you would like to discuss further, please do not hesitate to contact customercare@brighterkind.com or pop into the home anytime. Many thanks, Carla Wilson, Home Manager.
Review submitted from a Postal Card by Geoffrey W (Husband of Resident) on Thursday 2 June 2016. Relates to May 2016.
My wife suffers from dementia. She is 83 and is now unable to get out. Occasionally with her permission a care assistant gets her into an armchair. She has very limited conversation and her memory is very bad to the extent that she barley remembers which of our children visited the day before. My visits only last for 1/2 an hour or so due to lack of her interest. I find the care assistants really live up to their name and lavish her care more than I would be capable of. I was pleasantly surprised by the care homes position overlooking a cricket ground and the countryside. I have every confidence that my wife is in the best accommodation with excellent care.
How likely would you be to recommend Sutton Valence Care Home? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Rosemary P (Daughter of Resident) on Friday 18 March 2016. Relates to March 2016.
My mother has lived here for over 2 years and is 96 years old. She has double incontinence and is not able to stand or walk. Then staff are all very good and if asked for help will always do whatever they can. Mums room could do with redecorating and the window frame sticks however she is comfortable on the whole.
How likely would you be to recommend Sutton Valence Care Home? Likely
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Tessa Matthews, Marketing Manager at Sutton Valence Care Home responded to this review on 30 Mar 2016:
Thank you for your comments on your mother's bedroom. They have been passed to the home and hopefully we will get some of the maintenance issues you raise sorted out promptly for you.
It's so good to hear that you are happy with our team at Sutton Valance and their caring attitude. We will make sure that these comments are relayed back to them. They will be delighted.
Many thanks again.
Review submitted from a Postal Card by Linda B (Friend of Resident) on Tuesday 15 March 2016. Relates to February 2016.
Whenever I have visited the above home, I have been impressed by the warmth and friendly atmosphere toward visitors and clients. I understand that much is done to make clients lives more comfortable and interesting and would recommend Sutton Valence to anybody seeking a safe secure and happy environment.
How likely would you be to recommend Sutton Valence Care Home? Extremely Likely
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February 2018
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April 2017
Job Title: Home Manager
Description:
Why did you decide to join brighterkind?
I was part of Four Seasons Health Care when we changed to brighterkind, I have been part of the journey from the beginning, and it makes me proud to be part of this innovative company.
What thing do you enjoy most about your job?
The challenges - every day is different - seeing residents smile and enjoy their home with us and seeing the team develop.
What are your interests outside of work?
Science fiction - I am a total geek and proud of it! I also love nature - bird watching enjoying the countryside as well as reading, cooking and history.
Key qualifications and experience:
Diploma in Nursing
Registered Managers Award
Are you a nurse?
Yes, a registered adult (general) nurse.
Why did you get into nursing?
I have always worked in care homes from the age of 16, I started as a carer on a youth training scheme, trained to be a senior carer and then went to train to be a nurse at the age of 19.
I went straight back to the care home sector when I qualified and took on a nursing job with Four Seasons Health Care in 1998. From there I progressed to training lead, deputy manager, home manager and even did 4 years as a regional manager before coming back to being a home manager in January 2016.
Care Homes are special to me, the connection with the residents and families in what can be a very emotional time for all involved is a rewarding experience.
What was a defining moment for you?
Deciding that I wanted to be a nurse, this had never crossed my mind until I started working at a care home. Before, I had applied for a place at art college (art restoration), I had to be 17 years old to qualify for this course so I sort of fell into working at the care home which I planned to do until I was old enough to go to college. I loved the work so much and the nurses at the care home were great, they showed me what great care looked like. I decided that nursing was for me.
Experience - what is your background?
I am a country girl, brought up on a farm in Lincolnshire surrounded by family. My father is a farmer, my mother is a chef, and I have a sister who works in the press office for the Greenwich Maritime Museum. I was educated at Skegness Grammar School and then trained to be a nurse at Pilgrim Hospital in Boston (part of Nottingham University).
I am passionate about...
My care home, my team, my residents, my family, I am passionate about everything I care about.
What do you feel is your biggest achievement?
I know a lot of people will say one off moments like climbing Mount Everest etc., I feel the biggest achievement for me is growth, I have grown not just in maturity, but in patience, emotionally, intellectually, and I will continue to grow and learn. My biggest achievement is yet to come, something simple? or something amazing? As long as I am learning and growing, I will be happy.
My favourite brighterkind value from our five values of Keep it simple, Do it from the heart, Make every moment matter, Sort it and Choose to be happy, is...
I cannot choose one – all of the values are used every day, there is not one that is more important than the other, so I don’t have a favourite.
Contact Information
To contact our home manager, Carla Bolding, call 01622 843 999 or email carla.bolding@brighterkind.com.
There are currently no Care Home Idol entrants who have performed at Sutton Valence Care Home