Woodend Care Home

I’m Jane and I joined Woodend as Home Manager in June 2023.

I became a nurse because I wanted to look after people. I qualified in 1978 and have worked in the NHS and the private sector. I also worked overseas in Abu Dhabi for 10 years.

Throughout my career I have always been passionate about care of the elderly, which is the reason I joined the care sector 25 years ago. Care of the elderly is complex - some have many physical needs or may be living with dementia. The work is so rewarding though, and residents have such wonderful tales to tell. Part of my role is also to support their loved ones, who also become part of our family.

Outside of work, I have three children and four grandchildren. Family is very important to me, and they all know how much I love my job. I have lots of interests, including gardening, reading, travel and going to theatre.

I’m a Clinical Deputy Manager at Woodend, having joined as a Registered General Nurse, before advancing to Unit Manager. I qualified as a nurse in 2024 and previously worked with the NHS as an Endoscopy Nurse. My true passion lies in elderly care and in June 2024, I took on my current leadership role, bringing my expertise and dedication to the team.

Outside of work, I’m a proud mother to a wonderful daughter and I have a close-knit family, including four siblings and cherished nephews and nieces. In my spare time, I love traveling, watching sports —particularly football — and staying active through walking and yoga.

I was a catering manager in a 120-bedded home in Warrington but went back to college and received all my NVQ administration 1,2,3, and Management level 4.

I then worked at a care home as an administrator. After 12 months I was promoted to non-clinical Deputy Manager, which I did for two years. After some consideration in where my role was going, I decided to go back to a financial administrator role and applied to work at Woodend.

I am a very caring person and I love to be able to help others and see their reaction when I can do this.

Outside of work I am married with one son who is 24 and at university. I still love to cook and bake, which I do often and treat the staff here at Woodend. I like to swim and walk where and when I can. I always love to push myself and learn new things.

I have spent many years in Health and Social Care, specialising in older people with dementia. I also taught adults and children with learning difficulties/disabilities/ complex health problems and mental health issues.

I love being able to make a difference to the lives of individuals and do my best to give them the best quality of life possible.

I live relatively near Woodend but have lived very close to it in the past and am very active in community work in the area. I enjoy walking , rambling and cycling, singing, cooking, embroidery - just not enough time for everything! I am also president of a local Rotary Club and undertake voluntary work with The Homeless and Older People. I also enjoy visiting places and going to the theatre.

I began my career at Woodend in 2007 as a Hotel Service Assistant, where I developed a strong foundation in hospitality. In 2012, I transitioned to the kitchen as a Kitchen Assistant and steadily progressed to the role of Cook. During this time, I pursued my NVQ qualifications to become a fully qualified chef. After completing my Level 3 NVQ in Senior Chef training in 2018, I was promoted to Chef Manager, a position I have held ever since, overseeing kitchen operations with dedication and expertise.

Outside of work, I maintain an active lifestyle by regularly attending the gym and running. I also enjoy hiking and have completed the UK’s Three Peaks—Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdonia—alongside colleagues from Woodend, fostering teamwork and camaraderie beyond the workplace.

I was self-employed for several years before moving to Spain in 2006. I returned to the UK in 2011 and joined Woodend.

I love the connection I have with the residents; they make me laugh, they make me cry, but I honestly could not think of a better work environment. I am a friendly person with a good sense of humour, and I feel the residents know this and they make coming to work a pleasure for me.

I live locally and I’m married with two children and six grandchildren. We have a caravan in Anglesey which we go to whenever we can, and we love going for lovely coastal walks. I also enjoy holidays abroad, especially Greece.