Woodside Grange

Barbara joined St Martins Care in June 2022 as The Deputy Manager but has progressed and taken over the role of the Registered Manager at the beginning of 2023. Barbara says that she sort of fell into care after returning from overseas when her husband was in the armed forces. She started as a domiciliary carer with a small domiciliary company and progressed to a supervisor not knowing if she would like care. However, she stayed with the company for 7 years and fell in love with caring for the elderly. Barbara decided that she wanted to progress into the management side of social care so she went to work for another domiciliary company as a case manager. This entailed doing pre assessments with the service user before the care package started whilst retaining some contact with the services user. Barbara stayed with the company and progressed her career as a deputy manager and then a registered manager. However, she missed day-to-day contact with service users so applied for a role in a residential care home so she could continue within a management role but also have more contact with the residents. Although Woodside Grange is the biggest of St Martins Care’s homes, Barbara says, “it still has that homely feel which comes from the great team of staff and the care they deliver is second to none. We have a new management team in place, who are very passionate, caring and dedicated and I look forward to working with them ensuring Woodside Grange continues to deliver the best care we possibly can.”

Lisa joined St Martins Care in August 2012 as an Activities Co-Ordinator at the Windermere Grange home. She soon realised that care was in her blood and completed her NVQ level 2 in Health & Social Care. She transferred to Woodside Grange in June 2015 and worked across all units before becoming the first staff member of the Chestnut Suite Learning Disabilities Unit which opened in January 2016. Lisa's son has autism and learning disabilities and she cared for him for 18 years before he moved into residential care. Reflecting on this experience, Lisa says "at first I found life very difficult to deal with. I felt that I had failed him. I soon realised that my knowledge and patience around dealing with all the ups and downs bringing my son up could be put to good use. Working in the care sector made me feel worthwhile again." When asked about her vision for the future, Lisa says "Chestnut Suite is a lively and friendly place to live. I aim to ensure everyone feels safe and secure here and feel that this is their home. I am hoping that in the future Chestnut Suite becomes a stand alone unit and although I enjoy being part of Woodside Grange, I feel for myself and my staff, that this is the next step to developing and improving our support for adults with learning disabilities in our area."

Clare began working in care within the community around 15 years ago and realised quite quickly that she had a passion for providing care for those who were in need. She worked within the community for around 2 years before taking a leap to work within a residential setting. Clare began working in a care home which had some sentimental meaning for her as her mother had previously been a deputy manager there and she wanted to make her proud. Clare knew she did not want to progress her career in a clinical role so decided, when offered, to accept a promotion to a senior care assistant. Clare joined St Martins Care at Woodside Grange in 2016 as a senior care assistant and she cannot see herself working anywhere else. Clare says, “my heart and soul is with Woodside Grange. I believe we offer the best care and always strive to ensure all residents are treated with the utmost respect, dignity and empathy”. In October, Clare was offered a role as the quality lead within Woodside Grange. Clare says, “I was so proud of myself and overwhelmed that I had been offered this opportunity and want to work to achieve outstanding on our CQC report. I enjoy being hands-on with care and I am not too proud to get stuck in where needed.”