Our team at
Ayton House

I used to work in corporate sales and marketing, however, when I took a year off to care for an older relative, the experience put me onto a new path. I decided to bring my skills and experience to Care UK so that I could help families at a time when they really need help and support. 

One of the biggest challenges for me in making a career change was educating myself about dementia. There’s so much to understand about it and the different forms it takes, and how to help people to live well with dementia. I’ve loved it though, I’d say making the move to care has been the highlight of my career. 

My role as lifestyle lead is to make sure residents lead fulfilling lives. To do that you need to be empathetic, caring and compassionate (as well as organised). Most importantly though, you need to have a sense of fun.

I am a qualified occupational therapist and have experience as a carer and wellbeing lead.

Previously, I worked for the NHS for 35 years. During that time, I successfully introduced a seven-day working service which helped patients with fractures regain their independence sooner and return home quicker. Being able to put people’s needs at the centre of their care provision like that, is something I feel strongly about. It is also one of the reasons why I decided to join Care UK, where residents are at the heart of every decision. Care UK’s values of caring, passionate and teamwork also mirror my own.

If I had to choose a favourite part of the day, it would be the time I spend with residents. Finding out what activities they enjoy and making them happen is all in a day’s work.

One time, I helped a resident travel to London so she could lay flowers and pay her respects to the late queen. We made a photobook to commemorate the occasion. It’s a wonderful feeling to see someone smile because you’ve helped them.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I love all kinds of music and play the piano in my spare time, plus I’m a member of a local choir. Walking my two rescue dogs in our glorious countryside and nearby beach also keeps me busy!

I’m looking forward to meeting new residents at Ayton House, getting to know them, and working with them to develop an engaging and fulfilling programme of activities for everyone to enjoy.

I have been a chef for over 30 years. I love what I do and for me, there is real joy in being able to bring people together through food.

You need a real passion for food to be a chef. You also need knowledge, stamina and patience. Being a good communicator is important too, as is being adaptable.

I have had so many career highlights, including cooking for famous people all over the world. One highlight that stands out was when I first became an Executive Chef on cruise ships and producing 25,000 meals a day.

I joined Care UK because its values matched my own. I wanted to help improve lives and good food can support that. Nothing makes me happier than to see people enjoy my food; it means I’m succeeding.

I’d say my favourite part of the day is the morning as it’s peaceful. It gives me time to plan and prep for the day ahead.

Cuisine and cooking is a huge part of my life outside of work too. I cherish the time I spend cooking and experimenting with new methods at home with my family. I also love travelling and just chilling out watching something good on TV.

I have 16 years of experience in care and before taking on an admin role, I was a carer. For me, being able to progress through different roles has been a real highlight. I love that Care UK gives you all the tools and support you need to develop your career.

I originally chose to join Care UK because of its ethos. Here, it really is all about the people we care for.

In my role, you have to be patient and be able to juggle multiple tasks. I think of us all as cogs – we all help keep everything turning. For me, that includes invoicing, dealing with recruitment queries and ensuring that colleagues have the resources they need.

I love being able to get involved with all of the team. I also feel proud that we can make such a positive difference to people’s lives.

Outside of work, I love going on adventures and finding new places to visit.

I have worked in care for 15 years. In that time, I’ve had a number of roles and gained several qualifications. This includes a Diploma in Business Administration, and level three certificates in customer service, end of life, and mental health safeguarding.

Earning my qualifications has been a big highlight for me. It’s given me a good understanding of how care homes work and how I can support colleagues in their roles too.

I’ve been a head housekeeper for the last seven years. In my role you need to be organised and methodical. I love mornings where I can plan the day ahead so that all our tasks flow. It is important that each shift runs smoothly so that everything gets done and meets our high standards. I also think it’s important that we work together to make Ayton House a caring and enjoyable place to be.

Outside of work, I love family time and walking my dog. I am also a keen marathon runner.