Our team at
Cleves Place

I’d not worked in the care sector prior to joining Care UK in 2015. I wanted a Business Administration role, which is what I started doing here. However, I love people and creating bonds with them, and I instantly fell in love with the care environment and supporting older people. 

Becoming Deputy Manager at Cleves Place has been the highlight of my career, and a huge privilege for me. I sometimes have to pinch myself to remind myself that I’ve achieved what I have. But that’s the great part of working for Care UK. If you’re committed and passionate about what you do, and you work hard, Care UK rewards you with recognition and promotion. 

Every day is different in a care home but they’re never boring! Each day usually involves juggling about 20 different things, but, with a sense of humour and a brilliant team, anything’s possible. The best part of the day is when I get to walk around the home and enjoy special moments with residents. 

I was working as a Registered Nurse before becoming a Lifestyle Coordinator at Cleves Place. I joined the team so I could give opportunities to residents living with dementia. In this role, it’s important to have a sense of humour, good communication skills and determination.

I’m proud to make a difference in people’s lives. Getting people to participate in activities and make connections with others is my favourite part of my role.

When I’m not working, I enjoy volunteering with Girlguiding, baking, gardening, reading and spending time with my family.

Before joining Cleves Place, I worked in a pub as a kitchen assistant. I decided I wanted to take some time as a chef to do something different.

In this role, you need to be someone who listens to requests, takes constructive criticism and has respect for their elders. It’s also important to be kind and compassionate. I’m passionate about listening to the residents at Cleves Place about what they like and dislike.

I’m proud of what I do when I know the residents are fed and happy, especially when a big part of their day is based around mealtimes and food. My favourite part of the working day is around 12 when lunch is nearly done, as I feel such a sense of accomplishment.

When I’m not working, I love going to the beach with my dog.

I’ve been at Cleves Place since the day it opened and have been promoted twice in three years, which I’m very proud of. Since moving into this role, I’ve enjoyed setting things up properly, and helping to resolve people’s problems. It helps to be approachable and a good listener in this role. 

The home team and residents are like another family to me – I look forward to coming to work. I’d say that the afternoons are my favourite part of the day here. That’s the time we often have entertainers come in to perform for the residents. Music and singing are very popular here and everyone gets very involved!

I joined Care UK in 2014. I was a domestic at one of the old Suffolk County Council homes that closed, and this job came up, so I applied. It’s challenging and rewarding to oversee a team of eight people, but we’re focused on sorting out any issues residents have and making sure they’re happy. Everything we do is for residents. 

I enjoy doing my rounds and the chats and stories with residents – we have lots of laughs – it’s definitely the highlight of my day. There’s a very friendly atmosphere here at Cleves Place and you get to meet all sorts of people. Every day’s different, and I like that aspect. 

In my free time I like to unwind with a bit of bingo, by watching the soaps, listening to music and crocheting! 

I was previously in the Army specialising as a Steel Erector, I was looking for a career change and to move to a sector I admired. I’m absolutely loving my role in Maintenance at Cleves Place, my favourite part of the day is interacting with residents and getting to know them.

I think it’s important to take self-pride in your work and have a good work ethic – something my previous career in the Army has taught me. I always strive to be the best I can be in my job role. I enjoy turning my hand to whatever a resident may need, from hanging a picture to making bird boxes.

In my personal time I enjoy watching films, reading and spending precious time with my family.

I love coming to work with my human mum. I make sure I say hello to everyone and I keep people happy throughout the day – I love meeting new people. There are 60 residents at Cleves Place. When you add on the staff too, that’s a lot of people to cuddle, so I do like to have a lie down whenever I can. 

You should have been here on my first day at Cleves Place. I met so many people and was the star of the show all day. I snuggled in laps and on beds. I got snacks too. 

There’s much more to me than ‘cute and cuddly’. I’m a good guard dog, and I like to help when there are food spillages. I’m faster on the clean up than any electric vacuum cleaner.

When I’m at home I like to sleep a lot, or I enjoy unwinding with a trip to the beach. I love to swim! I do my best not to get dirty, but I just can’t help it. Hope to see you soon at Cleves Place!