Our team at
Dashwood Manor

I joined Care UK after they were recommended by a colleague, and I found their values and ethos were very close to my own. My role is to ensure that the care delivered at Dashwood Manor is person centred and delivered and maintained to a high standard.

Spending time with residents and ensuring they receive exemplary care is always my favourite part of the day, but I also enjoy coaching and mentoring colleagues so they can achieve their own goals. Observing best practice and seeing happy residents who are well cared for and supported make me proud in my role.

I believe it’s important to be supportive, caring, empathetic, friendly and compassionate, as well as a strong leader in my role as Deputy Manager. 

Outside of work, I enjoy walking, running and spending time with my family.

My role prior to moving to Care UK was as a home manager for a home in Crowthorne that supported 16 adults with profound and multiple learning disabilities. I met a person who worked for Care UK, who spoke passionately about her role and the companys values and ethos, and I liked what I heard so much, that I decided to look for a role with Care UK. Now I work here, its lovely to realise that people really do share the same values and they truly want to make a difference to peoples lives.

My team and I are the very first people that a family member contacts as they begin to look for a care home for a loved one. Theyre feeling a mix of emotions – including feeling overwhelmed. As Customer Relations Manager, I am here to listen and empathise and support them to make the right decision for them and their loved one. Its very rewarding to support a family on this journey.

I have over 12 years of experience working on activities teams in other homes, and after moving to Basingstoke I decided I wanted a new challenge. I saw that Dashwood Manor was being built, and I was attracted to the large garden, and that it was opposite a lovely green space.

To be successful on a Lifestyle team, you need to be caring, passionate, creative and able to think outside of the box. My favourite part of the role is to create meaningful activities for individuals using their life history and interests. I think getting to know residents – finding out what their values are, what is important to them, who their friends and family are and what they enjoy doing in their spare time – is the most important part of my role.

Some people write off their past hobbies due to limited eyesight, hearing and mobility, but there is always a way to continue enjoying the things you love! Seeing the expression on someone’s face when you have planned something that means a lot to them is priceless.

At Care UK, we give residents the opportunity to make a ‘wish’ that we’ll fulfil. It is really exciting to organise, but the real magic lives in all the little things we do during a day. At Dashwood Manor we have had someone have their ears pierced for the first time, a tattoo, flying a plane and lastly… a skydive at 15,000 feet!

There are lots of things I’m proud of achieving over the years, but most of all just making someone’s day better. Showing residents they are still seen and heard can support them to live a fulfilling life.

Outside of work, I’m at my happiest when I’m walking a countryside walk or climbing a mountain. I’ve always loved being in the fresh air and surrounded by nature.

I joined the team at Dashwood Manor in 2021. I saw the beautiful new building and surroundings and liked the idea of being a part of a new team from the very beginning.

Previously I worked as a Pension’s Administrator and in a nursery for eight years and I have a degree in Business Administration.

To do well in this role, you need to be friendly and approachable. Listen to people and their needs. Be accurate with details and ensure you do what you have promised to do. My favourite part of my working day is talking to residents, families and staff and being able to help them. I feel very lucky to be working with the people I am working with. I look forward to seeing them all every week. Every workday is different, and you never know in the morning what is going to happen that day.

Away from work I love travelling and planning holidays. I enjoy long walks on the weekends and a good book in front of a fire. I have two sporty daughters, so a big portion of my free time is spend supporting them in their races and training.

As an experienced chef with a level two NVQ qualification, nothing makes me happier than seeing residents enjoy their meals.

I’ve worked in a variety of places and in different locations, I’ve even cooked for celebrities. However I love working in a care home environment which is why I chose to join Care UK.

In this role you need to be organised and be able to plan ahead. You also have to be patient, adaptable and have good attention to detail. Food safety is a top priority as well. I think it’s really important to take pride in the food you serve too.

Aside from the cooking, my favourite part of the day is mealtimes and serving residents while having a chat.

When I’m not cooking at Dashwood Manor, I like to socialise and spend time with my family.

I worked in admin before joining Care UK, and after recently working as a swimming instructor and administrator, I decided I wanted to try working in a new field. Moving into the care industry in my mid-40s has been a massive career change, but it’s one that I’m loving. Every day I feel like I am making a difference.

In this role, it’s important to be friendly, approachable, calm and to be able to make a good cup of tea! It’s my job to ensure that everyone that comes into the home is made to feel welcome and is met with a smile.

I love speaking to all the residents and their families. Hearing about their lives is fascinating. As a Reception Administrator, I feel like the hub of the home, and I love that residents and their families treat me like family.

Outside of work, I love running and baking. I run so that I can eat the cake!

Before becoming the Head Housekeeper at Dashwood Manor, I worked as a full-time domestic for nearly two years and gradually took on responsibilities from the previous Head Housekeeper. Receiving this promotion was the biggest highlight of my career.

I love working at Care UK because I can make a difference in residents' lives. In this role, you need to be compassionate, caring, open and honest. It’s also important to have good attention to detail, communication skills and customer service expertise. I believe it’s my responsibility to make sure residents and colleagues at Dashwood Manor are happy.

I enjoy every part of my working day. Seeing the residents happy in their home, which is cleaned to a high standard, and receiving comments from visitors on the cleanliness of the home make me feel proud of what I do.

When I’m not working, I love spending time with my family and watching my grandson play football for his team, as well as knitting, crochet and DIY projects.

I have more than nine years of experience as a maintenance person, and I chose to work at Care UK because I enjoy helping others and making a positive difference to their lives. I also like the variety and challenge of working in different settings and solving different problems. Working in maintenance at Dashwood Manor gives me a sense of satisfaction and purpose.

The most important part of my role is to prioritise the safety, comfort and overall satisfaction of residents. It’s important in this role to have good attention to detail, problem-solving skills, communication skills and technical proficiency. Working in a care home environment means you also need empathy and patience, flexibility and reliability.

I love our resident of the day programme, which means every single resident has a particular day when we focus on their care needs, as well as taking the opportunity to make them feel extra special.

I’m proud to contribute to a positive and well-maintained home environment that enhances the overall quality of life for residents.

Outside of work, I’m interested in history, economics and politics. I also like DIY projects and going fishing.