Our team at
Field Lodge

As Deputy Manager, I believe you need to be a good listener and a great communicator - you need to be able to communicate information concisely and effectively with residents, team members and families. But the most important part of my job is maintaining the health and wellbeing of the residents who live at Field Lodge and colleagues who work here.

Every day is different at Field Lodge, I love getting to know residents and hear what they are getting up to. The main part of the day for me is ensuring residents enjoy their stay and are having all their needs met in accordance with their care plan.

In my free time I like to spend it with friends, and I love animals – especially my two Jack Russell's.

I have over 30 years’ experience in catering in hotels and restaurants, and I’ve worked in a mental health hospital too, but, when I joined Field Lodge in 2020 it was my first experience of working in a care home.

I’m passionate about great food and about delivering interesting, satisfying meals to residents. In fact, my favourite part of the day is serving the meals, seeing happy faces and gaining feedback from residents.

It’s interesting to learn about different diets and I enjoy getting to know residents’ likes and dislikes so we can continually improve the quality of what we do, and make food and dining at Field Lodge even more person-centred. I love my wonderful team here at the home. Without them I couldn’t do what I do and maintain the high standards I believe in.

I’m a very sociable person, so outside of work I enjoy entertaining family and friends (I have gorgeous children and grandchildren who I love to spend time with). I’m a big music fan, so often go to festivals or musicals in the West End. I also like to fundraise, in 2014 I did two skydives for charity!

I used to work as a care assistant, but joined Field Lodge back in 2014. This is a fantastic role to have. Seeing the residents and getting a hug from them every morning is my favourite part of the day. I love seeing the smiles on their faces and organising fun and exciting things for them to do, whether that’s out in the minibus, or entertainment and activities in the home.

I always look forward to spending quality time with the residents, whether it’s over a cup of tea as I talk about what activities we’re planning, or getting together with other Care UK care homes.

I’ve worked in the care industry for over 30 years. In 2014 I moved to St Ives just as Field Lodge was being built. I joined the team when the home opened as it was the perfect opportunity for me to continue my career in care closer to home.

To be good in this role you need to be calm, confident and caring. I’m a patient person with a kind nature – I always want the best for other people. I love the family feel of our care home and enjoy getting to know the residents and their families. Knowing I’ve made a different to the residents lives, especially those living with dementia, is the highlight of my day.

When I’m not at work you can probably find me by the coast, enjoying the beaches in Norfolk. I’m also a keen crafter and especially enjoy card making.

Ive been working as an administrator in care homes since 2004, so, when I joined Care UK and Field Lodge in 2015, I already had lots of experience in the care sector. I wanted to work for Care UK because I knew someone who already worked for the company, and they only had good things to say about it. I havent looked back since! 

When I first visited Field Lodge I was very struck – and very impressed – by how friendly everyone was and the homely atmosphere here. I wanted to be a part of that. The team makes this feel like a home from home for residents and their families. Were one big family really, which is how it should be. Id certainly say that the best part of my day is meeting and chatting to residents and their families.  

I first started working at Care UK in 2017 when I joined as a Team Leader. I knew someone who worked at Field Lodge, and it sounded like a team I wanted to be a part of. In 2021 I was promoted to a new role as Receptionist, and I continued to work here until I left in 2023. But in February 2024 I rejoined as Receptionist.

In this role, it’s important to be friendly, welcoming, empathetic and understanding. You also need to be able to work well in a team. The team, residents and relatives at Field Lodge make this a very homely place to work. I feel I'm making a difference fulfilling lives, and I am proud to be part of the Field Lodge family.

Talking to the residents and their families is always my favourite part of the day. I enjoy helping residents with any questions they have. Supporting residents to live an independent, fulfilling life is the most important part of my role.

When I’m not working, I enjoy reading, taking long walks with my husband and our dog and spending time with family and friends.

I used to have my own cleaning business, so I’m used to being proactive and ready to help. I enjoy turning my hand to whatever a resident needs, from hanging a picture to building a chicken coop or adjusting a mattress so that a person’s more comfortable. My role also includes responsibility for fire safety and health and safety, which I obviously take extremely seriously.

I may not be a big fan of the paperwork involved in my role (who is?!). I really enjoy the early mornings when I’ve just got in, and I’ve got my task list written up. It’s good to have things to do.