Our team at
Sandfields

I have been working in the care sector for 25 years, in my career so far, I have undertaken a variety of roles, my career highlight was becoming a registered manager for a nursing home. I decided to move to Care UK to experience working in a larger care setting.

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 in Sandfields and colleagues who work here.

I love to share my knowledge and coach colleagues, to help them in delivering person-centred care, whilst also knowing with support they may progress in their role.

Every day is different at Sandfields, I love the energy and being part of a team. 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 horse riding and reading.

Almost all my career has been spent in sales-related roles. I moved into the care sector when I worked for an organisation in the affordable housing sector. I had the chance to move sideways into their care division and I’ve never looked back. 

I’ve worked at Sandfields before and loved it, so, when the opportunity came up, I was keen to return. One of the things I love most about this role is chatting to the residents. All sorts of incredible things have happened to them – there’s always something new to learn about their lives. 

A little while ago I became a dementia champion. As well as being invaluable when supporting families who are looking for care for a loved one who may be living with dementia, it’s helped me to overcome my fear of public speaking. I’m now confident presenting or speaking in front of a crowd, which is very handy, and something I’m very proud of.

When I’m not at work, I enjoy walking my little Westie dog, Bo. I’m also a keen golfer and play whenever I can. I enjoy golfing holidays too with my husband and friends. 

I volunteered at Sandfields helping with events and assisting with mealtimes and loved to help residents enjoy their day and this led to me to my current position I am in now.

In this role, you need to be caring, as well as having a great sense of humour - think outside the box when it comes to activities and have patience and respect.

My favourite part of the day is when a resident says thank you, I really enjoy that, you know you have made a difference. My biggest career highlight was being promoted to Senior Lifestyle Coordinator it helps me to support new colleagues and show them ways to support residents in leading a fulfilling lifestyle.

In my spare time, I enjoy reading, trips to the cinema and attend Comic Cons!

I decided to work for Care UK for the opportunity to give something back to so many wonderful people and to lead a like minded team who are committed to providing meaningful lifestyles and person centered activities for everyone.

This is a multifaceted role; from managing my amazing team to engaging with the local community, booking great entertainers and engaging with residents. As a result I have to be very organised, professional, approachable and a very good communicator with my colleagues, residents and their relatives.

What makes me proud of my role is the sense of adding value or enhancing someone's life. This can be expressed by anything from a thank you card from a relative, to simply a smile from a resident who may be a long way through a journey with dementia.

Outside of work, my number one passion is spending time with my family, I also follow Formula 1, West Bromwich Albion FC and the Wales national rugby union team. I also love a good walk in the countryside and I am now learning to play the piano.

I joined the team at Sandfields in 2013 and I’ve never looked back. The home is lovely and Care UK has a great reputation for care, and for looking after its colleagues. And by far the best part of my job is working with such fantastic people, both the residents and my colleagues. There’s a strong sense of family here at Sandfields.

When the opportunity came up to be the IPC champion I seized it. I’d been involved in IPC before, and I’d enjoyed it, and I fancied a fresh challenge too. I enjoy the extra layer of knowledge as well as the attention to detail that are needed in the role.

As the IPC champion I’ve had to do specialist training, and it’s important to keep my skills and knowledge current. I undertake IPC audits around the home, which means working with colleagues across all our teams. I train colleagues in IPC, so we’re all working to the latest and highest standards to keep residents safe at all times.  

I joined Care UK in 2013 – prior to that, I was an administrator for ten years for another care provider.

This role has challenged me to fulfil my potential. Things can change very quickly here, which keeps me on my toes. I pride myself on prioritising my workload and being very organised. I love being part of a great team: we offer superb care here and we have great people who are helping residents to live fulfilling lives in all sorts of ways.

I have six grandchildren and they keep me busy when I’m not at work. I also enjoy walking my dog in the beautiful Cotswold countryside.

I’ve been part of the Sandfields team for five years. Prior to joining the team I worked in different roles, including as a counsellor. When I was looking for a new challenge, I researched Care UK and liked what I saw, so I decided to apply to Sandfields.

The residents make Sandfields a special place to work, and I love to see them fulfilled, happy and busy. I feel privileged to work here as it has enabled me to see the best of human nature in action in the people we care for, and through the work of the superb team we have here. Of course the days can be challenging – we’re supporting people with very varied needs – but there’s always something new to learn, which I love.

Away from work, I like to unwind by shopping, socialising, travelling and learning new skills.

I’ve been with the Sandfields team with a number of years now. When I first visited the home I really liked the atmosphere. Everything was clean, the team was nice. It felt like a lovely place to live and work. I started as a Carer and then progressed to Team Leader, then Suite Manager.

I love how every day is different in this role, and I’m always busy, so time flies. The best part of my day is the time I spend interacting with the residents and finding new ways to make time at Sandfields as fulfilling and person-centred as possible. We strive to provide care that’s fully personalised to each resident’s needs, interests and tastes. I’m always learning new things about the residents, and their needs change over time, so the care we provide is always adapting to suit them. 

I have worked in the care sector for nine years, starting at the young age of 16 as an apprentice. I have worked in many different areas of care, from learning disabilities and challenging behaviour through to substance and alcohol misuse issues, as well as older people’s care.

Two years ago, while working as a support worker for adults with severe challenging behaviour, mental health issues and learning disabilities, I was blessed with my first child. I decided to have a whole career change and take on a new challenge. I wanted to remain in the care setting but doing something that was not so hands on, so I thought this position would be perfect, as I could still make a difference and support individuals to live fulfilling lives.

In this role, I think you need to be kind, caring, considerate, compassionate and empathetic. It’s also important to be outgoing, organised, respectful and have good communication skills. The most important part of my role is giving people my time and attention so they feel heard and appreciated.

My favourite part of my day is engaging with residents and seeing them smile. When I can see the difference individuals make to someone else’s life just by ‘caring’, I feel proud of what I do.

Outside of work, I enjoy meeting up with friends for coffee and going on day trips with my grandmother. Other than that, I spend most days building train sets, playing with cars and singing with my little boy.

I’m passionate about working in care because I believe I have so much to give others. Before becoming the Head Housekeeper at Sandfields, I was working as a housekeeper and carer. This promotion has been the highlight of my career so far.

The most important part of my role is maintaining Care UK’s high standards with my team, and I’m proud when we maintain cleanliness and tidiness throughout the home.

As Head Housekeeper, it’s important that I have a calm manner, am passionate about the role and work well with my team. I love encouraging new starters to enjoy their roles and ensuring their training is complete. When I know my team are happy and enjoying their working day, I feel fulfilled in my role.

Choosing a favourite part of the day is difficult – the day goes by so quickly as I’m always busy and there is always something to be sorted!

When I’m not working, I enjoy cooking, reading, swimming and going to the gym. Family is also very important to me.

I used to run my own business in the building sector before I joined Care UK, so I have over 20 years’ experience in all-things DIY! I’ve also been in the Forces and have been a martial arts instructor. Quite a variety…

I love being here in the early morning as I get to see the night and day shifts together and can get a sense of everything I need to do that day. I also really enjoy the activities and get involved if I have time. What’s so rewarding about this role is the fact that you’re making a difference to other people’s lives and you can build up quality long-term relationships with them – residents, relatives and colleagues alike.

I’ve been a laidback member of the Sandfields team since 2014, when the home adopted me as a stray. I’ve developed a highly challenging but rewarding role that includes sunning myself, chasing assorted animals who are minding their own business, and general Important Cat Business.

Mealtimes are the highlight of the day for everyone, and I like to hang around the dining rooms to help the residents with their meals. After that, it’s good to take time out of my hectic schedule to curl up on Bronte Suite and hang out with the residents who like to stroke me. I have everyone at Sandfields very well-trained now, but Malaika the Home Manager, and Sandra the Housekeeper are particularly receptive to my charms, which ensures I have an excellent supply of Dreamies.

I look forward to welcoming you to Sandfields very soon! (Particularly if you bring treats.)