Happy retirement, Kathy!

Home news

Apr 15, 2016

We’ll soon be saying goodbye to Kathy Harman, home manager at Laurel Dene in Hampton, Middlesex as she retires at the end of April after 30 years with Care UK.

Fourteen of those years have been at Laurel Dene. And, as news has got around about her departure, we’ve been receiving some lovely words about Kathy from colleagues, relatives of residents – and from our own CEO – and we wanted to share them.

From Joy Cuff, relative of a previous Laurel Dene resident, and a longstanding member of the Friends of Laurel Dene.

“Kathy has made Laurel Dene a proper home for the residents, listening to their needs and taking their suggestions on board. I have seen the long hours and devotion that Kathy has put into her time at Laurel Dene. She made it her business to know all the residents and relatives... She made all the residents feel they were special. Kathy’s skill and experience of dementia sufferers… has contributed to the exceptional care provided by the home.”  

From Patricia Bradley, relative of a previous Laurel Dene resident, and a longstanding member of the Friends of Laurel Dene.

“Kathy… was our guiding light with her unswerving support, care and professionalism. She was there for us at our every turn… and would always attend our meetings giving her advice and support.

Our fondest farewell to Kathy, a brilliant manager and wonderful lady.”

From Desiree Jooste, regional support manager at Care UK.

“Kathy has been more than a manager for many of the team at Laurel Dene. By working with a dedicated core group of staff for many years, she has helped to provide stability and consistency of care delivery. She has been a leader, respected and loved by so many. Kathy will be missed at Laurel Dene and we wish her the very best for the future.”

From Mike Parish, CEO of Care UK.

“Kathy was the first home manager that I met when I joined Care UK in 2001 and I learned much from her. The construction of Laurel Dene and managing the re-settling of residents was complex, especially as the home was commissioned in stages. Kathy showed great organisational skills and empathy with residents and relatives, as she has done ever since. Kathy deserves to enjoy her retirement, and we are hugely appreciative of her immense contribution over many years.”

We understand that Kathy is planning to do voluntary work in the local community in her retirement so we’re sure that she’ll continue to keep in touch with colleagues, residents and relatives at Laurel Dene.

But from everyone at the home – and at Care UK as a whole – thank you for everything, Kathy, and enjoy your retirement!