Our team at
Ayton House

I used to work in corporate sales and marketing, however, when I took a year off to care for an older relative, the experience put me onto a new path. I decided to bring my skills and experience to Care UK so that I could help families at a time when they really need help and support. 

One of the biggest challenges for me in making a career change was educating myself about dementia. There’s so much to understand about it and the different forms it takes, and how to help people to live well with dementia. I’ve loved it though, I’d say making the move to care has been the highlight of my career. 

My role as lifestyle lead is to make sure residents lead fulfilling lives. To do that you need to be empathetic, caring and compassionate (as well as organised). Most importantly though, you need to have a sense of fun.

I am a qualified occupational therapist and have experience as a carer and wellbeing lead.

Previously, I worked for the NHS for 35 years. During that time, I successfully introduced a seven-day working service which helped patients with fractures regain their independence sooner and return home quicker. Being able to put people’s needs at the centre of their care provision like that, is something I feel strongly about. It is also one of the reasons why I decided to join Care UK, where residents are at the heart of every decision. Care UK’s values of caring, passionate and teamwork also mirror my own.

If I had to choose a favourite part of the day, it would be the time I spend with residents. Finding out what activities they enjoy and making them happen is all in a day’s work.

One time, I helped a resident travel to London so she could lay flowers and pay her respects to the late queen. We made a photobook to commemorate the occasion. It’s a wonderful feeling to see someone smile because you’ve helped them.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I love all kinds of music and play the piano in my spare time, plus I’m a member of a local choir. Walking my two rescue dogs in our glorious countryside and nearby beach also keeps me busy!

I’m looking forward to meeting new residents at Ayton House, getting to know them, and working with them to develop an engaging and fulfilling programme of activities for everyone to enjoy.