Our team at
Field Lodge

I moved to Care UK in the summer of 2015. Im very focused on doing my best for the team and its always a good feeling getting to the end of the day and knowing Ive done my best to tick everything off my ‘to do list. I really enjoy the family atmosphere here and I love interacting with colleagues, residents and relatives as much as I can.

Its been a great experience to deputise for the home manager and deputy home manager on several occasions – Ill help any colleague, resident or relative who needs it – and I was over the moon to be nominated for ‘team member of the year in early 2017 by the Field Lodge team. I never knew so many colleagues thought so highly of me.

Here at Field Lodge I'm also the Infection Prevention & Control (IPC) Champion. In essence, my role involves establishing and maintaining a high standard of hygiene and cleanliness so that residents, colleagues and visitors are kept safe. I provide infection control training and am on hand to support our team to work to the highest standards.

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 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.