Our team at
Ivy Grove

Before joining the team at Ivy Grove, I worked in the neurology department at Great Ormand Street Hospital.

I’ve worked in health and social care since 2018 and have been able to build up my experience in managing teams. It’s important to me that colleagues feel supported to deliver care to the highest of standards. I also spent some time as a member of an NHS committee that created procedure policies, which was a personal career highlight.

I’ve actually rejoined Care UK, having worked for the organisation previously. I really enjoy working in a social care environment and am thrilled to be back. It’s wonderful to be able to talk with residents and their families and to get to know them.

In my role as deputy manager, you have to be organised, reliable and empathetic. Working as a team also means you have to learn to trust others.

I love walking into work each morning, not knowing what the day has in store. Every day is different so you never know what might happen. I’m a problem solver so I like to find solutions that benefit both residents and colleagues.

In my spare time, I’m taking lessons on how to produce electronic music, I’m also learning to be a DJ.

I spent many years working in retail, but I wanted to work in care so I could make a difference to people’s lives and have a genuine purpose.

My grandmother is my inspiration. She’s living with dementia and I’m her secondary carer. I love being in her company and I make every effort to ensure that she is fulfilled in her remaining years. I’m so proud to represent Care UK in a role where I can help other families and support their older loved ones to enjoy quality of life and meaningful experiences.

I empathise fully with the many emotions that families feel when they’re looking for care. I’m passionate about supporting families through every step of the journey, from choosing a home to moving their loved one into our home and helping them to feel settled.

I enjoy learning all about the residents at Ivy Grove and hearing their life stories, and supporting them to live life to the full in our beautiful Chingford care home.

I worked as a Carer for nine years, as well as being a Florist, before joining Ivy Grove to lead activities in the home. I really enjoy having fun with residents doing the activities. Being passionate, adaptable and bubbly are key to my role.

In my spare time I love reading, visiting car shows, and travelling to various villages and pubs across the country.

I have previously worked as General Manager at a very well respected location – even presenting dishes on national television and cooking for VIPs, but decided to join Ivy Grove to get a better work/life balance.

It’s so rewarding to see the residents smiling and enjoying my meals – I love showing my culinary skills as well as learning new things. When not at Ivy Grove managing the dining team, I enjoy spending time with my family, sport, and watching films. I also love to travel and discover new places and cultures.

I started at Ivy Grove in 2022, having previously been an Operational Manager. I decided to make the change because I wanted to work for a well-recognised company that has opportunities for growth and development and where I could work in an environment that allowed me to help people and where my work would be appreciated and valued.

As a Business Administrator at Ivy Grove, it is important that I have seamless communication between myself and the team. For a resident, moving in experience is quite overwhelming, and part of my job is to make sure that all administrative issues are handled efficiently.

When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with my kids and meeting up with my friends, and I look forward to taking my adorable dog out for long walks.

I was working as a senior customer services supervisor for HSBC before I joined Ivy Grove. I was made redundant and decided I wanted to work closer to home and in a more caring environment.

As Receptionist, it’s my job to be the frontline for the home when relatives come through the door and when it comes to answering the phone. Generally, I need to be there for everyone. It’s important in this role to be caring, patient, empathetic and a good listener. You also need good admin skills, including a good telephone manner, and above all to be adaptable.

First thing in the morning is my favourite part of my working day. I love when all the residents come to say hello. Everyone is very friendly at Ivy Grove and make you feel like you’re part of a big family. When I go home at the end of the day, knowing I’ve done a good job and helped people as much as I’m able makes me proud.

Outside of work, I enjoy power walking and eating out. I also love walking through Epping Forest with my son.

I am proud of my role at Ivy Grove, as I enjoy making the home spotless and beautiful. I have worked as a care and teaching assistant before, but my passion lies with housekeeping, and when I found out that there was a vacancy for the Head Housekeeper role at the home, I immediately applied, and I am happy that I got the role.

My favourite part of the day is when I leave the home clean and tidy. We also have a close knit community at the home between the residents and the team, so I truly enjoy the interaction that we have every day. In this role, it is important that my team knows that we all work together as a team and that they can approach me for anything.

To unwind, I love spending time with my beautiful family and socialising with those nearest and dearest.

I joined Ivy Grove after working as a bar café and reception supervisor because I wanted a job that would help me give back and feel like part of a wider family.

In my role as Receptionist, you need to be kind, positive, supportive, understanding and helpful in any way you can be. The most important parts of my role day-to-day are management and organisation, such as making sure appointments are made, expectations are met and any important messages are forwarded. But it’s also being the first point of contact for anyone who visits the home. I take a lot of pride in this role as I want everyone that walks in to receive a warm welcome to Ivy Grove.

I love greeting the residents as I enter the building each day. Seeing their smiles throughout my day brings me pure happiness and joy. I’m proud of the way I’ve adapted to this role, having learned new skills and taken on responsibilities that have allowed me to broaden my knowledge.

When I’m not working, I spend as much time as I can with my grandchildren. I also like going out to eat, reading books and gardening.