Our team at
Knebworth

I have many years’ experience working in customer service. I previously worked as a practice manager in a dental practice – quite a different sector to care. I was keen to gain experience in a different healthcare-related environment. I joined Knebworth Care Home in August 2018 as a receptionist & have recently taken on the position of Customer Relations Manager.

I am looking forward to working with families at what can be a challenging time, reassuring them andhelping them make the right decision for their loved ones. I’m a naturally caring person, and I’m adaptable and efficient – all of which helps in this role!

In my free time I like to spend time with my family, I am also a keen gym goer, but love getting outdoors for a run. 

I joined Care UK to work as part of a team making a difference to people's lives. In this role, you need to be passionate, caring, friendly, empathetic and compassionate. You also need to be a good listener and able to assist residents’ needs whatever they may be.

I’m proud to work with my team to create a caring environment at Knebworth where we can support residents to live fulfilling lives.

Outside of work, I enjoy walking, listening to music, making things and spending time with my family.

I joined Care UK and the Knebworth Care Home in 2017 because I wanted to work for a progressive care company. Previously I worked in a private care home. I’m really enjoying my role here: colleagues and the management team are great to work with, and we’ve got a great kitchen here. 

I love coming in first thing when the kitchen is quiet and having a coffee and planning the day ahead (you need to be organised in this job). Every day has its highlights: it’s always fantastic to get positive feedback from residents and their families about the food we produce for them.  

For the last 11 years I have worked within activity roles at different care homes, but one of my close friends recommended Knebworth as she loved working there. So, when the job came up for Lifestyle Lead, I took the leap and I’m so happy I did.

To be a Lifestyle Lead it’s important to be organised, happy, caring and make sure you’ve got initiative as often things can change, and it means you can provide residents with person-centred care. You also need to be patient and able to think on your feet, as two days are never the same at Knebworth.

My favourite part of my role is seeing the smiles of residents who struggle to communicate, it’s great to see that the job we do makes a difference in their lives. And what makes me so proud of my role is getting good feedback from the residents and families and creating meaningful lives with my amazing team that work well together.

Before working at Care UK I was a Physiotherapy Technician and after 25 years of working in the NHS I wanted to try something different and with my qualifications in care and NAPA. I thought being a lifestyle coordinator was perfect for me, and I was right!

To be a successful lifestyle coordinator you need to always be understanding, friendly, outgoing, willing to listen to residents and to go the extra mile to help them. The favourite part of my day is making the residents smile and this is the most rewarding part of my job alongside fulfilling their needs.

In my spare time I love to spend time with family and visit our holiday home and create memories with my family.

I joined Care UK after hearing good things from a lot of people, and I knew I would be able to build a career here. I started at Knebworth as a Kitchen Assistant, and within one year I was promoted to Head Housekeeper – this was a huge career highlight!

In this role, you need to be focused, have good communication skills and be very detail orientated. You also need to understand guest service, laundry service and hospitality and housekeeping.

The most important part of my role is making sure the surroundings are clean and safe for residents and colleagues, and making sure supplies are ready so the team can fulfil their roles. I’m proud of how quickly I’ve grown into this role and that I can solve all the challenges that come my way. I also enjoy training others to perform well in a team environment and seeing their work praised by residents and families.

I like going on long drives and spending time with my family outside of work.

My mum, Paula, is the Customer Relations Manager at the home. I came in to work with her one day and didn’t want to leave, so we made the decision that I should work here and be part of the team. Every morning I walk around the home to see all the residents, my job is to put smiles on faces and to share the love.

In fact, I have so much love to give that I just have to share it with anyone I meet. Any stranger is usually a lifelong friend within seconds, especially when they have snacks. I also love spending time in the garden, watching the birds, as do other residents. I hope to see you soon!