Our team at
Lauder Lodge

I have worked within social care for several years and I started as a care assistant while I completed my nursing training. I then developed into working as a Deputy Manager and Home Manager as well as working in pediatric and neonatal nursing.

The best part of my working day is getting to know the residents and their quirks and I love spending time with them.

Outside of work, family time is important to me and I enjoy spending time with my beautiful nieces and nephews. I have a little dog called Belle who I just adore and she brings genuine happiness to my life. My friends and family are the world to me. When I’m not found with them, I can usually be found spending my wages at the shops!

I was so impressed with the whole process and the continuing support and care my mum receives that I decided I wanted to work for the organisation.

While I used to work in customer relations in the motor industry, moving to the social care sector has been a steep learning curve, particularly getting to grips with regulations, contracts and how we work with local authorities.

One of the best aspects of my job is meeting prospective residents and their families. It's an emotional experience looking for care for a loved one, and people can often be tearful when we lift the burden from them, and they see that their loved one will be cared for like one of our family. It’s very satisfying to help families.

I'm an avid rugby fan, so in my spare time you might find me watching an Edinburgh Rugby match, or motor sport. And my favourite way to unwind is over a long lunch and a few drinks with my family.

  I had heard good things about Care UK and after a recommendation from a friend I decided to take the role here.

Interacting with the residents is the highlight of my day. From the daily activities we organise to big celebrations such as a 100^th birthday parties, every day is different and exciting at Lauder Lodge. When I’m not at work entertaining residents I love to bake, read and watch movies.

In 2017, I fancied a new challenge and wanted to go outside my comfort zone. Here at Lauder Lodge I have the chance to give residents a restaurant-style dining experience and to set a new standard in care home catering.

I enjoy meal times the most here as all the time and effort that you’ve put into preparing, creating and cooking the food comes to fruition when the dishes are served. Residents really enjoy what we do for them and they pass on their compliments, which makes it worth it.

I'm passionate about making care home catering the best it can be, so I was delighted to win Care UK's Chef of the Year competition in 2018. I love experimenting with new menus and dishes for residents to enjoy, and the competition was a chance to showcase my skills and creativity. 

Away from work, I unwind by playing football with my kids. We’re a football-loving family and kicking a ball about is a great way to de-stress.

Care UK was described to me as a warm and welcoming company, and that’s exactly the experience I’ve had, and the experience I always aim to give residents and their families, as well as colleagues.

This role certainly keeps me on my toes! Every day is different and my workload can change in an instant, so flexibility is key. I always get a great sense of achievement when I tick off all the tasks on my ‘to do’ list!

There’s a lovely team here at Lauder Lodge and a very friendly atmosphere. Everyone helps each other and we enjoy working together to support the residents and their families. It feels like a large family home.

In my spare time I love to unwind with a long walk, or by catching up with friends on the phone or in person. I also like finding interesting podcasts and documentaries to listen to or watch.

I came in to work with him one day and didn’t want to leave, so we made the decision that I should work here on a permanent basis as part of the team.

Everyone treats me like a VIP when I walk around the home. This must be what it’s like being a royal. Except with more tummy rubs and dog treats. The only challenge is remembering everyone’s name – oh, and saying hello to all the residents before I need to have a nap. 

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. What can I say? It’s a gift I have. See you soon!