Our team at
Old Norse Lodge

I have lots of experience with the residents as I was a carer here previously. As a Lifestyle Manager, you definitely need to be organised, calm and have empathy. It is also important to be flexible and adapt to changing needs and priorities as the day unfolds. Being able to organise an activity that everyone enjoys is always a highlight and it is a fantastic feeling to see people smiling, laughing and getting involved.

It also helps to have lots of different skills because you never know what you might need to plan next. I once helped organise a 101st birthday celebration, which was amazing for everyone and so rewarding to plan.

When I am not at work, I enjoy gardening, visiting family and relaxing at home.

I was previously unit manager here and have experience as a senior carer, clinical lead and deputy manager. I have also been at Old Norse Lodge since it opened, and it’s been brilliant to watch it go from strength to strength.

The most important part of my role is to make sure residents receive the best possible care, while also supporting colleagues to do this. What we do here is really rewarding and I feel proud to help in the smooth running of the home.

As Care Manager, you need to be kind, compassionate, empathetic and respectful, as well as knowledgeable. I also think you have to be understanding but firm.

Every day is different, but I always enjoy the time I spend with residents. Knowing that you have been able to help make a positive difference to someone, even in a small way, always feels good.

When I am not at work, I enjoy spending my time with family and going on holiday.

I spent five years in catering college and was previously a chef in a hotel restaurant. Many years ago, I also cooked for Royalty which was a real career highlight.

As Head Chef in a care environment, you need a good understanding of health and nutrition. It is also important to be kind and respectful, after all, this is home for residents, and we should treat it as such. Knowing people’s likes and dislikes also helps make everyone feel understood and genuinely cared for.

Unsurprisingly, mealtimes are my favourite part of the day. I enjoy seeing people happy and getting back empty plates is always rewarding.

I spend my spare time seeing family and you’ll often find me building Lego.

I started as a carer and progressed to senior carer. After switching to an administrative role, I then moved into my current position as Front of House Manager.

Working in care is an important role that lots of people underestimate. It’s often long hours and it can be hard, but I love being able to help people in any way I can and to the best of my ability.

As Front of House Manager, you need to be cheerful, welcoming, compassionate, helpful and organised.

My biggest interests outside of work are reading and looking after my French bulldog, Mabel. I also have a static caravan that we go to almost every weekend.

I have had training in COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) and am an infection control champion at Old Norse Lodge. Progressing from housekeeper to Head Housekeeper has been a big highlight for me and my training has helped develop my skills and knowledge.

In this role, it is important to have good leadership skills. I also think it helps to be outgoing and bubbly. You also need to be adaptable and understanding as every day is different with changing priorities.

I always feel proud when I look around Old Norse Lodge, knowing that we follow all the correct procedures and that the home is cleaned to the very highest standards.

In my spare time, I enjoy taking my dog out for evening walks and spending time with family and friends. I also like to go fishing and when I can, go for meals and the odd cheeky drink.

Before joining the team here, I worked in maintenance at another care home. But before that, I was a taxi driver for 20 years.

My role here is really satisfying, knowing that I can help residents with something or just taking a little time to sit and have a chat with them. With any role in care, you need to be patient and friendly. Being cheerful and upbeat goes a long way too.

It is important to me that Old Norse Lodge is in good working order and is well maintained so everyone feels safe and comfortable.

My wife and I have a caravan, so we spend a lot of our weekends and spare time in that. I also enjoy walking my French Bulldog, Mabel.