Our team at
Ponteland Manor

I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1998 in the Philippines. Before joining Care UK, I worked in multiple clinical settings, including universities, hospitals and, since 2005, in care homes. I began working for Care UK in 2015 and have found there are a lot of opportunities and support for both colleagues and residents alike.

I've always believed that you should treat and speak to people the way you want to be treated and spoken to. If it doesn't feel right, don't do it. It's important to be open to change and eager to learn and teach others, and to have a positive attitude. I always say, 'I don't know everything, but I will find the answer if there's something I don't know.

Alongside my career, l've been a mentor to overseas students since 2007. I was so proud when the university coordinator told me I was the best mentor during that time because of how my students progressed.

Each day I look forward to seeing the residents at Ponteland Manor. I love listening to their life stories and having a laugh together.

When I'm not at work, I love spending time with my husband and my three children.

I started working at Care UK about eight years ago as a Care Assistant. Although I had little experience, I was supported through all my training. When the lifestyle position became available, I knew being able to spend more time with residents and share happy and memorable times with them would be something I would really enjoy,

I’m a naturally caring person, and I love spending time with others. Working as Lifestyle Lead is all about making a positive difference to the residents’ lives. In this role, you need a positive attitude and good energy. Being enthusiastic about what you are doing also helps to motivate and encourage others.

Seeing the residents achieve something and be proud of what they have done is the highlight of my day. Their smiling faces are infectious, and I believe seeing their happiness is the reason we all do this line of work. It’s so rewarding. When I receive comments from residents saying what a difference I make to their day and that they enjoy living at Ponteland Manor, that makes me proud of what I do.

I have three dogs and enjoy taking them out on walks when I’m not working. 

I joined Care UK in late 2017 to give myself a new challenge. I hadn’t worked in the care sector before, but I was in the Army for 24 years and I finished my service as a Regimental Catering Warrant Officer. I once cooked for the Duke of Kent, which was a highlight.

I enjoy doing the ‘resident of the day’ meetings with residents. Everyone is resident of the day once a month, and it gives us a chance to ensure they’re happy with all aspects of their care. I hear their feedback about the food and ask them about other things they might like to have on the menu. It’s also nice to have a chat, and a laugh and a joke.

I like the relaxed atmosphere of Ponteland Manor, and how the team is focused on keeping everyone active, busy, happy and fed and watered. I’m looking forward to continuing to develop my team so that, together, we can provide the best support and food for the residents.

I’ve been working for Care UK for 15 years. Before becoming the Business Administrator, I was working as a recruitment consultant. In this role, it’s important to be polite, professional, efficient and organised. You need to have a great sense of humour too.

Ensuring the residents and team at Ponteland Manor are happy and the administration of the home is as efficient as possible is the most important part of my role. I enjoy meeting the residents and their families each day and helping where I can – it's my favourite part of my working day.

I take pride in having gained knowledge of my job over the years that allows me to help my colleagues with many different areas of administration within the home. I’m also proud to have won Admin of the Year in the Care UK Stars Awards. It was a real career highlight.

When I’m not working, I enjoy gardening and shopping.

I was working as an early years practitioner before joining Ponteland Manor. I returned to Care UK a few years ago after working for the organisation previously. The welcome and support we receive to provide the best environment for residents is what made me return.

The most important part of my role is to maintain a clean and tidy home for the residents and their families, so they can spend quality time together. In this role, you need to be friendly, approachable and happy to go the extra mile for residents. It’s also important to be hardworking and work well in a team.

My favourite part of every day is chatting with all the residents, families and team members in the home and forming strong bonds together. I love being part of a warm, welcoming home. I feel proud when I see residents and their families feeling comfortable and at home at Ponteland Manor, and when I’m working with a great team.

When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, walking my dogs and reading.

Working in care has always interested me and I have had a few roles that focus on this, including being a senior carer and team leader. But I absolutely love cleaning and find it therapeutic, so I am thrilled to be head housekeeper now. I like being organised and having everything in its right place.

I always look forward to seeing residents and having a chat with them as I go about my tasks for the day. It is a wonderful feeling to see the positive difference having a clean, safe, and comfortable home environment can make. It’s amazing what can be done in a day!

When I’m not at work, I love a bit of bingo with my mum and dad. I also look forward to my holidays, especially if I go to Disneyland in Florida as I’m also a huge Disney fan.

I’ve been a second chef and a bus driver throughout my career, but before joining Ponteland Manor I was working in maintenance at another Care UK care home.

In this role, it’s important to be responsive, have good timekeeping skills, be a quick thinker and handy with DIY. Everything I do is about supporting residents to live a fulfilling life at Ponteland Manor.

I enjoy climbing mountains, hiking and spending time with my dog when I’m not at work.