Our team at
Rush Hill Mews

I was keen to join Care UK because it has a great reputation. I also know some of the team at Rush Hill Mews and they always have good things to say about it.

As a Deputy Manager I think it’s important to be kind, caring, empathetic and committed to delivering the highest standards of care. That means going above and beyond to ensure residents are happy. It also means supporting the team to develop and progress.

I’m looking forward to working with the management team to create an ‘A Team’ at our Bath care home. We’ve got a superb team and we want to support them to be able to deliver their best work. We’re in the process of establishing systems to support the team to meet all our goals.

Outside of work I’m working on a novel. I also enjoy cooking, watching movies and dining out.

I started out in care in 2017 as a support worker. I wanted to join Care UK because it’s a well respected provider, delivering great care and offering superb career opportunities.

Empathy and a caring nature are vital when you do this job. I never forget what a huge decision it is for families to decide to move a loved one into a care home. There are many different emotions involved, so understanding and compassion go a long way.

Lunchtime here at our Bath care home is probably my favourite time of the day because it’s fantastic to see residents socialising together and enjoying the great food that our kitchen team serves up. When I can I also take part in activities, and help to arrange events that we host at Rush Hill Mews.

Away from work I enjoy losing myself in a book, going for long walks and catching up with friends and family.

Prior to that, I lived in Malta for five years where I managed a huge portfolio of off shore trusts. My pride and joy are my family - my beautiful wife, and my two equally beautiful daughters! Since joining the home, I truly feel like I have gained another family. This was particularly evident during the commissioning of the home when it opened, and further reinforced by the recent Heart & Soul Awards.

I’d cared for my mum for ten years. When she passed on, I thought I’d like to use my experience to help other people. At that point I’d been out of the workplace for a long time, so finding my feet took me a while! However, here I am, and I received a ‘Team Member of the Year’ award in 2021, so I couldn’t be happier.

Providing activities that are personalised is so important. If something is too easy or too difficult for a resident, or if it doesn’t interest them, it can be frustrating for them. It’s important to understand different people’s abilities and interests, and to tailor things accordingly. Knowledge of the residents, patience and understanding are key.

Interacting with residents, making them smile and helping them to see what they’re capable of are just some of the highlights of my job. I enjoy what I do so much that you can usually find me planning new activities for the residents in my spare time! Other than that, I enjoy reading and captaining a ladies darts team.

Then moving on to become the private chef for the Governor of Bermuda, during which time I prepared meals for dignitaries from around the world, including The Queen, Prince Phillip and Princess Anne. Up until I became Head Chef here, I worked at The Latymer, a Michelin starred restaurant that featured on MasterChef. I have worked at the home since it opened, and I pour my heart and soul into every dish I create. The residents are always extremely appreciative and it is my pleasure to serve them.

Even though I’m not delivering hands on care these days, caring is still a large part of what I do. I always chat to the residents when I’m cleaning their rooms and I find out what they’ve been doing and how they are. Those little interactions can make all the difference to their mood and whether they have a good day.

We’re a small housekeeping team, but we’re full of passion for what we do, and for ensuring that residents have a lovely clean and tidy home to enjoy. If a resident wants to help with dusting or tidying the lounge, we’ll support them to do so as it’s a great way for them to feel valued and to stay independent.

My job keeps me busy, and in my free time my garden and grandchildren keep me occupied too! We look forward to welcoming you to Rush Hill Mews very soon.