Our team at
Sandfields

It was actually my mother-in-law who introduced me to Care UK. I thought I’d find out more and apply for a role, and I’m pleased I did, as I feel I’ve truly found my career ‘niche’. I joined Care UK in 2016, and I was working at Scarlet House in Stroud before moving to the Sandfields team.

I love hearing about residents’ lives and I feel honoured that they choose to share their memories with me. That makes my job worthwhile, and feeling that I’m contributing to each person’s care makes me immensely proud.

I think being positive around the team and ensuring you’re always communicating with them are extremely important to a good functioning home team. A smile and positive energy can have an amazing effect on everyone and their working day. There’s a strong family atmosphere here at Sandfields. Everyone looks after each other, which is incredibly important, and fundamental to great teamwork.

Aside from spending time with my wife and two young sons, I enjoy the simple things in life, like a pint in my local put, and sitting back and watching the football. 

I moved into the care sector when I worked for an organisation in the affordable housing sector. I had the chance to move sideways into their care division and I’ve never looked back.

I’ve worked at Sandfields before and loved it, so, when the opportunity came up, I was keen to return. One of the things I love most about this role is chatting to the residents. All sorts of incredible things have happened to them – there’s always something new to learn about their lives. 

A little while ago I became a dementia champion. As well as being invaluable when supporting families who are looking for care for a loved one who may be living with dementia, it’s helped me to overcome my fear of public speaking. I’m now confident presenting or speaking in front of a crowd, which is very handy, and something I’m very proud of.

When I’m not at work, I enjoy walking my little Westie dog, Bo. I’m also a keen golfer and play whenever I can. I enjoy golfing holidays too with my husband and friends. 

The home is lovely and Care UK has a great reputation for care, and for looking after its colleagues. And by far the best part of my job is working with such fantastic people, both the residents and my colleagues. There’s a strong sense of family here at Sandfields.

When the opportunity came up to be the IPC champion I seized it. I’d been involved in IPC before, and I’d enjoyed it, and I fancied a fresh challenge too. I enjoy the extra layer of knowledge as well as the attention to detail that are needed in the role.

As the IPC champion I’ve had to do specialist training, and it’s important to keep my skills and knowledge current. I undertake IPC audits around the home, which means working with colleagues across all our teams. I train colleagues in IPC, so we’re all working to the latest and highest standards to keep residents safe at all times.  

This role has challenged me to fulfil my potential. Things can change very quickly here, which keeps me on my toes. I pride myself on prioritising my workload and being very organised. I love being part of a great team: we offer superb care here and we have great people who are helping residents to live fulfilling lives in all sorts of ways.

I have six grandchildren and they keep me busy when I’m not at work. I also enjoy walking my dog in the beautiful Cotswold countryside.

Prior to joining the team I worked in different roles, including as a counsellor. When I was looking for a new challenge, I researched Care UK and liked what I saw, so I decided to apply to Sandfields.

The residents make Sandfields a special place to work, and I love to see them fulfilled, happy and busy. I feel privileged to work here as it has enabled me to see the best of human nature in action in the people we care for, and through the work of the superb team we have here. Of course the days can be challenging – we’re supporting people with very varied needs – but there’s always something new to learn, which I love.

Away from work, I like to unwind by shopping, socialising, travelling and learning new skills.

When I first visited the home I really liked the atmosphere. Everything was clean, the team was nice. It felt like a lovely place to live and work. I started as a Carer and then progressed to Team Leader, then Suite Manager.

I love how every day is different in this role, and I’m always busy, so time flies. The best part of my day is the time I spend interacting with the residents and finding new ways to make time at Sandfields as fulfilling and person-centred as possible. We strive to provide care that’s fully personalised to each resident’s needs, interests and tastes. I’m always learning new things about the residents, and their needs change over time, so the care we provide is always adapting to suit them. 

I’ve also been a Care Worker. I love working in care, and I joined the Sandfields team in 2020 because I was keen to explore new opportunities in the care sector.

My favourite part of the day? I think it’s seeing residents taking part in activities, or enjoying fresh air and sunshine in the garden. It makes me smile to see the people we care for relaxing and enjoying themselves and making new friends.

I’m looking forward to supporting families through their care journey. It’s a very rewarding feeling to know that I have helped a family to feel happy and safe, and to take a burden off them.

I’ve also been in the Forces and have been a martial arts instructor.

I love being here in the early morning as I get to see the night and day shifts together and can get a sense of everything I need to do that day. I also really enjoy the activities and get involved if I have time. What’s so rewarding about this role is the fact that you’re making a difference to other people’s lives and you can build up quality long-term relationships with them – residents, relatives and colleagues alike.

I’ve developed a highly challenging but rewarding role that includes sunning myself, chasing assorted animals who are minding their own business, and general Important Cat Business.

Mealtimes are the highlight of the day for everyone, and I like to hang around the dining rooms to help the residents with their meals. After that, it’s good to take time out of my hectic schedule to curl up on Bronte Suite and hang out with the residents who like to stroke me. I have everyone at Sandfields very well-trained now, but Malaika the Home Manager, and Sandra the Housekeeper are particularly receptive to my charms, which ensures I have an excellent supply of Dreamies.

I look forward to welcoming you to Sandfields very soon! (Particularly if you bring treats.)