Our team at
Tor-Na-Dee

I chose Care UK for its excellent reputation and the strong support offered to help me succeed in my role. To do this job well, you need to be compassionate, have a genuine desire to support residents and their loved ones, and build positive relationships with everyone.

I’m a registered mental health nurse and have completed a master’s degree in dementia studies – one of my proudest achievements, as I studied while working full time. Before joining Care UK, I worked in mental health hospitals with older adults, as well as in care homes.

Every day here is different, but there’s always an interaction that matters and even a short chat with a resident can make my day. I love working alongside my fantastic colleagues, wonderful residents and their families. For me, the most important part of my role is ensuring every resident feels valued, supported and able to live their best life.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, walking my dog and practicing yoga. I’m also a real book worm!

I have worked in customer service for more than 25 years across a variety of industries. Having personally experienced the benefit of choosing the right care setting for my grandmother, I understand why Care UK values person-centred care so highly. At Care UK, we treat everyone as individuals so they can live fulfilling, rewarding and happy lives. We also recognise that taking the first step on the journey into care can be daunting, and I am committed to supporting families through this process.

Before joining Tor-Na-Dee, I was a customer service manager in another sector. My role now is all about understanding the needs and priorities of prospective residents and their families and giving them the information they need to make the right choice.

I love hearing music and laughter drifting through the home when residents and colleagues are interacting. My proudest career moment so far is joining Care UK. Building strong friendships with colleagues, residents and families is what I look forward to most each day.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband, our dogs, and my two nephews, who have recently discovered the thrill of fairgrounds!

My experience has always been wellbeing-focused, and I’m qualified in both Sports Science and complementary therapies. I wanted to work for Care UK because they have such an incredible reputation in the care sector, and their values really align with my own.

My favourite part of every day is spending time with residents, looking for ways to bring smiles and laughter to everyone by designing fantastic activities that we can really enjoy.

Outside of work, I enjoy anything active! I’m a gym-bunny, I love going for hikes and playing sports – but every day has to end with spending time with loved ones, curled up with a cuppa and a good book.

Before joining Care UK, I served for 20 years as a commissioned officer in the Sri Lanka Air Force, reaching the rank of Wing Commander. I trained in defence studies, completing a B Com at Sir John Kotelawata Defence University, and later a Comprehensive Crisis Management course at the Asia Pacific Centre for Security Studies in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA.

After leaving the Air Force, I wanted to use my leadership, organisational and people skills to make a positive difference in people’s daily lives. In this role, I believe it is important to have the ability to adapt to individual needs, show empathy and patience, and bring creativity and teamwork to make activities enjoyable, meaningful and inclusive for residents.

My favourite part of my day at work is engaging with residents during activities, as it’s so rewarding to see them enjoying themselves and feeling valued. One of my biggest professional challenges has been balancing the diverse needs and preferences of a group of individuals, which has made me more creative and adaptable in planning.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, going for walks, watching basketball matches and enjoying fresh air and the calm of the outdoors in a quiet environment.

I joined Tor-Na-Dee in 2018. I’ve had quite a varied background: I’ve worked in administration, customer service, sales and accountancy. I joined Care UK as a care assistant before becoming business administrator.

Every day is different at Tor-Na-Dee. In this role it helps to be a multitasker. It’s also important to be able to keep up in what can be a very busy environment. Being positive, kind and caring is important. 

One of the best parts of my role is being able to chat to, and get to know, residents and relatives. I do a lot of showrounds, which I enjoy, and I relish showcasing our wonderful care home and team to visitors and prospective residents. 

Away from work, I like to keep active: going to the gym, playing tennis or running after work. I also like going out with my family and discovering new places.

I joined Care UK and Tor-Na-Dee in 2018. I was in a similar role for another care provider, and I was keen to have a change and a new challenge. It’s been great to make new friends and get to know the residents and their families, and find ways I can help them. Everyone’s very sociable and friendly here – colleagues and residents. There’s a strong family atmosphere, so everyone settles in very quickly. 

There’s always plenty to do in my role, including regular checks, painting and decorating and health and safety paperwork. It’s helpful to have a range of practical and communication skills. I find the morning is a good time to get going with tasks: I can get a lot done before the home gets busy.  

I love the outdoors, so whenever I have time to myself I’m out hill walking or mountain biking. I also go skiing whenever I can.

Merlin is a four-year-old black Labrador and proudly belongs to Tor Na Dee’s Maintenance hero, Scott. Merlin has been visiting Tor Na Dee since he was a tiny pup and has grown up as part of the team. He is a brilliant handy man’s mate and loves following Scott around on his daily jobs, supervising with great enthusiasm.

When he feels he has worked hard enough, Merlin has a favourite place to unwind. You will often find him napping under Deputy Manager, Claire’s desk, snoring happily while she works. He brings a lovely sense of calm to the office and is always ready for a cuddle when he wakes up.

Merlin does have one slightly cheeky habit. He believes any unattended slippers are fair game and will proudly trot off with them if you’re not quick enough!

Maya is a five-year-old tan spaniel and belongs to our Business Administrator, Grace. Although she may be a little timid at first, she has the heart of a lion and takes her role at reception very seriously. Maya guards her mum with great pride. She’s a fearless defender of the reception and the resident’s valuables are well protected with Maya on duty!

Once Maya decides you’re a good egg, she shows it in the sweetest way - her favourite sign of approval is to sit on your feet and wait patiently for affection.