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!

Before joining Care UK, I completed my master’s degree in computing and worked in several different roles related to computers and IT. I joined Tor-Na-Dee in August 2023 after working in a role where I organised events, activities and festivals. I was interested in the Lifestyle Coordinator role because it allowed me to organise activities for residents.

The most important part of my role is understanding the needs of residents. Each person has unique requirements, preferences and limitations, and although it can be challenging, I love being creative and arranging fun, engaging and safe activities that are suitable for everyone.

I enjoy creating moments of celebration and connection with residents. Knowing that my work directly impacts their lives makes me feel fulfilled in my role. Every smile and every shared laugh and moment matters. I look forward to continuing to weave the tapestry of care, compassion and joy in the lives of those entrusted to our care at Tor-Na-Dee.

When I’m not working, I like travelling and exploring new places, learning about different cultures and traditions.

I joined Tor-Na-Dee as Lifestyle Coordinator, a role that brings together my passion for creativity, people and community. I hold a degree in Art: Communication and Design, and alongside my work here I continue to work as a freelance artist and graphic designer.

Since 2014, I have been a proud volunteer with Girlguiding, which has given me a real love of empowering others through activities and shared experiences. I was delighted to see my role come up, based on my experience and passions, it is the perfect fit!

To do my role well, I believe you need to be a true people person. I spend much of my day chatting with residents, families and colleagues, making sure everyone feels engaged, valued and involved.

My favourite part of the day is always time spent with residents, whether it’s enjoying an activity together or heading out on a day trip. I love working with residents, especially when we go on a day out. It’s so much fun for everyone.

Gaining my certification to drive the home’s minibus was a particular career highlight for me recently as it opened up so many more opportunities for residents to get out and about.

I am proud to work with such a wonderful, supportive team here at Tor-Na-Dee and to help residents live fulfilling, enjoyable lives.

Outside of work, I love to pick up a good fantasy novel or my sketchbook.

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’ve worked for Care UK since 2011 – getting this role was definitely a career highlight as I hadn’t been a head chef before. Doing this role has been great for helping me to develop my leadership skills. I’ve also learnt about care home catering, which is a very specific part of the catering sector as you’re supporting people who have very in-depth nutritional and physical requirements. 

I love getting into the home first thing in the morning and planning the day ahead, making sure everything is in place. While you never know what each day will bring, it’s good to have a plan. 

I never tire of cooking for the residents and getting to know them. Everyone is different and has varied needs and tastes. My team knows each person’s individual preferences and requirements, and we cater for them.

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.