Deerswood Lodge

The most rewarding part of my job is enriching the lives of those who live here and being a part of their family; making special memories with residents and their families; marking special occasions and celebrating milestones.

My colleagues at Shaw have been nothing but supportive and shown a great deal of encouragement throughout my career progression. There is always further training available if you wish to and I highly recommend Shaw to anyone looking for a career in care with opportunities to progress to various roles.

In 2008 Wan Joined Mill River Lodge in Horsham as a team leader (previously working as a support worker for another company) with hours to suit around her family.

Wan moved to Hillside Lodge in Pulborough and was appointed deputy manager to cover maternity leave. In 2016, Wan moved to Burleys Wood in Crawley as acting manager. She applied for the post permanently and was successful. Was took time off to have a baby and once her maternity leave finished she started as manager at Deerswood Lodge in 2019.

During her time at Shaw, Wan has achieved her QCF level 5 in Leadership for health and social care in adults, embracing the journey of living with dementia, Coaching and Mentoring as well as level 4 Safeguarding for Leaders.

Wan has twice won a National Shaw Star award for Outstanding management contribution and she was also recently featured as ‘Manager of the Month’ in a trade publication, Care Home Professional.

I have worked most of my life in maintenance- over 30 years. I have worked with old buildings, carrying out maintenance and alterations, and working alongside clients, architects and specialist contractors. I have also worked in more modern buildings where building construction techniques, and therefore, maintenance requirements are much different.

I spent 11 years in school maintenance which is, again, a very different environment. My career to date has given me excellent all-around knowledge of all maintenance issues in very diverse environments and a great knowledge of health and safety protocol and safeguarding issues.

I joined Shaw because I wanted to put my skills to use within the care environment.

I enjoy my job at Deerswood very much. All the staff are friendly and I have also got to know many of the residents.

I enjoy keeping the home running smoothly and in a safe manner. The training element at Shaw is particularly comprehensive and is updated on a regular basis, which is essential in order to keep a safe and effective service.

I like the EOT idea as this rewards the staff for all their hard work and gives something back to everyone.

In 2015, Amy started her career in care working in Domiciliary Care for clients with Acquired Brain Injuries and Mental Health conditions, Amy started as a carer in the community and progressed to Team Leader, then Deputy Manager and then Service Manager. In March 2017, Amy became the Registered Manager for a Domiciliary care agency in Uckfield. Amy and her team worked exceptionally hard through the Pandemic, providing high-quality care to clients in their homes. Amy expressed that this was a tough time but the team pulled together and she is/was very proud of them. During this time, Amy obtained her Level 5 qualification in Management in Health and Social Care. In February 2022, Amy began working for East Sussex County Council as a Resource Officer. After a short while, Amy chose to return to her care career and expressed how much she had missed working with clients and providing care.

Amy feels privileged to work at Deerswood Lodge and enjoys coming to work each day. Amy feels that Deerswood Lodge provides an excellent standard of care to the residents. It is lovely to see the staff and residents interact throughout the day, lots of laughter can always be heard at Deerswood Lodge and this brings a smile to Amy`s face. The care staff are always encouraging the residents and promoting choice and independence. Amy is very passionate about making a difference in the resident`s lives and ensuring the residents get the highest standard of care. Amy will always try to promote Shaw`s values throughout her work.

Jackie joined Shaw when they took over from West Sussex in 2005 and was part of the team that moved into a brand new purpose-built care home in Horsham. Jackie started working in care in 1993 as a support worker initially because it fitted around her child care needs but it must have been a good choice because 30 years on she is still in the care industry. Jackie was promoted to Team leader and has worked in several of the Shaw homes within the region taking on various roles such as being seconded to Deputy Manager. Jackie managed a busy and thriving day centre at Forest View in Burgess Hill enriching the lives of elderly people who were living with Dementia. The daycare service was a lifeline to many who lived alone in the community. Sadly the Day Centre closed during the Pandemic. Jackie was asked if she would like to take the role of Unit Manager at Deerswood Lodge. Jackie is now the unit manager on the residential floor.

Jackie has always enjoyed whatever role she has been asked to do but being the Unit Manager at Deerswood is by far the most enjoyable and rewarding despite the many challenges this role can bring. Jackie loves being able to make a difference in people's lives and helping them transition from living in the community to coming into care. Jackie also enjoys building relationships with residents' families and friends she finds this an important part of the role as they are entrusting their loved ones' care to us.

Jackie said “ I am proud to work for Shaw Healthcare and feel valued as an employee and I am proud to be a part of the Deerswood Team and the lovely feedback we receive from the residents and their families as we strive to provide a home from home environment for all of our residents.

Bogdan, also known by everyone as Bob, originally from Romania, embarked on his journey with Shaw Healthcare in 2017, through an overseas staff recruitment program.

His professional background in sales, where he held managerial roles, later applied to the healthcare industry. In 2019, after demonstrating his adaptability and commitment to Deerswood Lodge, Bob’s dedication and leadership qualities were recognized when he was promoted to the position of Team Leader. Also, in the same year, he completed the training for being a manual handling instructor.

Bob expresses his passion for his work, emphasizing the dynamic environment he encounters daily. The variety of situations he faces every shift, keeps him engaged and motivated to make a positive impact in the life of those he cares for.

Caroline has worked in the care industry for over 10 years, she started her career working as a carer in the community, looking after clients in their own homes. As time passed, Caroline chose to progress her career and applied to work in a Residential Home where she gained more knowledge and understanding about caring for others. In July 2022, Caroline became part of the Deerswood Lodge family as a Team Leader during the night. As Caroline`s knowledge and experience developed, she chose to move on to the day shifts to learn more about her role and progress. Since working at Deerswood Lodge, Caroline has never looked back. She thoroughly enjoys coming to work each day and making a difference in people's lives. Caroline will always help and support her team to ensure the residents are living their best life. Caroline has recently trained to become a trainer in delivering “Do I know you?”, this is a course to teach and support others to care for residents living with Dementia.

Caroline is a kind, caring and passionate Team Leader who always give 110%. Caroline enjoys teaching new support workers about ways in which residents living with Dementia can be cared for and techniques to improve communication and engagement. Caroline feels that Deerswood Lodge has a sense of community and family, she truly believes in the Shaw values and this shows in her everyday work. Caroline feels that the level of care provided to the residents is to a very high standard and ensures that each and every person`s wishes and choices are listened to and respected.

Matthew began his career in the care industry in 2012 as a carer in the community, looking after clients in their own homes. Matthew enjoyed travelling around the County and caring for people at home. During this time, Matthew obtained his NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care, and NVQ Level 2 in Dementia Care. In 2020, Matthew felt it was time to move on and try to progress in the care sector. This is when Matthew became part of the Deerswood Lodge family as a Team Leader during the daytime.

Matthew is a very dedicated, hardworking and kind person who enjoys coming to work each day. Matthew feels very passionate about his role and enjoys seeing the residents laugh and smile every day. Matthew feels that the Deerswood Lodge team are wonderful and truly cares about the residents and each other. Matthew has taken an interest in Medication Management and is very enthusiastic about the medication process. Matthew is very knowledgeable and skilled in this area and will often support and mentor other staff in this area. Matthew is Deerswood Lodge`s Employee Representative and takes this role very seriously, he feels passionate about ensuring the staff`s voices are listened to and actions are taken. Matthew dedicates a lot of time to this role and will always try his best for the team.

Matthew dedicates his time, experience and knowledge to supporting the team to care for the residents in a person-centred, respectful and kind way. Nothing is ever too much for Matthew and he is a valued member of the team.

Carmen began her journey with Shaw in October 2007 when she started her role as a Bank Support Worker at Deerswood Lodge, she then became a permanent member of the team in 2010. Carmen was keen to progress and went on to complete her QCF Levels 2 and 3 in Health and Social Care in 2015. Following this, Carmen was promoted to Team Leader in December 2015. Carmen is a very positive person and always looks on the brighter side of life, she is always smiling and brings joy to the residents at Deerswood Lodge.

Since joining Deerswood Lodge, Carmen has always enjoyed her role and always gives 110%. She is kind-hearted, calm and a very respectful lady who always puts the resident's needs and wishes first. Carmen has developed her knowledge and understanding over the years and is thankful to Shaw for giving her these opportunities. Carmen often expresses how much she loves the residents at Deerswood Lodge and considers the home to be her second home. Carmen feels that there have been many highs and lows throughout her career however, when she is at Deerswood Lodge, she feels surrounded by love, care, respect and support.

Carmen has been at Deerswood Lodge for 16 years and is a valued member of the Deerswood Lodge family. Carmen is dedicated to ensuring that the residents receive the highest standard of care, as well as kindness, love and respect. Carmen will always ensure she makes time to spend with the residents and listen about their day which always brings a smile to their faces. Carmen is committed to her role and feels happy knowing that she makes a difference in people's lives every day. Deerswood Lodge is a home to our residents and also, a second home to our wonderful team.