Barchester Sutton Valence Care Home

Maidstone Road, Sutton Valence, Maidstone ME17 3LW
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9.9 95 Reviews
  • Barchester Sutton Valence Care Home, Maidstone
Sutton Valence care home provides residential, dementia and nursing care in 60 beautifully appointed bedrooms.

The home is located in the village of Sutton Valence, Kent. Its rural setting means the residents can enjoy expansive gardens and views over the surrounding countryside. There is a direct bus route into nearby Maidstone.

The home completed a full refurbishment in late 2024, including all bedrooms, and public areas including café, dining room, lounge and conservatory.

Large windows throughout the home make it bright and airy, some bedrooms even have doors opening out onto the garden. As well as lounge and dining areas, the home has a large room dedicated to when residents have visitors for events such as birthday parties or meals.

The home has a team of activities coordinators so there is always something going on. Residents can choose from a range of group and one-to-one activities, such as arts and crafts and exercise classes. Singers and magicians often perform in the home and milestones in years are celebrated by the whole community.

The home boasts a private dining room which can be hired for family parties, or occasions for your loved one to ensure that ever stronger family commitment is maintained and cherished they also offer trips to the beach, local castles, RHS gardens and garden centre in the home’s minibus. Residents are also supported in any independent activities they choose to do, inside or outside the home. Overlooking the local cricket grounds, residents can sit in the large conservatory or patio rooms and watch the cricket in the bright summer days and evenings.

Food is homecooked and nutritionally balanced. The home’s chef creates menus based on people dietary requirements and a dietician visits regularly. Every resident has an individual eating plan to develop and encourage a balanced and weight retaining diet at all times.

Care Provided by Barchester Sutton Valence Care Home

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Respite Care
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Nursing Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 60 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Stroke
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • End of Life Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care
  • Physiotherapy

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Robert Dura-May (Home Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 60+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (60)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes
    • Year Purpose Built: 2000
    • Last Refurbishment: 2024
    • Number of floors: 2

Funding & Fees Guide for Barchester Sutton Valence Care Home

  • Funding Types Accepted
  • Self funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top-Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Funding
  • Weekly Charges per Person
    • Self-Funded Residential Care from £1,789
  • This Weekly Fee rate is an indication only of a typical standard fee rate for a resident living in a standard, comfortable room. A final Weekly Fee rate will be confirmed once we have carried out a pre-admission needs assessment. For nursing care, Weekly Fee rate will be dependent on personal needs.


  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Barchester Sutton Valence Care Home to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Bar/Café
  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Parking
  • Large on-site parking at front and rear of the building available to all visitors to the home. in the time of large public events at the home, there is a large free public car park 500yards on right-hand side as you leave the gates of the home.


Barchester Sutton Valence Care Home Reviews (95)

Total of 95, showing 41-60
9.9

Barchester Sutton Valence Care Home has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.924) out of 10, based on 21 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Barchester Sutton Valence Care Home has 95 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 73
  • 18
  • 3
  • 1
  • 0

Date Published

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

We have been so lucky to have been able to visit Mum throughout the pandemic. Barchester have gone to great lengths to make this happen. First, in the summer there was an outdoor marquee. Then as the weather turned cold, they erected an airtight room with a huge glass screen, within one of the lounges.
Also installing the 'loop' hearing system. We visit Mum every week! Mum refers to many of the staff as 'her angels', to whom we are very grateful. Thank you, Barchester.

Reply from Robert Dura-May, General Manager at Barchester Sutton Valence Care Home

Your support and kind words are appreciated, Mum is a joy to look after and with the avid support of the family we are able to retain our high standards and safety, I will pass on your kind words to the team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff have been working so hard, and shown incredible dedication during these difficult times. We feel confident that our mum is in the best place we could find, she is looked after well, and with genuine care and companionship. We are always able to discuss her care with the nursing staff, and
they contact me readily if they need to. We miss her terribly, but we miss seeing all of you too Sutton Valence.

Reply from Robert Dura-May, General Manager at Barchester Sutton Valence Care Home

It is a pleasure to work with such a caring and welfare driven family that supports the excellent care delivery from the team, working in partnership with our families even in these unsure times supports the home and the dedication of my staff. I will pass on your kind words to all at the home.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum was moved to this home by the mental health department so it wasn't chosen by me, but I couldn't have chosen better myself. I couldn't have asked for a nicer, more caring place for her to spend her last years and I will be forever grateful for all that was done for her.

Reply from Robert Dura-May, General Manager at Barchester Sutton Valence Care Home

Your support and comments are so very reassuring to have in place, I will pass on your comments to the staff. Mum is a pleasure to care for at Sutton Valence. Stay well and stay safe.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Great care given to my mum by the staff and management at Sutton Valence Care Home.

Reply from Robert Dura-May, General Manager at Barchester Sutton Valence Care Home

Your appreciation of the service and the care your mother receives is most appreciated and always a joint effort, your mother is a joy to care for and your support as a family is always welcome, I will share your comments with the team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

A very trying year all around, but Sutton Valence Care Home has done a tremendous job keeping everyone (residents and staff) safe whilst also facilitating visits by friends and relatives in a Covid secure, yet friendly atmosphere. Well done to all for rising to the unbelievable challenges that the months
have presented!

Reply from Robert Dura-May, General Manager at Barchester Sutton Valence Care Home

Your kind words and support are appreciated and most welcome in as you indicate ever-changing times, our aim is to ensure that the care, safety and support remains at the high standards expected at all times.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Mum has been in this care home since October 2020. She has settled in well and is very happy. I cannot fault the nursing care my Mum is receiving. She always looks clean and well looked after and is always happy when family visit. I myself have had a lot of support when needed form the manager and
nurses, always have got the time to talk to you, always let me know when there are any changes.

Reply from Robert Dura-May, General Manager at Barchester Sutton Valence Care Home

Your Kind words are much appreciated and it is a pleasure to look after Mum, whilst the current situation adds additional pressures to the service our residents care remains our priority.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I was very happy with the way my brother was looked after. They were kind, considerate and always kept me informed.

Reply from Robert Dura-May, General Manager at Barchester Sutton Valence Care Home

It is always lovely to have feedback so that we develop and grow with every individual we care for at the home, having such great family understanding really helps keep us working in one direction to benefit the individuals we provide our services too and the greater community of Sutton Valence.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My dad came to the home at the beginning of July, and I have to say I cannot begin to say how happy we are that he's there. He receives wonderful care. Thank you for taking him and looking after him.

Reply from Robert Dura-May, General Manager at Barchester Sutton Valence Care Home

Thank you for your comments, it is always a pleasure to provide the best care we can and the efforts and care given by my staff is seen and delivered especially in this current climate when indoor visits are not actioned, I will pass your thoughts to the staff team. Stay Safe


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Staff are very friendly and helpful.
I feel my dad is well looked after.

Reply from Robert Dura-May, General Manager at Barchester Sutton Valence Care Home

Thank you for your review. It is most appreciated and will be shared with the team, encouragement at this difficult time is much welcomed by us all at the home.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

So we have visited Mum during Covid-19 and I can only say how amazing the home have been during this time. We have seen Mum at a distance and she looked so beautiful, her hair was neat, her clothes were lovely and she looked very comfy in her chair. Thank you for all the safety measures you have put
in place to keep everyone healthy, you have gone above and beyond.

Reply from Robert Dura-May, General Manager at Barchester Sutton Valence Care Home

Your kind words have made me as manager reflect on how hard we have all tried at the home to keep life to some normality. Especially the wonderful care team that we have at the home, the support in reciprocation from families has been overwhelming and I will pass on your kind words to the team. Stay safe, stay well - Robert.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Staff have been fantastic with Dad who suffered a bad stroke six months ago. With lockdown, it’s been hard for him however staff did a great job celebrating his birthday and we Skyped dad together.
Staff are always friendly and happy to help out. With us living a fair distance away, the calls and Skype
mean so much to us.

Reply from Robert Dura-May, General Manager at Barchester Sutton Valence Care Home

Our intentions are always for families to remain constant in the life of their loved one and these calls and visual contact are so very important to both parties. I am so very proud of my team that are making a difference and providing that reassurance to you as a family, anything you require just ask and we will always endeavour to initiate and plan any event to keep these links open and valued. Robert Dura May, General Manager.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This care home is the best. Therefore we were only too happy for our mother to stay there.

Reply from Robert Dura-May, General Manager at Barchester Sutton Valence Care Home

Mum was an absolute pleasure to care for. Her humour and tenacity were part of her charm.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both my parents have been at Sutton Valence for just over a year. They have their own rooms but are next to each other which is perfect. They are always treated with respect and care. They always appear to be smart and well cared for. We are so grateful for the way the staff have kept them safe through
this terrible virus. We are encouraged to take little treats and it is never too much trouble to take the phone to them so that I can keep in touch whilst unable to visit. The staff work incredibly hard and are always bright and cheerful. Just before the lockdown Mum and Dad were taken to the seaside, with two staff, for a fish and chip lunch. They loved it.

Reply from Robert Dura-May, General Manager at Barchester Sutton Valence Care Home

It is always our pleasure especially in this uncertain time to care for individuals such as Mum and Dad. I will share your kind words with the team as this will keep spirits high. The team has been outstanding at keeping the virus out of the home and keeping spirits high. Keeping in touch is so very important and utilising the expertise of family and friends supports their continued welfare and care levels at the highest. Thank you again.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Both of my parents have been well looked after for two years now. I have been impressed by the level of attentive care they have received. Any concerns I have had, have been addressed immediately and they are being able to move into this later stage of life with due respect to the challenges each of
them faces.

Reply from Robert Dura-May, General Manager at Barchester Sutton Valence Care Home

At Sutton Valence, we pride ourselves on making your loved ones part of our own family and that is a pleasure and honour we share and strive to excel at with every resident. Your kind review will be shared with the team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The staff under the Manager's eye have both stepped up to and gone beyond their duty to us. Even behind the masks, they smile. We can see it in their eyes and their undying care. Long shifts from start to finish, such dedication, thanks to one and all.

Reply from Robert Dura-May, General Manager at Barchester Sutton Valence Care Home

Your words are so very kind, it is our intention to wherever and whenever possible provide the highest level of care even in these uncertain circumstances.
Your kindness is appreciated.
Thank You


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum has been a resident at this home for nearly 4 years now. Sadly she passed away recently, throughout her stay she was treated with the utmost care and respect. She received the best of care and I would sing the praises of this home to all family and friends. I couldn't be with her when she died.
but staff stayed with her so that she wasn't alone at the end.

Reply from Robert Dura-May, General Manager at Barchester Sutton Valence Care Home

Over the 4 years, you became part of our extended family and Mum will be much missed - a fighter to the end, please keep in touch even if it's just a coffee and chat when passing. Our thoughts are with you and the family.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum was in the care home for only a short while, unfortunately, but the care she received was amazing. The staff were fantastic, nothing was too much trouble, I only wish she had moved here sooner. I would definitely recommend this care home.

Reply from Robert Dura-May, General Manager at Barchester Sutton Valence Care Home

it was a pleasure to provide and look after Mum and it makes our job easier and more effective when families such as yourself support the home and delivery as you did. You are always most welcome to pop in the home for coffee and a chat, anything we can do now or in the future, just call.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

The management and carers were excellent from the moment we arrived at the home until my parent passed away. It was lovely to meet the manager and have him explain the everyday running of the home and not feed us with promises that would not be kept. Thank you for making my dads last days special.

Reply from Robert Dura-May, General Manager at Barchester Sutton Valence Care Home

it is a pleasure to provide end of life care and support families at this difficult time, your kind words are very much appreciated and I will pass the comments onto the team. Please don't be a stranger you are always most welcome to come to the home for any events or just a coffee and a chat when passing.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Always a pleasant place, homely, spacious and well present and decorated for all events.
Staff always have time and never rush you.
Thank you to all of you.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

From witnessing a first Christmas meal in a care home setting I was delighted to be part of the experience. I felt the staff coped admirably in what was potentially a stressful situation. All the residents were treated with care and dignity, plus the food was excellent. Nothing was too much trouble
and I want to thank all the staff very much indeed.

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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.924)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.924) out of 10 for Barchester Sutton Valence Care Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 21 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 21 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Care Home is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.924 for Barchester Sutton Valence Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (232 Excellents x 5) + (17 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 250 Ratings = 4.924

  • b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5').

    The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Barchester Sutton Valence Care Home is based on 21 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4

    • ii) 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the registered maximum number of service users in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Care Home registered for a maximum of 50 service users has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 60 registered maximum number of service users is 12, which has been reached with 21 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Care Home does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Performance

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 22 Jul 2022

Overall
Good

  • Caring

    Good
  • Effective

    Good
  • Responsive

    Good
  • Safe

    Good
  • Well-led

    Good

Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England.

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Bed Vacancies

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Awards / Recognitions (55)

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Meet the Team (15)

Robert

Robert Dura-May

Job Title: Home Manager

Joined: 2016

Hi, my name is Robert, and I am the Senior General Manager here at Sutton Valence. Welcome to our website!


I joined Barchester HealthCare, as I was looking to use my life skills to enhance both the lives of residents and team members, I liked the values and description of Sutton Valance and Barchester as a care provider.


I really enjoy the daily challenges, team recruitment and always pushing and exceeding performance where I can. I also enjoy adding value, enhancing care and giving elders life purpose to enable them to engage in a fulfilled life.


I am passionate about delivering the levels and standards of care that I would expect for my own parents who are sadly no longer with us. If I had known about Barchester when my own parents required care, my family would have not experienced such pain and anxiety, this is why I chose Barchester to ensure that other families do not, where possible, have to endure what I had experienced in the past.


I have over 20 years of experience in the NHS, Private and Public businesses and have worked in the care sector with children, young adults, adults with acquired brain injury and the last 10 years in elderly care.


I have recently studied open university courses to ensure decisions made at home reflected best practices providing a safe community.


Making a difference in people's lives throughout my career has been my biggest achievement. I strive to continually develop to ensure that the individuals I care for, experience the very best care and life enrichment in later life.


Every day is an achievement delivering and pushing the levels of care to exceed the expectations of Barchester and myself.


Nisha

Nisha Philip

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Joined: 2004

My name is Nisha, I am the Deputy Manager at Sutton Valence and have been employed here for over 15 years.


I started as a nurse, and clinical lead and my main duties now are to support the Home Manager and the entire team in order to provide excellent care for our residents. I also enjoy acting up as Manager whilst the Manager supports other homes.


I am a qualified nurse with over 20 years of experience. I hold the qualifications of a Bachelor’s Degree in nursing, Level 5 in palliative care management, Diploma in leadership and management. At Sutton Valence we have strong leadership that makes the working environment a place I love to be able to call and value as my workplace, we have a fantastic team of nurses and carers to deliver proactive and outstanding care to our residents.


Lisa

Lisa Henderson

Job Title: Administrator

Joined: 2011

My name is Lisa I am an administrator at Sutton Valdence Care Home my role is to provide support to the Home Senior Manager, employees, relatives and residents supporting the whole home aspect and ensuring that both the back office and front of house run efficiently.


My main duties are supporting HR, Payroll, and both the homes and residents accounts, the role involves more than admin delivery encompassing care and compassion to residents engaging in meaningful activity with residents, art, singing supporting with nutrition if required and fulfilling the whole home approach to care. Employed at Sutton Valence for over 10 years coming from an NHS medical secretary background utilising skills and relationships learned across the years.


Catherine

Catherine Chanachimwe

Job Title: Unit Manager

Joined: 2011

My Name is Catherine. I am a fully qualified clinical nurse with 19 years of overseas nursing experience supporting the team at Sutton Valence Care Home, originally from Zimbabwe and based in the UK since 2001.


Catherine is the lead wound management champion and supports the nursing team with all aspects of treatment, dressings and care planning to aid the recovery of wounds at the home, often acquired before admission to the home. Catherine is a highly skilled individual with much value at the home.


Ligi

Ligi Nippy

Job Title: Nurse

Joined: 2019

My name is Ligi Nippy, I am a fully qualified nurse with strong experience in delivering quality care to patients and residents and have been employed here for 4 years.


Professionally I have more than 27 years of practice in different areas like operation theatre and General wards. I hold the qualifications of a Diploma in General Nursing and Midwifery.


I am working as a night unit in charge, with a strong ability to lead the team, also is known for giving attention to detail and dedication to getting work done. I value the importance of patient-centred care and I enjoy working with my team to ensure our residents are receiving the best care as possible.


I have been supported by the management in my development in the home through mentorship and progressive training within Barchester.


Linfin

Linfin Jose

Job Title: Unit Manager

Joined: 2021

My Name is Linfin Jose I am a qualified nurse with strong experience in delivering quality care to patients and residents. Professionally I have more than 15 years of practice in different areas like Cardiac theatre, Cardiac Intensive care Units and General wards.


Working as a Unit In charge at Sutton Valence Care Home since April 2021. I am a Caring and reliable person with a reputation for building a great rapport between medical providers and residents. Committed to making residents have a more informed and comfortable life whilst in my care.


I am supported in my development in the home through mentorship and progressive training within Barchester.


Jo

Jo Vickery

Job Title: Unit Manager

Joined: 2019

Hi, my name is Jo and I have been one of the Registered Nurses at Sutton Valence since 2019. I am extremely passionate about my role and like to form relationships with the residents and I am dedicated to giving good holistic care to each resident. Since being at Sutton Valence through the support of the management team and encouragement of training through Barchester, I have been able to develop my skills and have since become a unit manager. The team at Sutton Valence has a family feel and we all work incredibly well together.


My career as a carer started when I became a community carer and then I started working as a clinical support worker at Medway Hospital. The hospital then sponsored me for my training in Nursing where I qualified in 2014.


During my nursing at the hospital, I worked in the surgical department and ICU.


Robert Iain

Robert Iain Malcolm

Job Title: Senior Care Assistant

Joined: 2016

Hello, I am Robert Iain Malcolm, one of the senior carers at Sutton Valence Care Home. I have been working here for 7 years with my wife who is also working at the home as a care assistant.


Currently, I am the Dementia Champion in the home, supporting, and mentoring staff to make the lives of our residents living with dementia a purposeful and proactive life whilst in our care.


I am also supported by the home manager to develop and progress my career and currently, I am undertaking a care practitioner course to develop my skills further.


Lorraine

Lorraine Wickens

Job Title: Senior Care Assistant & Well-being Champion

Joined: 1993

My name is Lorraine and I am a Senior Carer at Sutton Valence.


I first started working as a carer at Sutton Valence in 1993 at just 20 years old. I left a couple of times to have my children until 2003. Since then I have become a Senior Carer and find caring for the elderly thoroughly rewarding.


Working at Sutton Valence is like having another family. My colleagues are lovely and friendly, we all look after one another and work great as a team.


When I’m not at Sutton Valence I enjoy looking after my grandchildren and spending time with the family.


Gemma

Gemma Bhandari

Job Title: Activities Coordinator

Joined: 2015

My name is Gemma I am an Activities coordinator at Sutton Valence care home. I have been working here for nine years and love it. I grew up in Sutton Valence Village and attended the local Primary school.


I have always been passionate about the care of others and enjoy enriching the lives of our Residents. I have a Diploma in Health and social care and have worked in private health care for over 14 years. I have always loved performing arts and studied them at school. I am a very proud Mother to Amaya and Jacob.


Amy

Amy Hall

Job Title: Activities Coordinator

Joined: 2023

Hi, my name is Amy and I am one of the Activities Coordinators at Sutton Valence and have been working here since February 2023. Getting to know the residents and making them happy is an honour along with learning new skills.


Before starting at Sutton Valence I worked in retail, with animals and in a nursery with young children.


When I am not at work, I enjoy spending my time with my 3 children, friends and family.


Jacinta

Jacinta Wilson

Job Title: Activities Coordinator

Joined: 2021

The job description of Activities Coordinator fitted me perfectly and brought me out of retirement; I did miss the social aspect of working life... Enriching residents’ lives through arts & crafts coupled with a vibrant caring nature is me to a T. I have a passion for giving our residents access to their own self-esteem and confidence. Re-gain, explore or enhance their quality of Winter Life. Share the tools to make each moment the best it can be and if, it's, not then let's explore why. My team buddy laughs with me when I recall or mention the Golden/Platinum moments I've been blessed with. I witness them every day. Finding a way to give purpose to a day is a mission of mine and I do my very best for our resident family to gain that.


In my life before Sutton Valence, Law was always my passion. Firstly, my profession was an Associate Legal Executive and then a Freelance Litigator and a Barrister's Clerk. From there I became a Women Police Constable serving in 3 divisions within Kent. I have also been the Manager for Cordon Blue and Argos Retailers.


As soon as my daughter started school I wished to have a job that worked alongside her school day and term times but also encompassed my love of learning and need for challenge.


The local Secondary School was looking for a Learning Support Assistant. I worked within the education system for 19 years retiring as a Higher Learning Teaching Assistant.


When I retired, I set up two small bespoke businesses which I still run with a fantastic Client base and supported my husband's own business.


Andrew

Andrew Shovlar

Job Title: Gardener

Joined: 2021

My name is Andrew Shovlar.


I joined Barchester as head of maintenance in April 2021.


As head of maintenance, it is my responsibility to ensure all records are kept up to date and all certificates are compliant with Barchester regulations and health & safety in mind.


To repair any problem that arises and report any issues that I cannot fix or put right to an external contractor who arranges to have the appropriate contractor visit the site to fix the problem.


I am supportive of resident inclusion and support the wider teams with DIY tasks, games boards, backdrops etc. for fetes, celebrations and other activities to support the whole home ethic of the manager.


Hermmas

Hermmas Alex

Job Title: Administrative Assistant & Speak Out Champion

Joined: 2023

My name is Hermmas Alex, I joined as an Administrative Assistant at Sutton Valence Care Home in January 2023.


I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Hotel Management and have been working within the hotel industry for the last 12 years most recently as a Restaurant Manager. I have put this customer service experience to good use as the first face that people see when they come to the care home. I am really enjoying my new role. I am being supported to develop and enhance my career by the home manager.


Chris

Chris Wheeler

Job Title: Administrative Assistant & Speak Up Champion

Joined: 2020

My name is Chris Wheeler, I have been working as a Receptionist at Sutton Valence since March 2020.


I am from Medway Towns and have previously worked in a busy call centre for 8 years. Before this, I worked for the Royal Bank of Scotland for 2 years after I finished university where I studied Policing Studies. My parents were both teachers (now retired) and I have an older brother who is a Doctor.


I decided to apply for the position as I wanted to change my role and try my hand at something different. I have greatly enjoyed and am still enjoying my role for the past 4 years and it has helped me greatly in my personal life, mainly due to the supportive team members we have here and the welcoming environment at home.