Brendoncare Otterbourne Court

Caring has always been part of my DNA even before I started in a Nursing Home aged 16, supporting Residents with dementia, different Nursing needs and end-of-life care. I also worked in Domiciliary care over the course of a few years. My Brendoncare career began at Park Road later moving to Meadway where I became a team leader, progressing to Deputy Manager. Brendoncare asked me to support Knightwood for a period of time before transferring there permanently in the role of Deputy Manager, after a few years I became Acting Manager then General Manager.

It’s such a pleasure to now be at Otterbourne Hill as it’s always buzzing and where no two days are ever the same. It is also a privilege to lead a dedicated, motivated team. They put our residents and our community hub members at the heart of everything they do.

I became a Nurse in 2003, and caring for others is one of my missions. I am determined to deliver quality care to my residents. Working in an acute medical ward in a Government Hospital in Hong Kong for almost 20 years, I had my high skills training as a Nurse specialist and became in charge of a nurse-led clinic as an advanced practice Nurse. Life changing and myself and family moved to the UK in 2020, therefore I restarted my Nursing career again here.

In the process of converting my license, I started a career as a carer to take care of severe autism and learning disability young adults, which is often present with challenging behaviour. As a hospital Nurse for so many years, I wished to challenge myself to become a community Nurse, therefore once I got my license again I went to work at a Nursing home which cares for residents living with dementia. It’s always a learning opportunity whilst caring for individuals who suffer from dementia which enhanced my nursing experience as well.

Working with Brendoncare is my pleasure as their concept of charity and values is my cup of tea. Even more grateful that I am always supported by a dedicated and motivated team. After a few months of working as a Nurse, I took up the Deputy Manager role to keep on challenging myself. I hope my experience and knowledge can enrich the brilliant home and brilliant team, to provide quality, dignity and safety care to our residents.

When I was young my mum was a home carer for Hampshire County Council and on occasions, I was able to go out to visit some of her clients, which started the passion to care for people. At school I was aiming to become a nurse, so I set up my studies around this, but I met my husband which meant my career changed direction. I have had various jobs throughout my life from being a PA to a Technical Director, Health & Safety administrator to serving in a fish & chip shop. One of my neighbours works at Knightwood and over our fence we chatted and she said how wonderful it was to work there and that I should apply, so history was written.

I have worked with Brendoncare for 12 years, working as a domiciliary carer at Knightwood, to then becoming the supervisor there. Four years ago I was asked if I would like to help the manager at Otterbourne Hill with the domiciliary service. Otterbourne Hill gave me a new challenge in my career as the residents in the mews here are supported to live independent lives whilst having a diagnosis of dementia, we also support families to stay together enabling them an environment to live in and stay together.

Away from Otterbourne Hill, I am a Nanna to 2 boys so this keeps me busy when they come to visit.

I started my working life with British Gas many moons ago, and although not have worked in the ‘care world’ before I joined Otterbourne Hill in 2018, I have always worked and been involved with caring for people in some aspect, sometimes challenging but always rewarding. I enjoy my role at Otterbourne Hill, working with my colleagues, and meeting relatives and residents alike. Every day is different, and I always aim for a good one.

Before joining Brendoncare in September 2018 I had a range of careers ranging from various administration jobs to working in Beauty Salons. After owning and selling an events company I took the plunge and decided to sell so that I can pursue a career within Health and Social care. It was the best career decision I ever made.

I started as a bank care assistant at Knightwood and after a few months, I was offered a permanent position. Being able to make a difference in someone’s day and leaving work with a feeling of job satisfaction is the best feeling and one which I had never felt before.

In January 2019 I decided to start helping out as a Wellbeing Coordinator as well as maintaining my care hours. This gave me a whole new concept within care and one which again, I thoroughly enjoyed. When a part-time role became available in Wellbeing I decided to focus on this area, providing a range of activities and fun events for all residents to enjoy. Being in wellbeing you get to see a different side to people that you may not have seen whilst providing personal care.

In May 2023 I applied for a well-being role in one of our larger homes to challenge myself. I am now a Wellbeing Supervisor at Otterbourne Hill, working within a fun team and still providing a range of different activities including outings and events.

I joined Brendoncare in December 2021 after six years of working in childcare. My father had recently passed away from dementia so working in a care home that specialised in dementia meant a lot to me. I really enjoy working at Otterbourne Hill, I have built up wonderful relationships with my fellow colleagues, our relatives that I deal with on a day-to-day basis and the residents who pop into my office to say hello or I see in the hallways. I love to hear the building filled with singing, laughter, and entertainment. It is a joy to work at Brendoncare Otterbourne Hill, no day is ever the same and this has been my favourite place of employment in my 20+ years of working.

I have been a carer since I was 21 years old back in 2016, I started working for Brendoncare in 2018 when Otterbourne Hill opened and I have loved it here ever since. After 5 years or so, I decided I wanted a change and a challenge and was offered the role of Administrative Assistant at the beginning of 2024 and I have not regretted it!

I really enjoy being part of a big team who are all happy to help each other out and still be a part of the residents’ lives, which means a lot to me. We really are one big family here!

I started working at Brendoncare in January 2024 and have come from working at a Primary School for 10 years so have been involved in caring in some form.

I really enjoy my role as receptionist at Otterbourne Hill especially working with all the team, meeting relatives and residents.

I joined Brendoncare in 2016 as part of the fundraising team, working on the appeal for the Otterbourne Hill care home which opened in 2018. Two years later during Covid, I was redeployed to Otterbourne Hill to help with enquiries and the moving-in process.

I love every minute of my job, which gives me the opportunity to support families during what can be a very difficult time. Previously, my grandmother had been a nursing home resident for several years so, through this experience, I gained the utmost respect and appreciation for everyone involved in her care. I also know how important it is for families to have the reassurance of knowing that their loved ones are safe and receiving quality and compassionate care.

During my spare time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, going for long dog walks and ice-skating.

I’m from a military background and my father was in the Royal Artillery. I was born in Germany and enjoyed growing up there for 17 years. I then joined the army as an infantry soldier myself and served in many places. I’ve always been a hands-on guy and was a vehicle technician before joining Brendoncare in May 2024. Being a Maintenance Supervisor allows me to put my practical skills to good use which I enjoy and every day is different. It’s been a good challenge for me.

I have seen a very different side to life working here and enjoy talking to the residents and trying to help make their lives here as positive as best as I can, the wellbeing team here do a fantastic job of that.