Ever wondered what it’s like to work in a specialist dementia care home? The team at Clifden House has given us a glimpse into their daily working lives and their views on what makes this career so rewarding.

Sam Nicholson

Job Title: ManagerJoined: 1986

I am the Registered Manager of Clifden House, and I am a highly motivated, visionary health care professional, who has passion and drive in the delivery of care to service users.
I am proactive in ensuring that all service users receive the highest standard of care through staff training, collaboration with other health care professionals and where possible involving the service user in formatting their personal plan of care.I enjoy ensuring best outcomes for the residents that we care for. Working alongside a wonderful, diverse team of staff in all Departments.Overall, my job is very rewarding but can have its challenges, as sometimes being a manager can be a very lonely job.

I like the fact that no 2 days are the same. The challenges I deal with are never the same. I work with a diverse group of the residents and staff that are like my extended family.

Elena Enciu

Job Title: Team MangerJoined: 2014

As a Team Manager I am responsible to lead a team of care professionals who provide high quality, empathetic care to our residents, I am responsible of overseeing the daily operation of the care team ensuring that high standards of care, safety and dignity are constantly maintained for all residents. My role combines leadership, coordination and emotional intelligence to support both staff and residents , fostering a respectful and caring environment.

I have worked at Clifden House for nearly 10 years and I find my job very satisfying, knowing that I am contributing to the well being of our residents everyday gives my a strong sense of purpose. It is incredibly rewarding to see positive changes, whether that is a residents settling in and feeling more at home or a team member growing in their role with high support. Of course, there are challenges, but being able to support residents and staff, solve problems and make a real difference makes my role deeply fulfilling.

The environment, my colleagues, our residents, the manager and the owners make me feel like the home, if family to me,all I have learned at Clifden House, being a care assistant and they gave me the opportunity to study and develop myself. I have trained with medication, and completed my NVQ qualifications.

Donna Pickett

Job Title: Team ManagerJoined: 2012

I enjoy working at Clifden House with a great team and getting the feeling that we are all here for and with the same purpose. Every day is different !

I have been working here for nearly 13 years and I have a level 5 qualification.

As a Team Manager I oversee the allocation of staff and the day to day running of the shift, engaging with all the staff and visitors and dealing with several outside organisations including social workers, GP’s, District Nurse, Speech & Language, OT’s, Families and friends of residents and many more.

I find my job very satisfying knowing I have made a difference to the residents lives.

I enjoy having a positive impact on the residents we care for and their families, to help make their lives at Clifden House more enjoyable and rewarding on a daily basis, I also enjoy listening to stories of their life hearing the ups and downs they have encountered through their lives.

 

Stephen Baker

Job Title: Team ManagerJoined: 2017

I have been working at Clifden House since mid 2017 and I started as a carer and have worked up to become Team Manager. The thing I like most working at Clifden House is the family atmosphere. Residents, family members and other staff all feel like a family unit, being able to share things and raise concerns knowing something will be done to ensure everyone is better off.

My Current role is Team Manager, this role involves me assisting the house manager with the running of the dad to day needs of the care home. This is usually in the form of running the day shift ensuring each of our residents daily needs are met and our staff are working to the best of their abilities. Other responsibilities tied to my job is ensuring the residents care plans and risk assessments are upon to date and relevant, interacting with other health care professionals, and family and friends of our residents.

The thing I enjoy most about my job is meeting new and interesting people with it either being residents, family members or other staff. Listening to the stories they share and I enjoy being able to push staff to their potential.

Overall I find my job satisfying, being a carer a carer is not always sunshine or rainbows – the most satisfying part of the job is getting a smile or a thank you when assisting one of the residents.

I have a NVQ Level 4 in health and social care (graded distinction) and I regularly undertake my mandatory training courses. I have my train the trainer in manual handling and I am trained in first aid, as well as 18 years experience in the care sector.

Karl Kennard

Job Title: Senior CarerJoined: 2015

I love what I do.

I enjoy working wit the staff! The hours are good and you can be yourself.

I enjoy getting to know the residents and hearing about their pasts.

I assist the team leaders in the running of the day shift and assist the residents with their day to day living while promoting their independence wherever possible.

Florin Enciu

Job Title: CookJoined: 2015

I have been a cook at Clifden House for nearly a decade, but it feels like a month !

I like everything here a Clifden House, the staff, the place, the managements, everything is great and is it like a second family for me.

I really enjoy cooking and to be here with all the lovely people. I enjoy working hard and to be responsible to provide great tasty food.

My role is very satisfying.

Lisa H

Job Title: CleanerJoined: 2021

I have been working at Clifden House for 4 years now, and I like the people that work here they are all so nice and easy to get on with. Working within a great team where we all support each other which creates a great atmosphere and a good place to work.

I clean all the communal areas, ensuring they are kept clean and tidy, washing floors and walls etc. I clean the residents rooms to an excellent standard ensuring they are clean and tidy and I replenish toiletry products. I make sure all surfaces an furnishing are clean of stains, including carpets, putting the residents first, their safety is priority.

At times it can be challenging but I enjoy being able to talk to the residents and make them smile and feel happy.

Justin Matthew

Job Title: CarerJoined: 2022

As a carer my main role is to support residents with their daily needs such as personal hygiene, mobility, meals and emotional support.

I enjoy building strong, trusting relationships with the residents.

I really like working for Clifden House as it is supportive and a friendly team. I find my job very satisfying being able to care for vulnerable individuals and make a positive impact on their lives.

It gives me a strong sense of purpose.

Salvy Mandapalli

Job Title: Senior CarerJoined: 2023

I provide care and support for residents at Clifden House and I ensure a high standard of care is maintained working within a supportive team. I also need to supervise and support other team members.

I enjoy working together in my team to achieve the residents and family members well being. It can be challenging but satisfying at the end of the day. Seeing and hearing the residents responses to my makes my day brighter !

It is for the benefit of humanity where an individual unable to look after themselves, requires support and care, it is very satisfying.

I like working for Clifden House as I have a very supportive team environment, where everyone plays an important role in providing excellent care for our residents. I can learn about residents personalities and about their likes, dislikes and they abilities to daily living. It is about enhancing the quality of life working together by empathy and patience.