Dorothy

Group Care Leader, Home for Older People

I have worked for the Fremantle Trust since 1993, initially as a laundry assistant. I had never worked in a care home before but I enjoyed the work so much that I applied for a job as a carer.   I completed a Care NVQ in 1999 and this really developed my knowledge and gave me the confidence to apply for a senior job.

As a Group Care Leader I am one of 4 senior day staff overseeing the daily running of the home, each with responsibility for a particular group of residents and staff. The residents in my group have varying degrees of need, but are encouraged to make their own choices about their way of life and to maintain as much independence as possible. This is achieved through the resident, family and staff working together to produce an individual care plan. I work with other care staff to provide the highest level of care, in order to meet each resident's emotional, physical and spiritual needs. I also liaise on behalf of my group with doctors, nurses, social workers and other professionals.

In my role I meet regularly with individual staff in 'key sessions', to support them, identify any training needs that will enable them to carry out their daily duties and to further their career through knowledge and experience. I know how much I have gained through the training that Fremantle has given me and I encourage staff to participate fully in training and development opportunities.

Mine is a busy, varied and often very satisfying job. I enjoy working as part of a team with other carers, the residents and their families. As a Group Care Leader I play a very big part in their lives, endeavouring to make the place in which they live one they can call home.