As the Manager of The Red House Care Home, I would like to introduce myself, in order to provide some background information, firstly relating to my professional credentials with respect to my experience and qualifications and secondly relating to The Red House philosophy of care.
As a result of being a member of The Red House team for over ten years, initially in the role of Deputy Manager, my knowledge of the home, the staff, the existing residents and the other multi-disciplinary professionals with whom we liaise is well established. Likewise, at The Red House we have forged strong links with the wider local community.
My professional experience as a Registered General Nurse spans twenty-five years, during which time I have gained a broad range of experience in a number of different clinical disciplines.
Additionally I have undertaken further courses and studies which have enabled me to widen my knowledge base. I have three relevant management qualifications, one of which is the Registered Managers Award.
These qualifications in conjunction with my clinical background, I feel enable me to ensure the efficient and effective day-to-day management of the Home in line with Care Quality Commission guidelines.
I have particular experience in the care of the older person, and indeed, this is an area in which I am especially interested, as it brings special and unique rewards.
Our team of staff are caring, committed and appropriately trained and together we place a strong emphasis on the delivery of high quality, person-centred, individualised care. We actively encourage our residents to be fully involved, wherever possible with their own care-planning utilising a fully holistic approach.
We recognise the significance of ensuring that not only the physical needs of each individual is met, but also their social, cultural, religious, spiritual and psychological needs as well.
I am acutely aware of just how daunting the prospect of a move to a Care Home can be to a person who has previously led a full and independent life. With this in mind, our aim is to ensure that each person is facilitated to maintain as much independence as possible with the appropriate support measures being implemented.
Ultimately, our wish is for each resident to be afforded the opportunity, irrespective of health issues or other barriers, to reach their full potential and to continue to live life to the full.
At The Red House we offer a full and varied range of activities and employ an Activities Coordinator. Likewise we also maintain strong links with the local community. Visitors are always warmly welcomed and equally our residents are encouraged where possible to continue to pursue social interests outside of the Home.
We are equipped to provide full Nursing Care to our residents and this includes palliative nursing and we can also offer day care, respite stays and long term care.
To summarise, our standards at The Red House are high as indicated by our excellent 3 Star CQC Inspection rating, and our aim is to provide excellent, personalised care within a homely, warm and friendly environment.
I am always happy to discuss any issues or concerns that a prospective resident or their relative or advocate may have, either by telephone or in person. Informal visits to view the Home are always welcome. Please do not hesitate to contact me for an informal chat on 01372 274552.
July 2010
As Registered Manager of The Red House, I was delighted to recently have been nominated for the Surrey Care Association Awards "Manager of the Year" Award. As a result of my nomination I received many supporting statements from fellow colleagues, residents, relatives and other professionals. Much to my surprise, this later resulted in reaching the finals in the "Manager of the Year" Award category which I considered to be a great honour!
Additionally, Trish Stevens, one of our long standing Registered Nurses was nominated in the category of "Lifetime Dedication Award" and was deservedly short listed. She has been a loyal, committed and dependable member of our team for nearly ten years and we all wish her the happiest of retirements!
Thankfully at The Red House our staff turnover is very low and I consider one of our strengths to be the fact that the vast majority of our staff have all been at The Red House for a considerable time. We all have the benefit of getting to know our residents really well as individuals and likewise they know us. This makes for a very happy and homely atmosphere. Additionally, we pride ourselves on the delivery of the highest possible standards of resident-centred care. This I feel has been reflected in our Care Quality Commission 3 Star excellent rating.
Helen Lockyer, Registered Manager
