Home Instead (Milton Keynes)

My background is within the Hotel & Catering world, having run a Venue Finding Company for 20 years and prior to that working as a National Accounts Manager for a large chain of London Hotels. Service is in my blood and when researching the Care Industry, I felt that this is a skill that would prove very useful.

I have lived near Olney for over 20 years with my husband Matt and 2 boys, (now both young adults,) lovely Phoebe my Wheaten Terrier and 2 cats, Shadow & Mr Mugabe (he really is a dictator!) In my spare time I love reading and walking in the lovely parks around our home.

Since starting up Home Instead in 2012, we have supported so many wonderful clients to facilitate their wishes to stay at home, wherever that may be, in the place they love or where they feel most comfortable. Getting help or admitting you might need some assistance isn't always an easy decision to make but we have many years’ experience in the sector and know that choosing the right care is just so important. I do feel very proud of my team of office colleagues and CAREGivers who have embarked on this journey with me - we are always looking at ways we can improve and add another dimension to our wonderful clients' lives.

I started in Health and Social care 17 years ago, when I moved from London to Buckinghamshire. I had two small daughters and wanted something I could do as well as being a mum. Over the years I have worked as a carer and ran daycare centres for the elderly with the British Red Cross. I joined Home Instead in February 2012 when the office was first established. I have always been passionate about the good quality care that was central to each individual, and the Home Instead ethos matched this. When starting with Home Instead, I was the Registered Care Manager, as the company grew, I developed into the Operations Manager. More recently I have been promoted to the General Manager of the company. I truly believe that we are the best home care company in our area, who has a passionate team in the office and out on the field. Whenever I get free time I love to travel and embrace new experiences.

As a Care Manager, I am involved in most aspects of the daily delivery of our care services. From the moment we receive a new client enquiry, I will work together with the client and their family to put a plan in place that facilitates their individual needs.

Having over 10 years’ experience in the sector, initially supporting children before I moved into adult social care, I also deliver training to new CAREGivers, teaching them how to administer medication correctly and the principles of moving and handling.

I come from a large family having 2 sisters and a brother. This makes my home life as busy as my work, as I'm currently living with my partner JJ, mum, dad, sisters, niece and 2 dogs but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

With a background in running pubs, I am used to having to juggle priorities which is probably why I enjoy my role within the scheduling team so much. Ensuring that our clients get the right people at the right time every day takes dedication and commitment but the rewards are well worth it. I know how important it is to the people we support to be sure that they can rely on us. Just that little phone call to let them know we are on our way or that pint of milk we can get for them on our way over can make all the difference. I still get to go out and see all my clients whilst being a mentor to new CAREGivers, making sure that they feel fully supported.

My role as Deputy Care Manager sees me heavily involved in scheduling visits and liaising with clients, their families and other healthcare professionals to ensure every aspect of their care runs smoothly. Coming from an airline background, delivering great customer service is at the heart of my nature. It’s very important for me to get to know each of our clients and CAREGivers personally. By fully understanding their needs, we can ensure that we respond quickly to any changes.