Team case studies

“I soon realised this was a special kind of place – not your usual care home. I felt supported and at home straight away.”

Alice joined Royal Alfred in November 2016 as a Staff Nurse. She became Deputy Clinical Manager the following year and stepped up to the role of Home Manager in 2020. With a master’s degree in health and social care and a diploma in dementia care, Alice is passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of residents and leading her team to do the same.

What first attracted you to working at Royal Alfred?
I was recruited through an agency and didn’t know much about Royal Alfred at the start. I soon realised this was a special kind of place, not your usual care home, and I quickly felt supported and at home.

What’s been the best thing about working with us?
The career development is second to none. I feel supported and stretched in a good way. Thanks to the professional development, I was given the opportunity to become Deputy Home Manager in 2017, rising to Home Manager at the end of 2020.

What are you most proud of?
I graduated from the University of Bucharest in 2015 with a master’s degree in health & social care and have been in the care industry since the age of 19. I’ve always wanted to progress in my career because I feel it’s a way to make an even bigger impact. I also have a diploma in dementia care and am proud of the work we do with our residents who have dementia. I’m honoured to be Home Manager and I’m so proud of my team.

“The Royal Alfred has been like a second home to me.”

Shirley began her Royal Alfred journey in 2008 as a Care Assistant and has since become Housekeeping Manager. A qualified nurse in her native Rhodesia, she brings decades of experience and deep compassion to her work.

What first attracted you to working at Royal Alfred?
I’ve always had a passion for helping others. I qualified as a nurse in Rhodesia in 1976 and so have been in the care sector for many years. I was first attracted to working at Belvedere House because after I moved to Woodmansterne in 2007, I had a chance to visit the gardens and I liked the look of the home. I started as a Care Assistant because my nursing qualifications weren’t recognised in the UK.

What’s been the best thing about working with us?
Working in the care sector is great – no two days are the same. It’s wonderful to be able to help someone enjoy a happy and fulfilling life. The residents have such wonderful stories to tell, and I like to think I make a difference in their lives. The Royal Alfred is such a welcoming, family-friendly place. When it snowed several years ago, my whole family came to help. And they all loved attending the functions here. I enjoy being part of a large and varied team. There’s always an opportunity to develop and when the new role of Housekeeping Manager came up, I liked the idea of a new challenge.

What’s changed over the years?
The biggest change in the care sector is the amount of paperwork that must be done. We pride ourselves on keeping up to date with the latest rules and relegations, and we’re continually developing ourselves and our service – it’s all done with keeping residents safe and protected in mind.

What advice would you give to someone looking for a career in care?
That good communication and a learning mindset are vital. It’s important we keep people updated with regards someone’s care – be that each other or our residents, their family members, and care colleagues from external services. We must be open to feedback. We don’t always get things right, and it’s important we listen to the residents and their families, and reflect, learn, and improve.

Finally, what are you most proud of?
Our teamwork. During Covid, we all went the extra mile – working wherever we were needed – financial team members helping with daily activities, our business manager doing the ironing, and our trainer working in the laundry. There was a real team spirit and commitment to keeping our residents safe. Whether we’re in care, housekeeping, maintenance, catering, or the office, it’s by pulling together that we provide a safe and happy home.