The joy of caring and cooking
We spoke to Yvonne Wray, a Housekeeper at Carnarvon House in Nottingham, about her career at Abbeyfield what she enjoys about her role.
How did you come to work at Carnarvon House?
The role as a housekeeper at a sheltered housing scheme for older people was a change in direction for me. I initially trained as a chef and then, after having my two sons, worked at a primary school for 15 years. It was the opportunity to go back to cooking that was the draw for me, and seeing the residents enjoying their food and smiling when you see them in the morning is what makes the job worthwhile. I also enjoy the challenges the role brings sometimes, and I have been here going on nine years now.
What does a typical working day look like for you?
Everyday is different! The only thing that is the same is cooking for the residents, but you can also be solving problems, retuning TVs, helping residents with word searches and crosswords, reassuring them, listening to their stories, and just being there to help any way you can.
Which part of your job do you most enjoy and what are the biggest challenges in your role?
I enjoy the cooking and spending time with the residents and going around to see them in the morning. The challenging side of the job is when they are not well or had a fall and there is nothing you can physically do to help them. Don’t get me wrong, you can be there for them and reassure them as much as possible until help arrives, but sometimes you just feel a bit helpless. The families of the residents are all lovely when we need to contact them about anything as they know we have their best interests at heart.
"I always say that the residents have invited me into their home to cook for them. It is not my place of work, but their home, and I respect that. Seeing the residents enjoying their food and smiling when you see them in the morning is what makes the job worthwhile."
-Yvonne
What stand-out memories do you have from your time at Abbeyfield?
When I started working at Carnarvon House, one of our residents was turning 107 when she got her card from the Queen she asked if I wanted to open it with her. It was the fourth card she had received from the Queen, and as we opened it together she looked at it and read inside, and then remarked it was a lovely photo but she prefers the Queen without a hat on, which made me smile! She also loved watching snooker – when the World Championships were on and I was going in to work, I always checked the scores from the night before as she would always fall asleep before it had finished.
Another great memory is of one of our residents turning 100 last year. I had the pleasure of making her cake and doing a buffet for the residents and her family, and everyone had a great time.
What are the most important qualities for a housekeeper at Abbeyfield?
Understanding, empathy, a caring nature and a good sense of humour, good at cooking wholesome food and baking cakes, and doing you best for each and every resident. I always say that the residents have invited me into their home to cook for them. It is not my place of work, but their home, and I respect that.
What are you looking forward to coming up over the next few months at Carnarvon House?
Christmas is always special – not just the day itself, but the lead up to it when we invite family and friends for our Christmas gathering and take the residents out.
On Christmas day I have the pleasure of cooking Christmas lunch for anyone who doesn't go to visit their family, or who wants the family to join them at Carnarvon House. With bells on my shoes, Santa hat on and a Christmas jumper, it’s always a fun day!
Discover Carnarvon House
Carnarvon House provides sheltered housing in the tranquil Nottinghamshire village of Burton Joyce, offering residents a blend of independence and companionship. Residents occupy personalisable, unfurnished en-suite bedsits and benefit from a welcoming community with communal areas and a garden. The monthly fee covers all delicious, home-cooked meals, and the house ensures worry free living and peace of mind through 24-hour monitoring and daily on-site staff, with village amenities all within walking distance.
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