A caring career
This Good Care Month, we're turning our spotlight onto another valued staff member of the Bradbury House team. Meet Barbara-Anne, a General Assistant at Bradbury House care home, whose commitment and support are key to our residents' daily lives.
What good care means
For Barbara-Anne, good care at Abbeyfield, particularly at Bradbury House, comes down to one core idea. She shares that, "In Abbeyfield, in our service at Bradbury House, looking after people is the most important thing in my role as a general assistant." Her work touches many aspects of the home, all contributing to the wellbeing of residents.
Barbara-Anne plays a direct part in delivering good care every day. She explains, "I make sure that the service is clean and tidy and meets standards of care and also have a good 'crack' with the residents, socialising throughout my day. I also encourage residents in supporting them with cleaning their rooms as they like and encourage independence." These daily interactions are key to making residents feel comfortable, supported, welcomed and cared for.
Pride and recognition
For Barbara-Anne, Good Care Month is a welcome initiative. She explains, "I think it is important to be recognised for the hard work we do; I have achieved employee of month and the team have also been recognised for team of the month."
She takes great pride in being part of the Abbeyfield team, stating, "We have a great team who work well together to make sure everyone has the best support and staff are supporting each other."
Reflecting on the past year, despite numerous management changes, Barbara-Anne shares, "We have had a lot of management changes over the last year, but I feel as a team we have come through this together standing strong, management are now in place and we now feel supported."
She acknowledges how challenging it can be to lose a resident, adding, "It can be emotionally difficult with residents that pass away but we can take from this that we have done everything in our power to make this as comfortable and dignified as possible. I think we all try to go over and above for our residents as a team."
" At Bradbury House, looking after people is the most important thing in my role as a general assistant. We have a great team who work well together to make sure everyone has the best support and staff are supporting each other. I think we all try to go over and above for our residents as a team. I love all aspects of my job and I don't see myself going anywhere else."
-Barbara-Anne, General Assistant at Bradbury House
A fulfilling career
Barbara-Anne’s commitment to care is clear in her long service. She shares, "Within the service that I work in I have been employed with Abbeyfield for over 10 years as a General assistant, but also I am very flexible and also support in the kitchen and caring role. I love all aspects of my job and see myself being here at Bradbury house for at least another 10 years or more. I don't see myself going anywhere else."
For Barbara-Anne, the most rewarding aspects of her job are "Seeing people happy and living fulfilling lives. I like to make a positive difference each day."
Her journey from a General Assistant, was originally for only a "6 month post, and 10 years later I am still here," she says, believing that "that speaks for itself" about the opportunities for growth at Abbeyfield.
She adds, "I started as a GA but can do many other roles and have now got additional responsibilities."
Community and compassion
Bradbury House has a strong sense of community, and Barbara-Anne believes it's because, as she puts it, "We are one team and collectively work together to achieve the best for all."
A particular resident experience stands out to her as an example of good care. She recalls, "I looked after a resident at the end of his life, and I felt privileged to be so closely involved with this resident and family members supporting through this process."
What made this particular experience special was, as she explains, "I received a letter from family thanking me for being the 'resident's friend' which I proudly keep hold off."
Challenges and Good Care Month's meaning
Even with the varied demands of her role, Barbara-Anne's priority remains the residents. When a resident is upset, she explains, "I take my time to give them support and make things better for them if I can."
For Barbara-Anne, Good Care Month is important because she hopes it "makes the public more aware of the hard work and dedication to our residents and each other."
Barbara-Anne's dedication over more than a decade, along with her commitment to looking after people, defines the excellent care at Bradbury House. Her daily positive impact, supported by her team, perfectly embodies the dedication, hard work, and compassionate care we celebrate this Good Care Month and all year round.
Interested in a career where you can really make a difference?
At Abbeyfield, you could join a team dedicated to older people, in a home where, as Barbara-Anne says, "looking after people is the most important thing." Our staff enjoy making a positive impact daily, going "over and above" for residents, and finding a supported, fulfilling role within a strong community.
Read more Good Care Month stories
This Good Care Month, we're celebrating the dedicated people who make a real difference every day at Abbeyfield. Each member of our care team brings unique experiences and passion to their role. Read more stories like Barbara-Anne's to discover the many ways our staff make a difference in our residents' lives.
Good care at Bradbury House: Edith's story
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Good Care Month: Paige’s story
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