Bringing joy through care and music
This Good Care Month, we're recognising the dedicated staff who make up our teams and deliver compassionate care. We spoke to Elvis Ekhator, a Care Assistant at Abbeyfield Winnersh care home, about what motivates him to ensure the residents are well cared for and can enjoy a high quality of life.
Delivering good care
For Elvis, good care is about creating a place for residents that they can call home and where they can enjoy their independence. However, it’s the little things that make a difference – a shared laugh or a moment of kindness – and it is these that really help to form caring relationships built on genuine human emotion.
Elvis has a hidden talent that brings joy to the residents’ lives. “I play the piano,” he says, “and it has become a beautiful way to connect with our residents. Music has a unique power to evoke memories, lift moods, and bring people together. It’s in these shared experiences that I feel I’m truly delivering good care.”
Proud to care
Elvis takes pride in his work and being a member of the Abbeyfield Winnersh team. He has witnessed how he and his colleagues go above and beyond on a regular basis to ensure that each resident feels valued and respected as an individual, with dignity. He is pleased that Good Care Month shines a light on the invaluable work of care staff.
He says, “It is here that I realise that family are not only those born to the same parents, but those that share core and similar ideas, love and believe together.Being part of a team that values kindness as much as competence fills me with pride. We aim to make sure that every resident is seen not just as someone to care for, but as someone to care about. Care is at the heart of everything we do, and Good Care Month highlights the compassion, dedication, and quiet strength that care workers bring to their roles every day.”
"We aim to make sure that every resident is seen not just as someone to care for, but as someone to care about. Care is at the heart of everything we do. Care is one of the most meaningful and rewarding paths you can take. At Abbeyfield, it’s not just a job; it’s a chance to make a real difference in someone’s life every single day. You become part of a community built on compassion, respect, and human connection. It is here that I realise that family are not only those born to the same parents, but those that share core and similar ideas, love and believe together."
-Elvis, Care Assistant at Abbeyfield Winnersh
Perks of the job
For Elvis, one of the most important aspects of his work is the training and learning that Abbeyfield offers. He enjoys the flexibility to work at his own pace to learn new skills, under the mentorship of the senior staff at Abbeyfield Winnersh.
“However,” he says, “the most rewarding aspect of my job is seeing myself contribute to the peace, joy and comfort of older people and those in need of my help. A smile always envelops my face each time I carry out my job and see residents satisfied with it.”
A career in care
Elvis knows he has chosen the right career path. He says, “Care is one of the most meaningful and rewarding paths you can take. At Abbeyfield, it’s not just a job; it’s a chance to make a real difference in someone’s life every single day. You become part of a community built on compassion, respect, and human connection.”
However, not everyone is suited to a career in care, and Elvis believes it takes a certain kind of person to do well. He continues, “A great care worker needs compassion, patience, and empathy above all. Very strong communication skills, emotional awareness, and a calm, reliable presence are essential. It’s not just about doing the job – it’s about caring with sincerity of heart. The good heart for people is most essential.”
Interested in a career in care?
Are you considering a career in care? At Abbeyfield, across our houses and homes, we offer opportunities to provide high-quality care and companionship to older people. We value individuals who are compassionate and keen to help create a comfortable and respectful home for our residents. If you're looking for a role where you can connect with others and develop your skills, we welcome you to join our team.
More Good Care Month stories
Throughout Good Care Month, we're sharing inspiring stories from our dedicated care teams across the country. Discover more about the people who bring compassion and excellence to Abbeyfield every day.
Good care at Bradbury House: Edith's story
Meet Edith, Care Home Manager at Bradbury House. She shares insights on good care, resident wellbeing, staff support, and community engagement at Abbeyfield.
A decade of dedication at Bradbury House
Barbara-Anne, a General Assistant at Bradbury House, shares her view on good care and her career of over 10 years.
Celebrating Good Care Month with Bradbury House's Cook, Sally
Celebrate Good Care Month with Sally, Cook at Bradbury House. Discover her insights on quality care and the rewarding aspects of a career in care.