My hospitality career started when I was 16 working at a local hotel near my house as a waiter. I developed my interest in the hospitality and, I was fortunate enough to be giving more responsibility as I rose through the ranks. Just after the COVID 19 pandemic I still wanted to work within hospitality but was looking to move out of the traditional view of hospitality and hotels. I then moved over to the care sector.
Working within the care sector no to days are the same. I really enjoy working with the team by making every moment count for those who live with us by continually improving on the products and services we offer in the home.
I am delighted to have brought with me the skills that I developed within hotels such as the attention to detail and greeting memorable moments. Working in the care environment there are lots of moments that we can make special every day and, this is something that I have never appreciated before. A Simple word or deed can mean so much to someone.
Working at Princess Lodge I am supported and encouraged to make improvements to support those who are living with us. The home is built upon our collective journey of moving from good to great, we are always looking at ways to improve by talking with those who we live with and they families and speaking openly and honestly with each other.
The most rewarding part of my careers so far with MMCG is when the team have a “light bulb” moment. I have been coaching the team to make improvements and so delighted when they come up with idea themselves and followed it though which was a huge brake-through moment with the team.
We have been working very hard on our dining experience here in the home. One moment that stands out very clearly for me is when our Kingfisher community returned all the plastic crockery and started using the China crockery that had been purchased. I was so pleased to see this being used and was delighted that the team has seen the benefits and positive reactions from the residents in using everyday items that we take for granted. When all the plastic items were returned to me I was over the mood especially because I saw that the team moved from their premade ideas that if someone is living with Dementia, they can only use plastic crockery. Just because the people who are living with us have different needs there is no reason why we need to treat the differently.
I have felt very support by the home manager who has allowed me the opportunity to develop and improve all areas of the home. Its is very important to me be able to work in an environment where we can be open and honest with each other, and I am happy to work with MMCG.