Leanne McGaffin is Regional Operations Director of Kathryn Homes, having worked in care homes since she was 17. Leanne was previously Home Manager at Orchard Lodge in Armagh.
Name: Leanne McGaffin
Job Title: Regional Operations Director, Kathryn Homes
What are the main responsibilities of your role?
As Regional Operations Director, I oversee 7 of the 12 Kathryn Homes care homes and I am there to support the residents, relatives, and Home Managers.
For me, it all boils down to ensuring that the care provided by Kathryn Homes is high quality and person-centred. My mantra has always been that any home I am responsible for must be somewhere I’d be happy for my mum or dad to stay in, and my aim is that all residents and relatives have a positive experience and feel their voices are heard.
What is the best bit of your role?
I very much enjoy spending time with our residents. I love hearing their stories, their life history, and enjoying a bit of craic with them!
Why did you want to work in care?
Growing up, I was very close with my grandmother and helped care for her when she became ill. I took great comfort in being able to help her when she needed it.
As well as this, I come from a family of nurses and carers. I used to hear my dad and aunts and uncles talking and I thought to myself, I really want to do that job too!
What do you like about working at Kathryn Homes?
Kathryn Homes shares the same values and vision as I do, which is to provide high quality care, and this is very important to me. Kathryn Homes clearly cares for its team members and wants the residents in all our homes to really leave well and receive the right care.
What opportunities are there for career progression within Kathryn Homes?
Interms of nurturing and progressing staff there are endless opportunities at Kathryn Homes. The organisation supports staff to undertake qualifications such as NVQs and creates opportunities for team members to progress into new roles eventually becoming a Staff Nurse or even securing a role in the management team.
Why would you encourage others to work in care?
Working in care is the most rewarding work you can ever do in my opinion.
I would encourage anyone who is thinking about applying to do so. Even entering the industry as a Care Assistant can lead to an excellent career.
When I first started out as a Care Assistant aged 17, I could not have imagined the amazing journey that was ahead of me, or indeed the wonderful people I would meet along the way.
