Oak Tree Manor has welcomed a new care home manager, Tracey Anderson.
Tracey joins Oak Tree Manor with following a remarkable ten years’ in the nursing home sector and prior experience working with mental health services and a private brain injury unit.
What qualifications do you have?
In addition to a 1st class honours degree in Mental Health Nursing, I have the Princess Alice Certificate in Palliative Care, a Princess Alice Certificate in Holistic Dementia Care, and the RCN leadership course.
Why did you want to work in care?
After caring for a family member with a serious mental illness, I spent time as a care assistant and was inspired by a nurse I worked alongside. During my nursing training, my personal tutor was always very passionate about her time as a manager of a nursing home, so I chose to do my placements in wards for those living with dementia. I knew I had found my true passion!
What do you like about Oak Tree Manor?
I have been at Oak Tree Manor for almost four months, but from day one I was made to feel like part of the family.
I enjoy how homely Oak Tree Manor is for the residents, and that there is a very supportive environment. Ultimately, the residents are our top priority, and the staff all want them to have the best care possible.
From day one, the staff have displayed professionalism and have been very receptive to the changes that I have implement.
Have you made any major changes since joining Oak Tree Manor?
I have focused on establishing good relationships with the staff, which has enabled me to nurture and support them whilst implementing the best practice in dementia care. We have also been working to improve the communication with the resident’s families to create an open and transparent service.
This will in inevitably ensure that the residents are receiving a high standard of care.
What would you say about the residents at Oak Tree Manor?
The residents are what makes Oak Tree Manor a home. They have a great relationship with the staff, and it is clear how much the staff cares for them, striving to provide a high standard of care and help them in any way possible.
What is your primary goal in this role?
My primary goal is to ensure each resident that comes through the doors receives a high standard of care and that we operate a transparent and open service where, if any issues arise, we can address and fix them.
We want the families to feel supported and listened to as they are at the centre of their loved ones care. The residents are our extended family and need to be shown dignity and respect.
I believe that working collaboratively with families, friends and stakeholders will ensure each resident remains at the core of our service.
What do you believe makes ‘good care’?
It is vital that our residents receive holistic care that includes having fun, keeping up with their hobbies and social links, spiritual care, and much more. Good care means all aspects of the person is cared for, and that they are included in their choices.
