Ponteland Manor Care Home

“I have a degree in community health and a leadership management qualification from ILM, as well as a Level 4 in dementia care from Worcester University. Before joining the care industry, I was the CQC-registered manager as Head of Healthcare at a male prison for 1,400 people, overseeing all aspects of primary care, secondary care and mental health substance misuse services. I came to work at Care UK after spending a year nursing my father with a terminal illness. He had been in and out of palliative respite care, and I decided that I wanted to explore this as a career where I could give something back. In my role as Home Manager, it’s important to have empathy and understanding and to be organised, dedicated, empowered and passionate. My favourite part of any day is my walk round, when I go and speak to residents to see how they are and try to make them smile. I am also partial to getting involved in activities with residents. I find it very therapeutic during a busy day. At the end of the day, ensuring we deliver the best care and making the residents and their families happy, so they are always smiling and all their wishes come to fruition, is the most important part of my role. I feel proud when I see the residents happy and smiling. I’m a very social person, and outside of work I love to meet with friends and enjoy meals out. I love a trip to the cinema and am partial to a shopping trip too.”

— Paula Routledge