We are fortunate to have three dedicated ladies who are devoted to managing and running our three care homes in Malvern. All of which provide high quality tailored, bespoke care to meet each individual resident’s needs. Suzanne Park, is the Manager at Davenham, the Malvern residential care home. Rachel Knighton is the Manager at the nursing home, Perrins House and Elaine Banks is the Manager at Bradbury Court, a care home specifically for residents living with dementia.
Each Care Home Manager brings their own professional, unique talents to caring for their residents, whist at the same time, working as a whole to ensure each resident is motivated, happy and engaged. Each resident’s wellbeing is firmly at the heart of everything they do.
Suzanne, Rachel and Elaine have over 89 years of caring experience between them which is put into action on a daily basis. Suzanne said: “I have worked in the Care Sector for over 36 years – 26 of those years have been with Friends of the Elderly at Davenham care home. At Davenham, my team and I ensure each resident receives an unparalleled level of bespoke care which we tailor to meet each individual’s specific needs and requirements. Through our extensive activities programme, which is created specifically to cater for all likes, dislikes and abilities, we ensure everyone is involved, included and feels inspired – and all our residents particularly enjoy our delicious Afternoon Teas.”
Rachel continued: “I have worked as a Nurse and in the Care Sector for over 30 years, joining Friends of the Elderly as the Care Home Manager at Perrins House, the charity’s nursing home in Malvern in 2015.
“Along with my caring and professional team, we devote each day to making sure that all our residents live fulfilled and happy lives. From the minute a new resident joins us, we make Perrins House their home where they are looked after, treated with respect and dignity and know they are loved and cared for by people who really have their best interests at heart.”
“Like Suzanne and Rachel, I have worked in the Care Sector for many years, since I was 17-years-old,” said Elaine. “I joined Friends of the Elderly as Care Home Manager at Bradbury Court six years ago and I feel so honoured to be able to care for my residents and be part of their lives.”
All the Malvern care homes have a strong family ethos. Elaine added: “At Bradbury Court, we are a family, made up of our residents, their relatives and loved ones and my caring team are devoted to making a positive impact on each of our residents’ lives every day.
“As the hub of specialist dementia care at our Malvern campus, my Team’s focus is solely on our residents living with dementia. Our daily Namaste sessions are specifically created for our residents living with dementia and are a sensory experience in a calming and relaxing atmosphere which, in the summer months, also take place outside in our beautiful, quiet gardens.”
Talking about keeping in touch with resident’s family and friends, Suzanne said: “We are always on hand to answer any queries. The health, safety and wellbeing of our residents are our key focus and delivering high quality personalised, person-centred care and individual care plans are at the heart of all we do.”
Rachel added: “Each Malvern care home offers respite breaks which are popular for a number of reasons. For example, It could be that a person needs additional support following an operation, a stay in hospital or is recovering from an illness – or they may just need some time to give their carers and families the opportunity to take a carer’s break. Whatever the situation, we can help.”
“Having nursing, residential and dementia expertise in one place, in a beautiful setting, also helps if a resident’s requirements change. It could be that a resident needs to move from our residential home to our nursing home which, if required, is a smooth and hassle-free process. One resident wanted to pick where she would be living when she needed our dementia services. She moved to Davenham and then crossed to Bradbury Court when it was time to do so,” said Suzanne.
“We have electronic care plans which are regularly updated so we are able to see in an instant what is needed, when and where. We can also support a resident’s family and ensure they are coping. We have weekly meetings so we always have an early awareness radar of any of our residents and their situations so can accommodate any movement between the homes,” Suzanne added.
Elaine concluded: “All the teams at the Malvern care homes are dedicated to the health, safety and wellbeing of all our residents and providing high quality, continuous care and making our residents happy, secure and smile every day. I am devoted to my residents; they really are my family.”
Rachel agreed saying: “I learn such a lot from my residents, spending time with them, listening, chatting and hearing about their lives and experiences as well as getting to know their families, it’s so nice. Feeling like you’ve managed to make things better for someone else, is so rewarding, I really do it because I care.”
Suzanne added: “When I was at college I was asked what my ambition was and I said, ‘I want to run a care home’, and now I’m actually doing it. I am so privileged to work with older people. I’m very attached to each and every residents – they are my extended family. I can’t envisage being anywhere else apart from here at Davenham. Davenham is my home as much as it is the residents’ home. It’s my destiny. It’s where I should be.”
To find out more about our Malvern care homes, call 01905 388 720 or email enquiries@fote.org.uk.