✨ Meet Our Team: Hope, Care Assistant at Coppelia House ✨
We’re delighted to introduce the next feature in our Meet Our Team series — Hope, one of our dedicated Care Assistants at Coppelia House. Hope embodies our values of Committed and Embracing every single day, bringing patience, kindness, and her ever-present smile to both residents and colleagues.
Her dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. Hope was recently commended by a CQC inspector for the supportive and compassionate way she worked alongside a colleague, and she has also been awarded our Above and Beyond Award —a recognition nominated by her fellow team members to celebrate individuals who truly go the extra mile.
We caught up with Hope to learn more about her journey in care, what inspires her, and the moments that make her proud to be part of our team. 💚
*How did you start your career in care, and what inspired you to become a Care Assistant?*
My care journey started at a young age when I helped my mother care for elderly friends around my village. For me, care is not only a career because I grew up in and out of hospital, seeing how I was taken care of myself. I told myself that I have to pay it forward, that's why I passionately do care.
*How long have you worked in care, and at your PCH home?*
I professionally started care work five years ago helping one of my colleagues care for her elderly mother. I have been at Coppelia House in Moretonhampstead one of Peninsula Care Homes residential home for two years.
*What do you love most about supporting residents in your role?*
Being able to help our residents live comfortably and happily gives me the utmost joy, but what I love the most is getting to know them and their unique personality.
*Can you share a heartwarming story or proud moment you’ve had while caring for residents?*
There are so many proud moments but there's one in particular, I helped a resident regain mobility following a stroke, her family were worried she would never walk again but as a team we followed the physiotherapists exercises and guidance, this resident recovered better and faster than anyone had anticipated. For her to regain her independence melted my heart.
*What personal qualities or skills do you think make someone a great Care Assistant?*
There's lots of skills that make a good carer, but with passion for the job, kindness, empathy and patience, you get to understand and know your residents on a more person-centred basis.
*How does your team support each other and make the workplace feel like family?*
As a team we know that we do an incredible job and if any of us are having a bad day we are all there for each other with any possible support we can give. I was very happy to have been nominated by my colleagues to receive the “Above & Beyond” Award
*What advice would you give someone who’s considering starting a career in social care?*
For anyone considering a career in social care, it is the best decision you can ever make. It is a fulfilling career as you make such a big difference to lots of people's lives, not only for the ones you care for, but those close to them also. Though it can be challenging like many other careers, the positives outweigh the challenges. You just must be kind to yourself - like you would the people in your care.
*Why would you recommend working at this home over others?*
I would recommend working at PCH and Coppelia House as we are all treated as one big family and where we get solutions to any concerns. I am really pleased I have been selected to support Care Assistants starting at Coppelia which is an honour.
*How has this role helped you grow, and where do you see yourself progressing in the future?*
Working in this role has helped me become a better communicator and helped me get better with problem solving. It has given me more knowledge about social care, but at large, given me perspective about life. Looking forward, my vision is to lead a team giving the best possible care to help people living away from their own homes.
Every day, our team makes a difference — just like Hope. With our home recently rated ‘Good’ by the CQC, we’re proud of the care we provide and excited to welcome new team members who share our values.
