We continue our Meet the Team series, shining a spotlight on the amazing people who make our homes so special. This time, we’re introducing Laura, one of our dedicated Administrators at Coppelia House. We spoke with Laura about their journey, what they love most about their role, and what makes our home a special place to live and work
What attracted you to join Peninsula Care Homes and the care industry?
I have worked alongside a variety of people and in different business sectors which has been enjoyable. As my parents-in-law grew older I helped to find care for them so that they could stay in their own home for as long as possible and appreciated the work that people working in care do to help others as well as how complex the system can feel at times. We had visited Coppelia House looking for a place for my father-in-law and were impressed. Coppelia House wasn’t the clinical type of home that many are but felt far more welcoming which makes a difference. Unfortunately, his condition progressed too quickly for him to become a resident.
As someone local to the area, what does it mean to work in a home that is part of your own community?
Personally, this is very important to me. As a smaller community, local residents in the area tend to say hello to each other whilst walking down the street even if we don’t know each other. As a result, I recognise some visitors as well as residents already. I know from living in the area for twenty years that Coppelia House is an important, and long standing, part of the community. It is particularly rewarding for both the residents and staff if someone mentions they feel that the home has a good reputation or has improved.
How would you describe your role as an Administrator, and what does a typical day look like for you?
My role is very varied which I enjoy, and I am constantly learning! I may go into work thinking I have certain tasks to complete but then priorities change. I’m never bored. Because the office is beside the entrance I often see and greet visitors plus some residents will visit.
The day tends to start the same; checking emails, agency hours and timesheets and later the 11@11 meeting. From there it varies. There are often interruptions, however administrative tasks include, but are not limited to, new starters, staff records, residents, checking invoices, petty cash, resident personal spend, queries, booking and recording training, ordering etc.
What skills or experiences from your previous roles have helped you thrive in this new environment?
I have worked for a lot of different businesses both large and small which has meant gaining a broad range of skills and experience together with using lots of different business-related computer systems. This has included working in a bank through to the prison service, manufacturing and Michelin Starred hotels as Hotel Administrator with many other businesses as well. I have also been lucky that managers and business owners have given me the opportunity to learn new skills. As a result, as well as working alongside a range of individuals, skills have included finance, book-keeping, purchasing, health and safety and HR administration. It has helped me to be adaptable, and it is probably why I like to learn so much.
What have you found most interesting, surprising, or rewarding about working in a care home setting?
It may be surprising to many but although I knew that I would interact with residents I didn’t realise quite how much! I really enjoy this aspect, getting to know them as individuals and taking some time with our residents to listen to them and chat.
It has also been rewarding to see first-hand how hard the care team work to help our residents and learn a bit about Care Homes.
You meet so many people every day — residents, relatives, staff, professionals. How do you build warm, positive relationships with everyone who comes through the door?
Always professional and friendly with a smile. I try to remember bits of information about individuals such as what they like or a dog's name for example as well as chatting briefly when letting people in and out of the main entrance to be welcoming. Initially working for a bank, it was emphasised how important customer service is. It can also be a difficult time for some friends and family and from experience I appreciate that as someone having a loved one in a Care Home it can sometimes feel slightly overwhelming as to what to expect so it’s helpful to be understanding.
What part of the job gives you the most satisfaction — supporting families, working with the team, organising important documents, or something else?
That’s a difficult question… I really enjoy working alongside the staff here and supporting residents and family. But, in reality, because of the variety of the role I enjoy it all and it is nice to get things organised.
How do you help the home stay organised and running smoothly behind the scenes?
I think it is helpful to try to stay up-to-date with what is going on generally and to also be able to change priorities. Being adaptable to different types of work helps as well plus being aware that we are a team.
What would you say to someone local who might be considering a role in care but isn’t sure where to start?
For someone local considering a role in care, Coppelia is ideally placed for someone to find out more. I would encourage them to arrange to speak with Jemma, our Manager, who can answer any questions and guide them through the role. I would also mention that there is support with training such as an induction program and shadowing other carers.
What do you enjoy most about being part of the Peninsula Care Homes family, and what are you looking forward to as you settle into your role?
I like the people, that is an aspect that is important to me. Hopefully, in the longer term and with the support I have received, I can help others and in turn also help residents and their friends and family, many of whom are part of the local community. I am grateful to Cornerways administrator Ally who helped me learn the role as well as the team at Coppelia House and others in the Peninsula Care Homes family for training and supporting me, answering my numerous questions.
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