May 2021
From air hostess to carer – always a first-class service with a smile
After 32-years in travel, Pia brings glamour to her role as carer at Gregory House
Pia Stafford took a role as bank carer at Gregory House, an OSJCT care home in Grantham, in summer 2020 after being made redundant from British Airways. Pia was an extremely experienced cabin crew member who worked long hours on international flights.
Redundancy offered Pia the opportunity to choose a new career and having a caring and compassionate nature she chose to try out a new role. As a natural team player Pia quickly fitted in to the busy and friendly care home.
To find out how you can join the OSJCT team, visit our careers pages.
Pia said: “I feel very at home at Gregory House, and I love listening to residents’ stories. We have many different personalities here, and I’ve enjoyed learning about each and everyone.”
Whilst Pia joined after the first lockdown, it was still a shock to see how serious fighting COVID-19 and managing infection control in care homes became in the winter, when the country found itself closing its doors, and care homes had to restrict visitors.
“For a time it was very surreal, it was upsetting to see COVID-19 affecting our communities again.”
Pia worked many long hours to support the team and was in admiration of the team spirit. She said: “The team at Gregory House have been amazing, keeping moral up and supporting each other.”
Pia describes one of her highlights, “It was seeing residents come out of their rooms to explore our newly decorated lounge. Some had been isolating for a while and they were shy and a little unsure, but they soon enlivened friendships. Two residents Ute and Betty have a special alliance. They always sit together and chat away, but with one eye on us, the carers, and the other residents.”
Pia’s colleagues all agree that she is a real attribute to Gregory House, exuding positive energy, brightening the room and making people laugh. As a former Air Hostess, it is no surprise that Pia always looks pristine and although not everyone would know, she wears a smart red lipstick to go with her very big smile under her mask.
Home Manager Anna Lewkowicz said: “A loss for British Airways, but Pia is a huge gain for Gregory House and OSJCT.”