Oct 2021
Doreen and Eleanor bring their Caribbean culture and values to Monkscroft
Black History Month at OSJCT
Cheltenham care home Monkscroft Care Centre frequently enjoys carnival music and vibrant colours thanks to the Caribbean roots of Home Manager Doreen Paisley and Nurse Eleanor Alexis.
Doreen joined OSJCT in 2019 to run the ‘Outstanding’ rated home, where Eleanor has been working since 2016. Together they have brought the sounds, smells and sights of Caribbean culture to the home.
Doreen learned the values of hard work and resilience from Caribbean parents
Doreen’s parents moved separately from Jamaica to the UK in the 1950s as part of the Windrush generation. They met in London when her father moved next door to her mother and aunt. British-born Doreen spoke fondly about her childhood:
“Mum, dad and my five siblings all lived for some time together in one room. It was a bonding experience, we enjoyed traditional rice and peas, plantain, fish, root vegetables all available through local Asian shops.
“My parents taught me hard work and resilience, I think of all the challenges they went through, establishing themselves in a new country and facing racism. I was very proud when they saved to buy a new house and we moved out of the rented place. Through it all they taught me never to give up.”
Doreen did her nursing training in Basildon, London at the start of her career in care. She describes learning about Mary Seacole, a British-Jamaican nurse who cared for soldiers during the Crimean War, and a contemporary of Florence Nightingale, as very empowering. She said:
“It was pleasantly surprising to watch the documentary about this woman of colour and see that she had opened up phenomenal opportunities in nursing.”
Doreen talks with pride about showing her mother around her workplace. She said:
“My mum was really impressed by the ambiance, and by the professionalism of nursing. I could see that she was reassured that nursing homes can be well maintained, caring places with a feeling of family.”
Eleanor’s dream for nursing care in St Lucia
Eleanor was born and raised in St Lucia where she studied the full range of nursing disciplines. Since qualifying, she has come to the UK twice to work, and joined the team at Monkscroft in December 2016.
Eleanor said: “I have a dream of opening up a state-of-the-art nursing care home in St Lucia, and I am working in the UK to learn about some of the best approaches to care. As well as providing a luxury environment and top-quality care, at Monkscroft we use activities which are designed to support elderly residents, some who live with dementia, to give them a tailored experience which enhances their wellbeing.
“I believe that people deserve the best care when they get older. They’ve worked hard all their lives, and they have such interesting stories and histories to share about themselves. They deserve to be cared for in a good place, and this is what we provide.”
“One day I will establish my own nursing care home, back in St Lucia, using my knowledge and experience from Monkscroft.”
Bringing the Caribbean to Monkscroft
The experience, sights and sounds of the Caribbean shared by Doreen and Eleanor have lit up the smiles of many residents at the care home.
Doreen said: “Our residents love to see the traditional bright colours of the Islands. We’ve run carnivals and music events to entertain them. It brings a vibrancy that everyone reacts to positively.
“We connect through music; the beat of the Caribbean music gets many of our residents up and dancing or moving in their chairs.”
Eleanor added: “When I first joined the care home, I was warmly welcomed by everyone, but one memory stands out. A resident asked me about Steel Pan music, they were excited to hear more of it, and having grown up near to the sea where a traditional group played regularly, I was happy to share my memories. We’ve been playing the music in the care home ever since.”