Nov 2023
Meet the Team at Digby Court
Digby Court comprises many passionate and caring team members, from our head housekeeper to the home manager. The home has recently welcomed some new additions to the family, so we have conducted a Q&A with members of the Digby Court team for you to get to know them a bit better.
We asked each of the following team members to give us a summary of their careers to date, what they enjoy most about their role, and what they like to get up to in their spare time. Here is what they had to say.
Michaela has recently stepped up to be the interim home manager of Digby Court, and we commend her for everything she is doing.
“I began my career in health care in 2010 when I attended college for Access to Nursing, where I achieved Access to Higher Education Diploma in Health and Social Care. Following on from college, I enrolled in an Adult Nurse course at university, achieving a Certificate of Higher Education in Applied Health Studies.
My journey in Residential Care Home settings began in February 2015 when I began working at Crown House Care Home, in Oakham, Rutland. Whilst working there, I achieved my NVQ level 2 and 3 in Adult Social Care and started as a Carer, progressing to Senior Carer after my first year. I finished my time there in March 2020 when I relocated to Lincolnshire. I took some time out of working to spend decorating our house, learning about the area, and enjoying time with my partner.
My journey with The Order of St John Care Trust started in February 2021 as a Night Lead. Come May 2021, the position of Head of Care became available, and I took my chances. I was successful and have learnt a lot in my position. Since August 2023 I have been the Acting Home Manager, which is keeping me on my toes, and I am learning something new every day. I have also been enrolled on the Level 5 Leader in Adult Social Care Course, and I look forward to completing it next year.
I have always stood by the mantra to treat the residents I look after how I would wish for my parents/grandparents to be treated. Working in care is one of the most heart-warming jobs I have ever done; we are able to see residents at their best and support them through their worst times. In my current role, I not only get to spend time with the residents, but also have the chance to build relationships with their loved ones. I enjoy taking the time out of my day to sit with the residents to have lunch together, something which all staff are encouraged to do, and something that the residents enjoy.
I like to visit different parts of the country with my fiancée. We visited Wales this year, and we hope to return to climb Snowdonia. I enjoy visiting historic sites, museums, and the seaside. At home, we have a house rabbit called Bob. He started off living outside, but as the winter nights drew in, in 2020, he made his way into our hearts and into our home. He now rules the house and has frozen blackberries served to him every morning. I have begun an Alpha course recently, where I am learning about the Christian faith, something that I am really enjoying.”
We look forward to watching Michaela progress further in her career at OSJCT.
Abbie is the home’s newest addition as the activities co-ordinator, although Abbie has worked in the home previously as a night carer.
Abbie started off her career in care back in 2020, but prior to that she was a supervisor at an English-themed sports bar in Trondheim, Norway!
She has worked in a range of different roles within care, including night carer, receptionist, and now activities co-ordinator.
“I love my job as an activities co-ordinator because I really get to see the best sides of the residents, doing activities and hobbies that they enjoy with big smiles on their faces! I love taking the residents on trips out, as they love engaging with the local community and reminiscing about how the town used to look.
My daughter Lucy is my best friend. Being a mum is the hardest but most rewarding job, and I love spending time with my family and friends. I’m a big animal lover; I enjoy taking Hank, my French bulldog, out on walks in the mornings. I would love to get back into sports again, as I used to play for Trondheim’s Ladies Netball Team as a goalkeeper”.
Abbie has settled in well to the role, and we can’t wait to see how she progresses in her career.
Lastly, we have our fabulous administrator, Fay. She has been with the trust for six years now, and we look forward to many more years working together because we just don’t know what we would do without her.
“I started work in Peebles, Scotland, in a local family run department store, first on the shop floor and then in the office. Everything I know about working with people comes from the time spent there, it was an introduction into the working world. I moved to Germany and worked for the RAF at a Signals Unit, all very hush, hush ……… ‘If I told you……….’ you know the rest. I then worked for Doncaster College, Interflora, Supported Housing and then here, Digby Court.
I enjoy my role as here at Digby Court as Admin. My office is situated at the front of reception, and I am usually the first person any visitors see, so I try really hard to be upbeat and friendly but professional at all times. I enjoy the day-to-day work that comes under my remit, but what is the absolute best thing about working here are the residents. I could never do care, and I take my hat off to those that do. Furthermore, I get to spend time and interact with all residents on a daily basis, and they always bring a smile to my face, it is my biggest joy in work.
Out of work, I am a social butterfly and have a range of different friends who I like to spend time with. I have two grown up daughters who are my ‘being’ and I love to spend time with them. I travel up and down to Scotland when I can, to see family and friends.”
If you would like to come and meet the rest of the Digby court family, come along to one of our monthly coffee mornings on the 28th of every month. Alternatively, come and see our Christmas Winter Wonderland Walk on the 13th of December between 1pm and 4:30pm.