Meet Our Team
Meet our Manager,
Jacqui Caldwell
“It’s important my staff are the best they
can be which is why they are encouraged
to receive ongoing training.”
Meet our Activities Co-ordinator,
Melissa Ramage
“My role is varied and I’m given the opportunity to provide support as a care assistant, which helps me to get to know all the residents even better.”
With over 13 years care home management experience, Jacqui started her training at nursing college before progressing to gain her registration qualification in Adult Nursing, SVQ 4 in Management in Health and Social Care and a BA Nursing Studies.
Jacqui has always had a vocation to care for people, coupled with a commitment to continually improve, being the best, she can be to offer the highest standards of care possible.
Jacqui explained: “As far back as I can remember I always wanted to be a nurse. I love caring for people and trying to make someone’s day better. It was a massive personal achievement for me going back to university to gain my degree and this has enabled me to pursue a career in management – something I have worked incredibly hard to achieve and I’m immensely proud of.
“The team at Ashlea Court are fantastic and work around the clock to make a positive difference for our residents. We are a friendly and sociable group of individuals who strive to make every day special, assisting residents to fulfil their aspirations.”
A typical day for Jacqui starts at 7am so she can maintain her good relationship with all the night staff and attend the handover of report from shift to shift.
Jacqui checks if any of the units require assistance – for example, escort arrangements for hospital appointments, if they have any issues or concerns or need any equipment. An open door-policy at the home means residents, families and staff are always welcome to discuss any concerns they may have or just have a chat.
Other duties are varied and include organising staff rotas, carrying out pre-assessments of residents, attending meetings and reviews, updating policies, carrying out audits, staff appraisals, training/clinical supervisions and writing reports to name a few.
Jacqui talked more about her aims and objectives for Ashlea Court: “My main priority is
to provide exceptional levels of care and therefore the best possible quality of life for residents. We strive to meet the Care Inspectorate Health and Social Care Standards, with a view of increasing our grades.
“As a team, we aim to offer a diverse programme of activities, which encourage resident participation. We are here to facilitate residents to exercise their rights and to make choices in relation to their care, and daily lives.
“It’s important my staff are the best they can be which is why they are encouraged to receive ongoing training and understanding about medical conditions such as dementia, and other debilitating and acute illnesses.
“I’d always encourage both current residents and any potential residents to ask questions if they have any concerns. There is no such thing as a silly question and having a quick can often alleviate any initial worries and provide some much-needed reassurance.
“Although a lot of things have changed owing to the global pandemic of COVID-19, providing high quality care remains at the heart of what we offer. We appreciate just how difficult it is for families when they can’t visit residents in person but we are able to facilitate a range of online options so regular contact can continue regardless of any physical restrictions that may be in place. Keeping the lines of communication open has never been more important and we will do whatever we can to make this possible.
“On a personal note for the home, the team and I are very excited about the forthcoming refurbishment programme – it’s fantastic to have something like this to look forward to. It’s going to make a huge difference for staff and residents.” Read about our refurbishment plans here.
If you would like to chat, or simply get some more information about life at Ashlea Court, please contact Jacqui today on 01698 887 001 or email info@ashleacourtcare.com.
“I am passionate about the care industry because I enjoy making people feel good. It makes me feel rewarded when I’m able to assist residents and ensure they get maximum fulfilment out of activities that are meaningful to them. “
At Ashlea Court Care Home, we pride ourselves in ensuring all our residents are content and happy, and a large part of this is offering plenty of choice and different activities to get involved with every day.
Melissa, who has worked at Ashlea Court since 2015, is responsible for planning cognitive and physical activities for residents to take part in that encourage physical and mental stimulation – contributing to an overall feeling of comfort and wellbeing.
“I am passionate about the care industry because I enjoy making people feel good.”
Melissa said: “Caring for others has always been in my nature. I was brought up around people with learning difficulties as my mum was a nurse and worked in the health and social care industry. I also have previous experience of working in a day care centre. The Activities Co-ordinator role was new to me in a lot of ways, but I soon realised it was a perfect career move.
“I am passionate about the care industry because I enjoy making people feel good. It makes me feel rewarded when I’m able to assist residents and ensure they get maximum fulfilment out of engaging activities that are meaningful for them.
“My role is varied and I’m given the opportunity to provide support as a care assistant, which helps me to get to know all the residents even better – allowing me to explore their past, talk about what matters to them and build a positive relationship.
“Ashlea Court have a great team who are dedicated to the people in their care and work tirelessly to ensure residents have a meaningful and purposeful life. They treat every resident with the utmost dignity and respect, creating a special place to live and call your own.”
Melissa’s biggest achievement is gaining her SVQ 2, enabling her to pursue a career within the health and social care sector.
Melissa has been on a variety of training courses including Care About Physical Activity (CAPA), a Care Inspectorate programme to support the promotion of physical activity in care. and Dementia Training. Melissa also attends monthly activity co-ordinators meetings, where Ashlea Court have linked up with other care homes to discuss best approach and ideas.