Celebrating 30 Years Of Caring Homes With Carers Sue And Sharonet At The Pines
This year, we’ve been marking Caring Homes’ 30th birthday by celebrating the people that make each of our 21 care homes so special. Meet Sue and Sharonet, carers at The Pines Nursing Home in Putney, west London, who have both worked there for an incredible 32 years.
Understanding, Interaction and Conversation
Sue James joined The Pines as a carer on 5th October 1992 after a friend who worked there suggested the hours might fit in with picking up her daughter from school. Sue joined the team and found that not only did the hours work, the carer’s role suited her perfectly.
Sue describes herself as an extrovert so a people-orientated role was essential. Carers have many responsibilities, including giving personal care to residents and helping them with their daily routine. Alongside this, the relationship built between team members and residents is a priority at Caring Homes and this is what Sue loves. She explained, “Our residents are all individuals – I want to hear their stories, hear how their day is, how can I make it better. I’ve just seen Cathy now, she never wears lipstick but she’s put her lipstick on today because she said, ‘You’ve always got yours on’ and I said, yes, Cathy – always put your lipstick on and smile. I really enjoy the interaction, the conversation, just being with them, listening to their stories”.
A Happy Moment and the Start of a Journey
Sharonet Walters was just 21 years old when she was introduced to The Pines by her aunt, who worked there. “I started as a kitchen assistant, washing up”, said Sharonet, “but the housekeeper, Joyce, was very fond of me and asked me if I’d like to join her team. So, I moved to housekeeping for a time, then I was offered an interview to be a carer. The nurses liked me and had seen how I was with the residents and how I spoke to them – they thought I was a nice person and that I’d be a good carer. Getting that job was such a happy moment”.
Sue James was already a carer at The Pines and Sharonet remembers, “I was working with Sue on my first day and she was very nice to me, even though I turned up late for my first shift”!
Sharonet confesses to being nervous about joining the care team. She explained, “I was very young, without any experience and thought, I can’t do this caring, it’s too hard”. One of the other carers said, ‘Don’t worry Sharonet, you’ll grow into it’, and sure enough, that’s exactly what happened. At the end of the day, I’ve always wanted to help the elderly and that’s why I found that I could be a carer – and why I’ve been here so long”.
Rewarding Relationships Experienced from Both Sides
Before reducing her hours, Sue used to love getting involved in activities with the residents and she still helps out, bringing along those residents who want to take part in the regular bingo sessions, then helping them. “They may not have made a facial expression that whole morning”, Sue explained, “but with our help, they find out they can play, and they smile or laugh. It’s really rewarding.”
The Pines has a unique personality and over the years, residents have included barristers, writers, actors and musicians. Sue’s enjoyed meeting the odd celebrity relative too – but celebrity or not, she believes in the importance of building a strong relationship with the relatives as well as the residents, explaining, “You’ve got to know them – they’re leaving someone very special with you, the most precious thing you can look after, and they need that reassurance”. Sharonet agrees. She’s fond of the families and feels it’s important to introduce herself and let them get to know her. Sharonet is often involved in show rounds where relatives looking for care for a family member visit The Pines - and she understands that getting a feel for the care is as important as seeing the environment.
Sue’s Dad has recently moved into a care home and she sees things from both sides now. “Dad has told all the staff I’m a nurse so they’re all a bit nervous of me! I said to them, ‘No, I’m a carer, treat me exactly the same as any relative’, because I know how difficult the job can be”.
32 Years and Counting!
Although Sue now only works Wednesday and Thursday mornings, she’s definitely not ready to retire. “I need something”, she said, “and working at The Pines as a carer, I feel that I can have an impact, that I’m doing a little bit of good and that as a team, we’re all trying to do the same. Even when a day doesn’t run to plan, I leave at 2pm and feel that I’ve done something worthwhile for somebody else”.
Sharonet feels the same. “The Pines is lovely – there’s a good atmosphere here and I love my job. The other day I dreamed I’d handed in my notice! I’ll be retiring one day but at the moment, I still like getting up in the morning, knowing I’m coming to work to care for the residents – it gives me purpose”.
The Pines Home Manager, Heather Said added, “I’m fortunate to have two such loyal and experienced carers working with me. Sue and Sharonet bring their own personalities and approach to caring, which is how it should be, and the support they’ve given to the team and to our residents over the years has been invaluable”.
Welcome to The Pines Nursing Home
The Pines is our care home in Wandsworth, West London. A beautiful period property, The Pines Nursing Home provides residential and nursing care in an oasis of tranquillity in vibrant Putney for up to 42 elderly residents. The Pines has the amenities of a modern home without compromising its period charm, with spacious, bright, and airy communal areas, and a warm, homely feel.
At The Pines we are able to provide tailored care for our residents, many of whom require specialist care and attention. Many of our staff members are trained in nursing and dementia care, so you’ll always be in experienced hands.
