Meet the Austen House Care Home Team
Our trained team of professionals work together to create the best possible experience for those living in the home, striving to deliver excellent care services in a warm, homely environment. You can find out more about some of our wonderful staff members below:
Simona Cioinac
Hello. My name is Simona and I am the General Manager here at Austen House. I look forward to welcoming you to our home.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. I love to see prospective residents, families and friends, new members of staff and the local community taking an interest in our community.
My role is to ensure that we deliver what we say we do. I am responsible for overall service delivery to our residents and community, inspiring and leading the team and ensuring high standards of governance and compliance are achieved.
I trained as a nurse in Italy and worked there for 20 years in that capacity. In the last 7 years before leaving Italy, I had the privilege of serving the public healthcare sector by managing and leading frontline hospital services. In 2017 I came to the UK and joined the NHS, which I was particularly proud of. I have learnt a great deal from these colleagues along my career journey.
I truly believe in the values of responsibility, integrity, kindness, compassion and doing what I can for others. The care sector has afforded me the opportunity to ‘live’ these values in the workplace, for which I am truly grateful.
After serving in the NHS I was immediately drawn to Barchester because of the culture and principles the organisation aspires to.
I am now passionately working with the community and my team here at West Oak to take the home’s services forward. My team and I are fully committed to embedding the Barchester Values: RESPECT, INTEGRITY, PASSION, EMPOWERMENT and RESPONSIBILITY.
My door is always open to the community, family, residents and staff: do not hesitate to come and talk to me should you need anything or if I can assist in any way.
Thank you for your interest in our lovely home.
Daisy Diongson
Hello, my name is Daisy and I have joined the nursing team at Austen House, I moved from the Philippines to train as a nurse and really enjoying getting to know and caring for our residents
Prathistha Karhi
Hello, my name is Prathistha and I have joined the nursing team at Austen House, I moved from the Nepal to qualify as a nurse and really enjoying getting to know and caring for our residents
Lind Immaculate
I'm Lind, and I have been a part of the team since 2015. I am very passionate about my role at Austen House and love spending time with the residents and getting to know their relatives. During my time at Austen House, I have developed my skills and completed the Level 2 Accounting course.
I am always around to help and happy to assist wherever possible.
Iuliana Buican
Hi my name is Iuliana, I was a history teacher for 12 years before I joined Barchester in 2017. I am passionate about my job and love working with people. I enjoy planning and delivering meaningful activities which make a difference to our residents lives.
Ainsworth Brown
Ainsworth started working in the hospitality industry in 2004 as a second chef at a different care home. He gained further experience as a Chef De Partie, preparing various English, Asian and French authentic dishes, before being promoted to Head Chef.
Ainsworth started at Austen House in 2015 and has gained experience in elderly care and understands about the nutritional welfare of those we support, catering for varying diets, including vegan, diabetic, celiac and authentic cultural cuisines.
Daniel Cazacu
Hello! My name is Daniel, I have been part of the team since 2019.
I have passion for creating a safe and comfortable environment for our residents, staff and relatives. With several years of expertise in facilities management and leadership, I bring a wealth of knowledge and keen eye for detail to Austen House.
I look forward to meeting you all.
Tulika Paul
Tulika has been part of the team here at Austen House since 2019 when she joined our activities team, moving to reception initially on a bank basis she is now with us every weekend and knows our residents and relatives very well
Miracle Ainembabazi
Hello! my name is Miracle, I am the backbone of our daily operations, ensuring smooth functioning and exceptional service delivery. With a blend of organisational prowess, interpersonal finesse, and a deep sense of compassion, I am dedicated to upholding Austen House's reputation for excellence in elder care. Committed to professionalism and driven by a genuine desire to make a positive difference, I take pride in contributing to the well-being and happiness of our residents and their families.
Maurice Barker
My name is Maurice, the residents Ambassador.
My whole life was interrupted the 2nd World War. I attended Newbury primary school and become Rugby Captain.
I did National Service from 1948 to 1950. Later, I become physical training instructor to the military police, leaving National Service and joining Reading Borough Council Police until the amalgamation of Thames Valley.
I retired from Police force in 1975, I worked with other Councils including Windsor and Henley. I was the President of Royal British Legion, after the repatriation of the bodies in 2008 & 2014, I fully retired in 2014.
I became a resident at Austen House on 29th/04/2023. Austen House is a very good Care home. Communication is easy, very good food, and thoughtful staff.
I actively engages with staff, participates in resident activities and offer valuable insights that enhance our services. I’m committed to maintaining open communication and fostering a sense of belonging among residents and their families.
Linda Bennett
I am a retired civil servant after 40 years of service. I was awarded an MBE in 2012 for my work with the public and problem solving. I currently live in Woodley with my husband, two Grandsons who we are guardians of, and two cocker spaniels.
From the moment my Dad joined Memory Lane in October 2022, I have visited several times a week.
I enjoy sitting in the lounge with him, and interacting with the other residents, and the wonderful staff. I find it so rewarding, sometimes he does not know me. Other days I see my old Dad still there.
I jumped at the chance to become a relatives ambassador at Austen House. I know the emotional journey we are all on, sometimes it can be draining, and upsetting. If I could be of any support to someone who might need a chat, or just a familiar friendly face, I would find it so rewarding.
Host Team
Hello! Meet some of our hostesses who are very passionate about the art of hosting and creating unforgettable experiences at Austen House.
Sunita Biyani
I joined the team at Austen House in 2008 and passionate about fulfilling residents lives by getting to know each individual on a personal level and supporting them to continue enjoying their hobbies, I hold this very close to my heart
Domestic Team
These are just some of our amazing domestic team members here at Austen House. They do an excellent job keeping the home fresh and bright.
Jo Austin
Hello, I'm Jo and work in the hairdressing Salon at Austen House, appointments are available two days a week and I'm very flexible over what time a residents would like, we all love a pamper and I also visit residents in their rooms if they prefer
