I have been working in the healthcare sector since 2011. I started as a healthcare assistant and, before joining Barchester, I was the registered manager of a residential care home.

I have worked in different care settings, supporting the elderly, people living with mental health conditions, those with dementia, learning disabilities or other complex care needs.

First and foremost, I love getting to know the new residents, and it is a please to work alongside a great team to deliver the best care possible.

I can honestly say that the work that I do makes me proud every single day, whether this is achieved through making residents' lives the slightest bit easier through delivering exceptional person-centred care; or with the simpler things, like just making a person I care for smile.

I feel very lucky to be in a position where I can benefit the lives of others.

I worked for many years in airline industry in terminal management and for a well-known airline. Following on from that, I worked as a business manager, which was right before I joined the care sector.

My first role in the care sector was as a manager for a healthcare sector on the south coast, and I then went on to working in sales and marketing for care homes. 

I started in this sector as a relative trying to find a care home for my mum, who couldn't support herself any longer. From that day, I knew I wanted to help and support others in the same situation, and make this transition easier for them, and so I worked for the care group of the home my mum was in until she sadly passed away there.

Whilst there, I supported 2 care homes and a new build. I wanted to continue in this sector, and there was a vacancy at Barchester for a home services advisor doing sales and marketing for one of their new builds in Eastbourne. I was really excited to be offered the role—and here I am!

Hi, my name is Maria and I am the Lifestyle Enrichment Coordinator here at Mortain Place.

I have known the comings and goings of a care home since the age of seven years old, when my younger sister and I sat at work with mum and dad after school. We read to the residents, had tea and cake with them, danced around in the gardens, and gave out Christmas presents dressed as elves. As we grew up, we gained more sets of grandparents than biologically possible, but friends for life.

At 14 I began working as a housekeeper in the home, a role I loved as I could chat to everybody as I got on with my jobs. I often helped out with bigger events throughout the year, too, and thrived on the buzz of everyone being together and enjoying each other’s’ company. At 17, I moved into the role of activities coordinator.

Now, after different workplaces and a degree in English Literature and Creative Writing, I am here working at Barchester Healthcare. I am keen to bring my experience and my passions to my role, to fulfill and empower lives. Coming to work does not feel like a job to me: I adore the people I work with, I care for them deeply, and I am privileged to have this opportunity.