Care Home Says Farewell To Employee Who Is Retiring After 24 Years Of Service
Residents and staff at Castle Dene, a Care South care home, have waved off well-loved employee, Dot Bartlett who “is a friend to everyone” as she retired after 24 years with the care provider. Dot worked for Care South, a not-for-profit provider of care homes and care services across the South, as a laundry assistant for over two decades. She was based in two homes across the group, starting at Wickmeads care home before joining the team at Castle Dene where she settled for the next two decades.
Dot was known to have brought joy to the day-to-day lives of residents and staff during her time at Care South. She would frequently go above and beyond her duties to care for the residents’ emotional needs and put a smile on everyone’s faces. Dot became close with residents and staff, and the home soon started to feel like a family. She said: “They say if you love your job, you’ll never work a day again. I found something I enjoyed, stuck with it for 24 years, and never wanted to change. I felt at home; the residents and the team are like a family to me. I always felt happy, and I think that rubbed off on everyone.”
Although Dot will miss her ‘work family’, she said: “Despite not seeing everyone as much as usual, I certainly won’t be a stranger. I’ll be popping in to see the residents and my old colleagues regularly, and I’ll be volunteering at the summer fete. And I’ll be telling everyone about what I’ve been up to at the weekly coffee mornings the home organises.” Lana Wright, Castle Dene Manager, said: “Dot was a fantastic addition to our team.
She is a friend to everyone at Castle Dene – staff, visitors, residents, and their families all love spending time with her. She will be missed by many. Nothing was too much trouble, and she did everything to give residents the best experience. I’m very grateful for the chance to have worked with her.” Dot spent her working days running the laundry room of the 50-bed home, mending clothes, and sewing, and would always make time to interact with the residents, help out with activities, and provide a warm, friendly face. Dot would listen to residents’ life stories and share her own adventures with them.
One of Dot’s favourite tales to share was the day she met her husband and the memories they have created together during their 50+ year marriage. Their daughter, Hayley now works at Castle Dene as a Care Team Leader. Reflecting on her 24 years, Dot added: “I enjoyed every minute of the past 24 years. The residents, staff, and even the building itself felt like my own home. We were like family, and I’ll always remember my Care South days as some of the best of my life. I would like to thank everyone for making my time there so great and look forward to seeing you all at the summer fete!”
Simon Bird, Care South CEO, said: “We would like to thank Dot for all her hard work and wish her the best in the future. She will always be welcome to visit and catch up with her Care South family. Dot – have a wonderful retirement and enjoy every moment.”
