Manchester Care Home Celebrates Care Colleague’s 10,000 Working Days of Dedication

Colleagues at Langfield Care Home in Middleton, Manchester, have surprised Specialist Support Worker Karen Haycock with gifts and cards to celebrate an incredible milestone of 10,000 working days at the home.

Karen has dedicated more than 27 years to supporting residents, building meaningful relationships and making a difference to their daily lives. Her colleagues and residents came together on 27 October to recognise her commitment and thank her for everything she brings to the home.

Having joined Orchard Healthcare Group in May 1999, Karen has gained experience across residential care, dementia care and nursing. She now works within the home’s Reconnect dementia community, supporting residents living with advanced dementia.

Throughout her career, Karen has continued to develop her skills, completing an NVQ Level 2, taking part in Orchard’s Step Up programme and undertaking specialist Dementia Promise training.

Over the years, she has witnessed significant changes in the care sector, with advances in specialist training, equipment and more individualised approaches helping colleagues better understand and meet the needs of people living with dementia.
Despite these changes, it’s the relationships she builds with residents that remain at the heart of her work. “I love spending time with the residents. They become your family,” Karen said.

Reflecting on her milestone, Karen said she was excited to still be working in care and looking forward to what comes next. Her advice to anyone considering a career in care is to persevere and give it their all. “You need to give it 100% to be able to make a difference to people, and that’s the best part,” she said.

Lisa-Marie Hutchinson, Home Manager at Langfield Care Home, said: “Karen’s 10,000 working days is a fantastic achievement, and we were delighted to celebrate this special milestone with her and show her how much she is appreciated.

“Her dedication over the years is something to be proud of. Working in care is about so much more than the day-to-day tasks; it’s about building relationships, making people feel valued and helping residents live fulfilling lives. Karen’s commitment to the people she supports is a wonderful example of this, and we’re incredibly proud and grateful for her years of service.”