Penarth Home Arranges Surprise Party To Mark 25 Years’ Service Of Deputy Home Manager
A Penarth home marked the long service of their deputy home manager by surprising her with a party.
Hayley Lawrence works at MHA Morel Court and has been doing so for 25 years.
Hayley joined the home as a care assistant and has risen through the ranks to become a senior carer, assistant manager and into her current role as deputy home manager.
To celebrate the achievement, the home arranged for a wonderful buffet spread, cake, balloons and an Elvis tribute act.
Hayley was also presented with her long service certificate, some flowers and a voucher by home manager Suzanne Taplin.
Speaking after the party, Hayley said: “ I was walking past MHA Morel Court one day and popped in on the off chance to ask if they had any jobs.
“Luckily, the home manager at the time answered the door and interviewed me on the spot and offered me a job as a care assistant straight away.
“I had left the previous care home as I was not happy with the care being given and I wanted to work somewhere that shared my values.
“I quickly realised that MHA shared my values and MHA Morel Court has always been a place where the residents come first.
“I didn’t think that I would still be here 25 years later, I’ve spent half of my life here but have loved every minute of it.
“A lot has changed since I joined, and for me it’s the residents’ needs that have changed the most.
“When I first started, they were a lot younger, still driving their own cars, still going on holidays, we only had one Zimmer frame when I started, now we only have one resident without.
“I have had four different Managers during my time, all with very different approaches but have all made MHA Morel Court the place it is today.
“The advice I would give to people thinking of working in care is firstly, you need to have a good sense of humour.
“The role can be very hard as its working long hours, you need lots of patience, kindness, empathy and understanding.
“I have always treated residents in a way that I would want my grandparents treated and knew I couldn’t go wrong with that approach.”
