Monica celebrates 30 years at Oaklands House care home

Supper cook Monica Earl celebrated 30 years working at Oaklands House care home with the team and residents this Christmas.

Monica, who started work at the Southwold home as a night carer, began her care carer looking after an elderly couple in the village before moving to the 29-bedded residential care home.

Home Manager Ian Gooch said, “On the same day as our Christmas party this year we celebrated an amazing 30 years of service from Monica.

“Monica is an integral part of the team here and such a warm kind person who lights up the home whilst she is here. The residents all have a massive appreciation for Monica and her dedication alongside her passion and charm – she really does know all there is to know about our home.”

Monica enjoyed helping in the kitchen at Oaklands House so when she wanted to stop night work about a year ago she transferred to be a part time supper cook.

Now in her 70s Monica and her husband have three children, eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren. All live locally and she loves to spend time with them all regularly. In her spare time Monica enjoys making cakes and knitting as well as karaoke – something she also shares with the residents at Oaklands on a regular basis along with head chef Adam.

“I’m not ready to sit at home, I like to be busy and love spending time here with the residents and the staff,” she said.

“ I could write a book full of the amusing things which go on here – it’s like being part of one big family and there’s always something to make you smile. I would encourage anyone thinking of working in care to come along and give it a try. I love it and will carry on as long as I can, it’s not necessarily for everyone but you never know until you try.”

Oaklands House is surrounded by five acres of mature woodland and has some beautiful communal areas. The stunning south-facing conservatory is ideal for peace and quiet but is also a popular meeting place for residents and guests. Silver service dining helps to create wonderful mealtime experiences at the home and residents thrive in a happy, homely environment with a small team of regular staff who are dedicated to providing the very best care to residents.

Oaklands House is part of Healthcare Homes family of 48 care homes and 11 homecare branches. The company has recently been named in the Top 20 care home groups for the seventh year in a row by independent review website carehome.co.uk. Oaklands House has a 9.9 out of 10 score on carehome.co.uk and is rated Good by the Care Quality Commission.

For information about the care on offer at Oaklands House and current vacancies in the home, or to book a visit and one-to-one meeting with Home Manager, Ian, call 01502 447722 or visit healthcarehomes.co.uk/care-homes/oaklands-house.

Pip Rich