Belinda Dennis, Linson Court, Silverline Care

Belinda Dennis, manager of Silverline Care’s Linson Court Care Home, Batley, explains why working in social care is special.

How did you join Silverline Care?

I wanted to be part of a team and company who can make a difference, not just in words but in their actions and from the moment I joined the company, this has been the case. Silverline Care’s mission statement is a value-based company that works with integrity. They are focussed on ensuring a quality of life, to people in their care.

What is special about Silverline Care?

Silverline Care is always striving to improve the care and support they offer to residents and also to the family and friends of their residents. Their two care homes in Yorkshire and the six homes in Scotland all provide a quality environment, ensuring comfort for everyone there with some of the most enthusiastic, well trained and friendly staff you could find.

What is most rewarding about your job?

I think it is being part of a team that is making a real difference to the people in our care. I really enjoy developing our staff to reach their full potential, thereby ensuring career fulfilment, quality of care and service to our residents. Also, the retention of staff is a real highlight, keeping good members of staff within our homes means so much. Creating a care home which is respected and meets the needs of the community is my aim, one that works alongside other external professionals to achieve good outcomes for our residents.

What has been your proudest moment?

Qualifying as a nurse 43 years ago and still working with a smile on my face! Most recently, I supported Silverline Care’s Linson Court Care Home team to achieve a ‘good’ rating following a CQC inspection, following several challenges which we overcame.

What has been your greatest challenge and how did you overcome it?

The greatest challenge in my job is to not only deliver a quality service meeting the needs of the local community but to maintain this level of service. We as a company are always striving to continue and improve and this can only happen with ongoing support from the wider staff team and senior support team. Most importantly, we need to listen to our people to ensure we are meeting needs and realising our expectations.

Tell us three things that make great care

Staff who give empathetic, enthusiastic and person centred care/support.

How do you relax?

I love travelling, reading, baking and decorating with sugar craft for celebration cakes.

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