Sidmouth: Surprise party thrown for 'dedicated' care home worker of 40 years

Angela Brooker has worked at Doveridge Care Home, which forms part of Doveleigh Care Limited, in Colyton since 1983. Angela came to work at Doveridge as a carer at the age of 26 years old and has, subsequently, just celebrated her 40th work anniversary.

Angela chose to work at Doveridge initially because of a friend's suggestion. Angela was a trained nurse at the time and had a family in the local area, so this job opportunity was much closer to home. In addition, Angela didn't have a car at the time, so the idea of walking to work was far more convenient.

Angela was first employed as a Senior Care Officer but chose to step back after 32 years in her role as she decided to concentrate on the care of her residents and felt more able to as a Senior Care Assistant, which is now called a Senior Care Support Worker. Angela plans to work at Doveridge a little while longer but reduce her hours over time, stating: "I will stay at Doveridge as long as I can. I feel it's like a second home, so as long as I can care for the residents and make them happy I will stay."

Angela was nominated at the 'Outstanding Care' awards for Devon and Cornwall 2019 and was the winner of the Bronze award for 'Outstanding Contribution to Health and Social Care'. She has committed her life to caring for others, even when it's meant juggling her own life to accommodate this. Angela used to work split shifts as she enjoyed getting the residents up in the morning, as well as being there again to settle them back to bed in the evening. It wasn't long before her endless care was recognised and over the years, resident's families and loved ones would often say, 'Angela is Doveridge'.

Over the years, Angela has supported her residents and colleagues through the many changes of health and social care. One of Angela's many achievements was to overcome her fear of technology! Being very hands on, the introduction of technology to oversee care plans was a little overwhelming! From not understanding how technology could aid help, Angela soon became skilful in creating and maintaining digital care-plans. A couple of years ago, the home upgraded the medication system to an electronic administration system. Angela took all the new technology training and equipment in her stride and can now often be seen multitasking two laptops at the same time!

Angela is our Diabetes Ambassador at Doveridge, ensuring the residents, families and staff are kept up to date with the latest information. Angela signed up to Diabetes UK and self-funded this and uses her spare time to research. Angela has been completely devoted to her role and has an incredible reputation amongst Doveleigh Care Ltd, as well as in the wider care sector.

The Directors and manager of Doveridge wanted to mark this amazing achievement by surprising Angela with a party. On Thursday 5th October Angela thought she was going to work in the afternoon, but instead was taken to the local town hall in Colyton and surprised by her family, friends, residents and staff of Doveridge. Angela said: "I was thrilled to bits but a bit overwhelmed at first as I was well and truly surprised. I felt really honoured that everyone would go that far for me." Some of the residents and staff who were able to attend were pleased to join Angela. Our cooks at Doveridge prepared a wonderful buffet which had a selection of traditional party food which is one of Angela's favourites. They had also made a Victoria sponge cake. We also arranged some live music, performed by Scott Philips, which had many of the residents and staff on their feet, dancing along.

Mr Keith Mills, Director of Doveleigh Care, presented Angela with some lovely flowers and gifts as a thank-you for all her hard work and commitment over the past 40 years. When Keith asked Angela what she would like as a gift she said she would like a donation to her chosen charity "Nunsford Nutters Carnival Club." Keith happily honoured her wish and donated £500 pounds to them. Angela was over the moon with this donation as this charity is very close to her heart.

Liz Mills (Director of Doveleigh Care Limited) said: "You are the reason we bought Doveridge. You set the scene of the kind of care I wanted to provide. Your warmth and love for your residents was limitless. You were and still are amazing. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being there and being you. Lots of love." 

Amy Burt (General Manager of Doveleigh Care Limited) said: "Angela's dedication and care over the past 40 years is an outstanding achievement. Her passion and loyalty to Doveridge Care Home over the past 40 years is truly appreciated. Angela has seen many changes for the better in the care sector and she has continually strived to ensure our residents receive the highest quality care, at all times. I was so proud of Angela when she was nominated and awarded the 'Outstanding Contributions to Care' Award at the 2019 Devon & Cornwall 'Outstanding Care' Award ceremony held in Torquay. Nothing is ever too much trouble for Angela and she always has a ready smile. She truly is an angel."

Doveleigh Care is a care home company based in East Devon. Each of Doveleigh Care's three care homes located in Sidmouth, Seaton and Colyton are rated 'Outstanding' by the Care Quality Commission. They have also won numerous awards in recent years, including 'National Care Home Group of the Year' in 2017. Doveleigh Care has also been rated one of the "Top Twenty" care home providers in the whole country by reviews on the website carehome.co.uk for seven years in a row.

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