Kineton care home manager celebrates 20 years of caring for residents

Paula du Rand initially moved to England from South Africa with her husband Johannes as part of a six-month sabbatical from her job as a professor at the University of the Free State.

During those months, she applied for the manager’s position at Kineton Manor Nursing Home and 20 years later she is still there providing care for the house’s residents.

In that time Paula has become a Home Office sponsor for migrant workers, many enjoying long careers at the home including, Kitty Chen and Tintu Tom who have recently graduated from Coventry University as nurse associates.

When asked what kept her motivated for the job, Paula said: “The residents of course, and making their final years the best they can be. Everything we do is for the residents. We give them choices and involve them and their families in all the decision-making regarding their care.”

In her time as manager, the home has received two outstanding ratings by the Care Quality Commission, been accredited for The Gold Standard Framework for palliative and end-of-life care and became a teaching care home, where new caregivers can learn.

Paula said: “I could not have made Kineton Manor what it is without my staff. Although it is inevitable that some staff leave, we have a core staff that have worked here for many years. We are a team and I have enjoyed empowering many members of staff over the years. I want everyone to fulfil their career potential”.

In what can be considered the pinnacle of Paula’s professional life, she was invited to a reception in London as chair of the Social Care Advisory Board for the Birmingham and Solihull and was fortunate to meet The King.

She said: “It was an amazing experience when I shook the King’s Hand, and a moment I will never forget”.