Residents and staff at Castle Dene, a Care South care home, waved off well-loved employee, Dot Bartlett who “is a friend to everyone” as she retired after 24 years with the care provider.

Dot worked for Care South, a not-for-profit provider of care homes and care services across the South, as a laundry assistant for over two decades. She was based in two homes across the group, starting at Wickmeads care home before joining the team at Castle Dene where she settled for the next two decades.

Dot frequently went above and beyond her duties to care for the residents’ emotional needs and put a smile on everyone’s faces. She said: “They say if you love your job, you’ll never work a day again. I found something I enjoyed, stuck with it for 24 years, and never wanted to change. I felt at home; the residents and the team are like a family to me. I always felt happy, and I think that rubbed off on everyone.”

“Despite not seeing everyone as much as usual, I certainly won’t be a stranger. I’ll be popping in to see the residents and my old colleagues regularly, and I’ll be volunteering at the summer fete. And I’ll be telling everyone about what I’ve been up to at the weekly coffee mornings the home organises.”

“I enjoyed every minute of the past 24 years. The residents, staff, and even the building itself felt like my own home. We were like family, and I’ll always remember my Care South days as some of the best of my life.”

Lana Wright, Castle Dene manager, said: “Dot was a fantastic addition to our team. She is a friend to everyone at Castle Dene – staff, visitors, residents, and their families all love spending time with her. She will be missed by many. Nothing was too much trouble, and she did everything to give residents the best experience. I’m very grateful for the chance to have worked with her.”