Jiji George, home manager of Bupa’s Colonia Court describes what she loves about working in care

Why did you join the social care sector?

I worked as a nurse in a hospital setting while living in India and the UAE, but I wanted a new challenge. Bupa gave me the opportunity to work in a care home in order to qualify as a nurse in the UK.

Once I started at Colonia Court Bupa Care Home I never looked back. I gained my nurse PIN and then worked my way up from registered nurse to senior sister and clinical services manager before becoming home manger in 2021.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

One of the best things about my role is knowing I am making a difference to the lives of our residents and their families. I also get to put my nursing knowledge to use in the running of the home and making sure that all our residents get the highest-quality individualised care they deserve. The great thing about working in a care home is you get to know the residents over a long period of time – it’s not like working in a hospital where you only see people for a few days. At the home it feels like we’re one big family. I also love to see the team get the recognition they deserve for their hard work. We recently gained ‘quality assured’ status from the Huntington’s Disease Association in recognition of all the amazing work the team does to care for residents with Huntington’s. We’re one of only five homes in the country to have this qualification and I was so proud when I heard we had been successful.

Who is your social care hero and why?

When I was training to be a nurse I was very inspired by Florence Nightingale. She reached out to help people without any bias or prejudice, and she professionalised the nursing profession, helping people to understand the importance of good nursing. Now that I work in the care sector I find that very inspiring.

What one thing would you change about social care?

I would like more people to understand the value of social care and recognise the important work that people in the caring profession do.

What makes a great care worker?

Anyone can make a great care worker, but I think a caring nature is a great starting point. Being dedicated, a good listener and being open to learning new skills will also help.

Making time for meaningful conversations with your colleagues and residents is also important. Following up on what you say you’ll do might sound like a small thing, but it makes a big difference to people’s lives.

What do you do when life gets a bit too much?

Life and work can get busy, but I try not to let that affect me too much. Instead, I go to church, and sing in the choir. Like lots of other people I enjoy watching TV in the evening with my family, or cooking a delicious meal. In the summer I enjoy working in my garden.  

What advice would you give your younger self?

I would remind myself always to focus on the positives – this is something I try to live by now. Remember to learn from your mistakes, believe in yourself and don’t lose sight of your dream.

Which three famous people would you like to have dinner with and why?

I’m a big Mr Bean fan so first I’d have to say Rowan Atkinson. Then one of my personal heroes is Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan – I loved his movies in the 90s. And finally I’d say King Charles, because I’d love to visit Buckingham Palace.

What three items would you take to a desert island?

I am quite a practical person so I would take a tent or a hammock to sleep in safely at night and matches and a knife so I could find and cook food. But really I’d like to take my iPhone so I could take pictures of the desert island to show my friends and family.

What is your secret talent?

I would say that my secret talent is singing. I sing in my church choir but not many people know that; it really is a secret.