The housekeeper plays an important role in maintaining the wellbeing of residents and staff. Josh Morrissey, housekeeping supervisor at Sanctuary Care’s Furzehatt Residential and Nursing Care Home shares how he goes the extra mile

Tell us a bit about your background – how did you get into care housekeeping?

I joined Sanctuary Care in 2016, where I worked in care on night shifts at Furzehatt Residential and Nursing Care Home in Plymouth. From my very first shift, I was welcomed with open arms into the Furzehatt family, where we all work together to enrich the lives of residents.

My general tasks included supporting residents getting ready for bed, playing games such as dominoes and providing night-time drinks and snacks. This is always a great time to sit, chat and get to know the residents even more – often we would talk about their life histories or simply about their day.

Unfortunately, my dad was diagnosed with cancer last year and I needed to find a different role that enabled me to work during the day to help with his care. After speaking to my manager, I was given the opportunity to apply for a housekeeping supervisor position in the same home, where I could transfer my skills to a different role and still be part of the Furzehatt family.

How do you go about meeting the needs of residents?

At Sanctuary Care we are committed to enriching the lives of our residents and every colleague has a role to play in giving them the highest quality of personalised care and support – and this is something I am passionate about.

The main responsibilities of my role include ensuring the home remains clean, welcoming, and safe so residents have a comfortable environment to live in.

I recently worked with a few residents and colleagues to transform the gardens in the home. This was an opportunity for residents to carry out activities they had done earlier in their lives, helping to evoke fond memories while creating a truly wonderful and tranquil outdoor space to enjoy. 

What does a typical day look like?

 It might sound clichéd, but no one day is the same in the home. My main responsibilities are ensuring the home is clean and safe for residents, including good hygiene and infection control. This gives residents a welcoming environment to live and spend their time in, providing a home-from-home experience.

As well as the general housekeeping tasks, I take part in activities with residents and colleagues and spend time speaking with and getting to know our residents. I’ve heard so many wonderful stories from residents, and I use these with colleagues to ensure their care and support is truly personalised to their individual needs.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

I don’t see my role as challenging because I love working at Furzehatt and being part of a team that truly enriches the lives of our amazing residents. But I’d say the least favourite part of my role is the budgeting.

Is there anything that would surprise people about your job?

When people see ‘housekeeper’, they think the role is just about general cleaning, changing the beds, hoovering, the things you would do at home. But there’s so much more to the role than that.

It’s about ensuring the home is safe and secure for residents, spending time with them, getting involved in activities and working with colleagues to enrich residents’ lives. We’re one big team at Furzehatt and all support each other to give our residents the highest quality of care and support.

What is special about the care home you work for?

Furzehatt is not just a care home, we’re one big family. So many people think life ends when they move into a care home, but at Sanctuary Care it’s just the beginning.

Our approach to care at Furzehatt, and across all our homes, is to ensure residents have six senses met which will support them to feel fulfilled and content: a sense of achievement, belonging, continuity, purpose, security and significance.

But it’s not just residents. I’m supported in my role to achieve the six senses too.

What skills and talents do you need to be a great housekeeper?

Taking pride in your work and delivering the highest quality care and support to residents. If you love being part of a caring family and want to support elderly residents, a housekeeping role in a care home could be just for you.

What one piece of advice would you give to other housekeepers

Have a laugh with your colleagues and residents and take pride in being part of a team.