Friends of the Elderly has appointed Steve Swift as the registered manager of The Lawn care home in Alton, Hampshire.

Swift, who has worked in the care sector for 27 years, said: “I’d always wanted to work in the care industry as I had, and still do have, an inbuilt need to be able to have a positive impact on somebody’s daily life, it’s one of the most rewarding elements of my role.

“My caring journey began after a career as a sign writer and engraver, but my intrinsic and deep need to care for others, especially older people, never left me. After a range of different care roles, I helped to set-up and run a care agency for about eight and a half years and have now returned to my original ‘care roots’ working with the wonderful residents and care team at The Lawn.

“Every morning I do my walkabout as it is very important to me that I take time to check-in on the residents and chat to them and the care team to make sure everything is OK. I really enjoy making the residents smile and listening to their life experiences.”. Friends of the Elderly’s regional director Jan Daly said: “Steve’s enthusiasm, caring nature and his extensive and wide-ranging experience and background in the care sector will be a great addition to the charity.”