Liz Jones, the Retirement Communities Manager at Jazz Court, a Sanctuary Supported Living community in Scarborough, shares insights from her four decades of experience with older people and her innovative approach to enhancing life in retirement communities, highlighting the daily impact she makes on customers’ lives.
Liz’s journey in care began with her first college placement at a residential home, where she quickly realised it wasn’t the right fit. Initially, she decided against working with older people again. However, after college, she took a position as a Care Assistant at a different residential home, seizing every opportunity for learning and advancement. Over the years, she climbed the ranks to become the manager, dedicating 28 years to that role. When the home closed, she was devastated; it had been a significant part of her life. Yet, she decided it was time for a fresh start, and moving to Jazz Court turned out to be the best decision she could have made. Today, she proudly celebrates her 10-year anniversary with Sanctuary!
“I never imagined I’d find my passion in this field,” Liz commented. “When I moved to Jazz Court, I knew it was an opportunity to grow and make a real difference.” Previously, she served as the Registered Manager, overseeing residents’ care and support. This year, she transitioned into the role of Retirement Communities Manager, where she is thrilled to create a safe, healthy environment that allows residents to live their best lives, filled with exciting opportunities and uplifting experiences.
What Liz enjoys most about her new role is spending time with the residents. “They bring a delightful mix of personalities and life experiences,” she shared. “I cherish the chance to work alongside them and my amazing team.”
Jazz Court has earned an excellent local reputation, a testament to their commitment to meeting the expectations of both residents and the wider community. Liz and her team prioritise building meaningful relationships and community connections, fostering a positive atmosphere that enhances residents’ lives—especially for those at risk of isolation or loneliness. “It’s genuinely fulfilling to lead a place where everyone can thrive,” Liz added.
As part of her new responsibilities, she has also become a Champion for Sanctuary Supported Living’s new vision for retirement communities, supporting teams across various services. “We strive to make all retirement communities vibrant places where residents can live fulfilling, safe, and happy lives; where they can embrace new challenges, enjoy fun activities, and feel included in a supportive community,” Liz explained.
When asked about the most useful skills she’s developed, Liz emphasised that her sense of humour has been invaluable in navigating difficult situations over the years. “Empathy plays a crucial role too,” she remarked, “as I always aim to understand others’ perspectives to provide the best support possible.” Above all, she believes the essential qualities for success in her field are patience, compassion, and a genuine willingness to give time to others. “While my role is often busy and challenging, even five minutes of connection can make someone feel valued and important,” Liz said.
Her work is incredibly rewarding. Recently, a resident with Alzheimer’s faced difficulties at Jazz Court as his needs increased. “I take pride in how our team supported him,” Liz shared, “including arranging Dementia Friends training to enhance everyone’s understanding of the condition and how to interact with him.” They collaborated with wonderful residents who volunteered to help ensure he could live safely at Jazz Court until alternative accommodations were found, even inviting him to their coffee club meet-ups to provide a safe space for him to spend his mornings.
Among the many cherished moments at Jazz Court, one stands out as particularly special. Earlier this year, Liz was nominated for a national Housing With Care award as a Retirement
Communities Hero. “I was thrilled to reach the finals and attend the awards ceremony in London, but I was even more astonished when I won!” she exclaimed.
Liz feels incredibly fortunate to work with such a talented group of people, each bringing unique skills and strengths to the team. “Together, we make Jazz Court a happy and exciting place to live, and I know I couldn’t do it without them,” she concluded.
@SancSL on X sanctuary-supported-living.co.uk
