Ffion Caunce, Registered Manager, Windsor House, Millennium Care
Like many in the industry, for Ffion, Care is a vocation. Having previously been a young carer, at 18 she ‘officially’ joined the sector.
“When I started, I didn’t have aspirations, I was a Carer at home and I never really saw career prospects unless I went into nursing, but I still loved every aspect of it.”
Working in an EMI care home gave her a new, fascinating perspective. Being given the opportunity to better understand the residents gave Ffion the tools and motivation to provide the best care possible; it made her love the job. But life throws up its challenges:
“I lost both my parents at 23, I had a career break and didn’t think I’d go back into care. I only went back intermittently, and I really struggled, something had just gone.
“I moved to Wigan in 2018, I was walking around the lake and could see this massive building being built, didn’t think much of it, I saw it again the next day, I now know it as Worthington Lake Care Home.”
Worthington Lake Care Home is a dementia specialist home and part of Millennium Care; it operates a Household Model of Care. An innovative approach that removes staff hierarchy, better integrates staff and residents which creates a community environment beneficial to all.
“I was looking for work and by chance I saw they were hiring; I applied despite apprehension. I was offered an interview and went in completely blind, but I was completely honest.”
“I explained my hesitance in applying and they explained the Household Model and the dream for the home. I remember thinking, that is the nicest idea ever! Suddenly everything clicked. Everything I wanted to see in dementia care was here. Millennium Care reignited that passion.
“It’s only since starting at Millennium that I realised there actually is a really good career path to follow. They’ve been really supportive throughout; they’ve put in the effort, and everyone is so encouraging. I wouldn’t be here without those people believing in me. I’m in disbelief at how far I’ve come.”
Millennium Care encourages professional and personal growth, wanting to keep and nurture talent ensuring values and ethos runs consistently through all homes in the group.
“With other companies those opportunities aren’t there. It’s a lovely company to work for because there’s that scope for progression. I always wanted to be a Manager, just so I could make a difference, never in a million years did I think it would be possible but with my previous Manager’s support they made it so.”
Since working with Millennium Ffion has won two Care Assessor of the Year Awards at the Great British Care Awards:
“It was such a shock, to win the Regional and then the National. It sounds dull but it’s one of the most vital parts of the care industry – it’s always been a really important part for me, showcasing that we can meet their needs both physically and emotionally.”
Adding to that success, in May Ffion became the Registered Manager at Windsor House, Millennium Care’s smallest home.
“It’s a challenge but I’m really looking forward to it. It’s a case of building it up and getting it right and that’s the exciting part! This will be my biggest success.
“It’s a perfect opportunity for me to do the role and grow personally and professionally, it’s a pinch me moment.”
For more information about Millennium Care visit: https://www.millennium-care.co.uk/
