Aria Court care home in March is delighted to announce the appointment of Ann-Marie Smith as the new Deputy Manager.
Ann-Marie, who joined the team in August as a Care Home Assistant Practitioner (CHAP), quickly rose to the position after the role became vacant. With her extensive experience and passion for care, she is excited to embrace this new opportunity and make a positive impact on the lives of residents, their families, and the care team.
Ann-Marie’s journey in the care sector began several years ago in the March and Wisbech area, where she worked in home care. Her dedication to helping others led her to transition into residential care, where she trained as an Assistant Practitioner, supporting nurses in their roles. She also played a significant part in setting up a rehabilitation unit at the home she worked in, demonstrating her ability to take on new challenges and innovate within her field.
When the opportunity to join Athena Care Homes arose, Ann-Marie was drawn to the smaller, more community-focused environment that Aria Court represents. “It’s like a breath of fresh air,” she shared.
“Everyone has been very welcoming, and there’s a lot going on here that makes it an exciting place to be. I’ve been given a lot of support, which is great because I ask a lot of questions.”
Ann-Marie is currently focused on the change to a more senior leadership position while getting to know the team, residents, and their loved ones. She believes that involving families and friends in the care process is vital. “It’s important that families feel they are a part of the care process, involved in decisions, and always welcome at the home,” she said.
Ann-Marie enjoys being “out on the floor” and actively engaging with the care team and residents. She likes to arrive early to have a walk-around, ensuring that any issues are promptly addressed and that team members have the support they need to start their day. “It’s also a great opportunity to say good morning to the residents and have a chat with some of the early risers,” she adds.
One of the aspects Ann-Marie particularly enjoys at Aria Court is the variety of lifestyle activities available for residents. She loves seeing the activities in action, from arts and crafts to music sessions and special visits from therapy animals. “We have a resident rabbit who goes to visit our residents enjoying all the fuss, and we also have therapy dog visits. It’s heartwarming to see the joy these moments bring to the residents,” Ann-Marie said.
Ann-Marie’s passion for animals extends beyond her role at Aria Court. She has four Staffordshire Bull Terriers and a working Cocker Spaniel, who she is currently training for agility competitions. Impressively, some of her Staffies have been shown at Crufts.
Ann-Marie’s rise to Deputy Manager highlights the opportunities for growth and career progression within the care sector. She encourages others to consider a career in care, emphasising that it is a field full of potential and personal rewards. “No two days are the same, and it is very rewarding. There are plenty of opportunities for training and career progression. I would recommend care work to anyone and advise them to give it a go,” she says.
