Maxine Smith is Home Manager here at Rendlesham Care Centre, in the village of Rendlesham near Woodbridge. From New Zealand to Suffolk, she’s always dedicated herself to caring for others.
What inspired you to work in the care sector?
My passion for care is rooted in my upbringing. I grew up in a residential care home owned by my parents and was inspired by my mother who was a nurse. I’ve dedicated many years to making a positive impact in social care. After starting overseas in New Zealand, and managing an orthopaedic ward, I found my calling in community care with the Māori and elderly. Transitioning to dementia care, I provided live-in services, ensuring individuals stayed in their homes until the right time for a care facility.
What brought you back to the UK
I missed my family and home, so later returned to the UK. I served as a clinical lead for two years and managed care homes for eight years before joining Rendlesham Care Centre.
What do you love most about your job?
I find joy in providing a warm, personalised service, and cherishing daily smiles from residents. Having experienced the caregiving journey with my father, I empathise deeply with families, making me adept at offering meaningful support. The team I have here at Rendlesham is fantastic. We all work together to support each other within our roles and continually improve our skills to provide the best service, and the safest.
What does teamwork mean to you?
Each team member is as valuable as the other and we must draw on each other’s experiences. Teamwork is critical to success, and I like to ensure we are a happy respectful, team, it’s how you have a happy home. Everybody cares about the residents, and you can see that when you walk around our home.
What are you most proud of?
Personally, my biggest achievement is raising three children independently, and I am now blessed with two grandchildren. Balancing work, family, and travel experiences has shaped me into the person I am today. I’m grateful to contribute my wealth of experience to benefit both my team and the individuals we care for at Rendlesham.
How can the local community get involved in life at Rendlesham?
We would like to welcome the local community to get involved in the activities at the home. We have a lovely garden and even run our own gardening club! We run events that allow our local community to join in as a volunteer, friend or guest for the day if you’d like to try something new. Rendlesham and the surrounding areas surrounding areas are lovely, and we take small groups of residents out regularly in our minibus. Be sure to give us a wave if you see us out and about.
Rendlesham Care Centre in the village of Rendlesham, near Woodbridge, Suffolk offers residential, nursing and dementia care on a permanent and short stay basis. If you are looking for a care home and want to find out more about our home call us on freephone 0808 223 5531.
See our events page: Rendlesham Local Community Events – Aria Care
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