Caring Carolyn celebrates 32 years at Czajka

Carolyn Beecroft is retiring after joining us 32 years ago after a chance conversation with her neighbour, Yvonne, who was the manager at Fairmount Nursing Home at the time. Carolyn has worked in several roles at the family run care group since she started in 1982, and she’s felt fulfilled in each one.

Carolyn said: “I had young children when I first spoke to Yvonne, and I wanted to be there for them but also do something fulfilling for myself, which is when Yvonne suggested a night care role. For five years I worked nights at Fairmount Nursing Home and Staveley Birkleas - which used to be called Staveley Oaks - where we cared for older residents with dementia and Alzheimer’s.”

Carolyn soon proved to be a highly capable and valuable member of the team and as her children got older, she started working day shifts and was promoted to senior carer. Carolyn added: “One of the reasons I have loved working at Czajka and stayed for so many years is the variety of roles I have worked in. As well as being a carer, I’ve been a physiotherapy aid, manned the reception at weekends and worked as an activity co-ordinator. In recent years, I have worked on a one-to-one basis with residents at Staveley Birkleas, caring for younger adults with disabilities. I’ve built so many fabulous relationships with the people I have cared for and the people I have worked with over the years, and they have all become a big part of my life.

“Every role I’ve had over the years has been fulfilling. It’s important to understand that every day, whatever job you do in a care home makes a difference. You really are having a positive impact of people’s lives – each shift enables you to change someone’s life for the better – and that’s why working in care is so rewarding. Of course, it can be hard work physically and mentally, and when you lose a resident its terribly sad, but it’s the people you work with that make it so worthwhile. I’ve made friends for life and have promised that I will come back and visit.”

In her retirement Carolyn plans to move house, go on holiday and will also be welcoming a new grandchild in December. She added: “I’m really going to miss everyone, and I’m grateful for the experiences I’ve had over the years. It’s never been quiet at Staveley Birkleas, and we have done some fabulous things over the years with our residents, like abseiling in wheelchairs and taking them on holiday.

“It’s also been very special working with Konrad Czajka and his family. My children and his children all used to come into the homes when they were little and help decorate the Christmas trees amongst other things – it’s always been a really family-friendly place to work. Working for Konrad and Irene Jest, who were both so knowledgeable and involved in the day-to-day workings of the home was great, and I don’t think there is any place like Czajka Care Group, it’s the people that make it so special.”

Managing director at Czajka Care Group, Konrad Czajka, said: “Carolyn has been a constant presence in our homes for 32 years and she has really made a difference to our residents’ lives. Hard-working, and having spent several successful years in different roles, she represents what a varied and interesting career you can have in care, and she will be sorely missed.”