Caring for others had become second nature over the years, providing Jeanette with valuable experience and a strong commitment to supporting people to live well.

Her path to Brendoncare then came about unexpectedly.

“My car broke down and it was going to cost too much to get fixed,” she recalls. “I was 40 years old by then and my main criteria was that I wanted to work in a small home.”

With travel options suddenly limited, she searched online for smaller care homes in the Winchester area that she could reach by bus if necessary. Although another home was closer, it felt too large.

“Park Road was closer, but too big. That’s how I ended up working nights at Meadway.”

After working on nights for a year, she was given an opportunity to progress within the home.

“The manager then let me know there was a senior carer position available. She knew I was quite keen to work up the ladder a little.”

Encouraged to apply, she successfully secured the role, taking on new responsibilities while supporting residents and colleagues.

Years later, her career took another turn. Having stepped down from her senior carer role and with the Covid pandemic, Jeanette returned to night shifts.

However, another factor was influencing her future career choices. Jeanette was diagnosed with arthritis in her spine in 2007 and was finding the physical demands of care work increasingly challenging.

When the opportunity to become Meadway’s Activities Coordinator became available, she decided to apply.

The position allows her to continue making a positive difference to residents’ lives – encouraging them to socialise and enjoying varied activities every day, while adapting her career to suit her changing needs.

It’s Meadway’s strong sense of community that she enjoys most.

“I like the close, family-like atmosphere. Because we are a smaller home, we really get to know our residents as individuals, their personalities, interests, stories and what makes them happy.”

The close relationships between residents and staff are what make Meadway so special.

“I also enjoy that everyone knows each other and works together as a team. There is a real sense of it being a home, and we are all working together to make our home a happy, welcoming place for our residents.”

For anyone considering a career in care, her advice is simple: go for it.

“I would encourage anyone to give it a try. It’s such a rewarding job and you can make a real difference in someone’s life.”

“It can be challenging at times, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. You become part of a team, and you’ll always be learning something new.”

And for those wondering if care is the right path for them?