hallmark testimonials

kirkby manor care home

Pauline Waddoups has worked for Hallmark Healthcare for 3 years. Sadly for Hallmark, Pauline is moving on to open her own business.

Before she left Hallmark, Pauline wanted to let everyone know her feelings for Hallmark Healthcare:“I have been a registered manager for Kirkby Manor Care Home since April 1998, caring for the elderly with mental health problems.

"In June 2005, the new proprietors Hallmark Healthcare took over Kirkby Manor and all my staff (including me) were very anxious about this takeover, as we appeared to be set in our ways and nobody likes change. The first person the staff and I met was Avnish Goyal, he seemed a nice polite business man and I remember his first words to me were “Please don’t worry everything will be alright!“ I thought yes okay, so what do you want from us? Our experiences with the previous owners had made us cautious as we thought the new owners might act in the same manner. How wrong we were! However it took us a while for us to trust Hallmark. In the last three years staff at Kirkby Manor have participated as a team, achieving the fire walk, nine of my staff have been nominated for the Hallmark Care Awards and successfully winning three categories, Carer of the Year 2006, Care manager of the Year 2006 and Nurse trainer of the year 2007. My staff and I have experienced being invited down to London to accept our awards in five star accommodation.

"On the occasion of winning Home Manager of the Year (pictured above), Ram said to me afterwards “You looked surprised Pauline when you won, I wasn’t surprised because you’re a good manager, you just don’t realise how good you are!” And that really meant a lot to me.

"On managers meetings we have stayed overnight in top hotels and had free treatments in the hotel spa. Hallmark have always encouraged us to support each other always made us feel special. As a Manager I feel I have always been firm but fair with my staff and as I am a caring person I expect the best care for my residents and I feel that because of the support and recognition from Ram and Avnish and the management training from Kelly Townsend we have achieved the best care for our resident.

"This in fact has also given me the courage and confidence to set up my own business in the care industry. I approached Ram a year ago and just ran it by him to see firstly his reaction because I didn’t really believe I could do it and also to make sure that this would not create a conflict of interest. Not surprisingly Ram was behind me one hundred percent offering me guidance and support, encouraging me to go for it! As a manager I have never had so much support, encouragement and acknowledgment from proprietors as Avnish and Ram, they are very special people who are compassionate about their staff and their residents.

"I have written this testimonial to try and explain that without Hallmark Healthcare I would not have gained the experience, confidence and courage to be the person I have become and to be in the position I am in today.

A SINCERE THANK YOU TO RAM AND AVNISH GOYAL.”

Hallmark would like to thank Pauline for her valuable contribution and wish her all the best for the future.

bryn celyn care home

For sisters, Elaine Jones and Gloria Riley from Bridgend in South Wales, the decision to put their 83-year-old mum, Gwyneth Ware, into the care of Hallmark, was not one they took lightly. Looking back, they believe it was without question, the right thing to do.

Elaine explains: “Mum had been in another home, and we weren’t happy with the level of care she was receiving. She was going downhill and it was heartbreaking to watch.

Gwyneth Ware with her daughters Elaine and Gloria at the Bryn Celyn Care Home.
View Bryn Celyn Profile »

“With the help of social services, we looked around a number of other local homes but Bryn Celyn stood out a mile. It was the simple things that impressed us like not having to make an appointment to visit and being offered a cup of tea as soon as we walked through the door. There and then, we knew it’s where we wanted mum to live.”

Shortly after the initial visit in the summer of 2005, Gwyneth moved into Bryn Celyn and her daughters feel that she is not just safe and well, but also happy.

“Mum has improved so much. She has so much more interest in her surroundings now and we are certain that it is because of the wonderful staff. Whenever we visit mum she always looks lovely. When we say goodbye she’s always smiling. If you ask her who’s her favourite member of staff, she says that they’re all so good she can’t choose! There’s something very reassuring in that. We’ve noticed it for ourselves. The atmosphere in the home is lovely thanks to the team – the cleaners, laundry assistants, carers, administrators and manager are all great. There’s also lots of activities which she can get involved in if she wants, as well as trips out.”

Even though things have worked out so well for Gwyneth, the two sisters appreciate that for many families, moving a loved one into a care home can be upsetting. Elaine said: “All we can do is speak from experience. Hallmark’s care is second to none. Mum’s very happy. She’s so well looked after that we can’t thank the Bryn Celyn team enough.”

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