Deputy Home Manager, Annie Tolici, has been going above and beyond in ensuring residents are safe and secure at Bupa’s Northlands House Care Home in Southampton.
Northlands House took the difficult decision to restrict visiting by family and friends in March and since then, the care home has been keeping positive with resilience, team spirit, lots of smiles and food!
Annie first started at Northlands House as a Carer in February 2010. Since then she has progressed to Senior Carer, Team Leader and now Deputy Manager. She describes everyone at the home as family and Northlands as a ‘home from home’. Annie commented “It’s the first time we have had to encounter anything like this, but how the team are responding is fantastic. Keeping everyone safe is out top priority.”
When Annie recently completed a long shift to fill in for staff who were shielding or self-isolating, she was met at the exit door by the laundry team, which also includes her own mother, who applauded her off the premises.
“It made me cry! It was a surprise. My Mum has worked here for the last six years. There is a real bond with the staff and the team. They regularly dress up to lift residents’ spirits and make everyone smile. We buy food as treats to keep each other going!”
Annie has a 5 year old son, who has autism at home, she says, “he is well looked after when I am at work and we have a good support network between myself, my husband and my family. If I need to move into the home to protect residents and my family, I will do. Everything I do for the home is because I love doing it and I don’t see myself doing anything else.”
Annie cites the fabulous support she is getting from her mentor and Home Manager, Helen Cousins, as well as Joelina Anand, Clinical Deputy Manager, Director, Danni Davies and Head of Operational Quality, Nikki Simpson.
The families have been extremely supportive at Northlands House, sending in gifts and cards for both residents and staff over the last few weeks.
Northlands House is located in Southampton and is able to care for those seeking residential and nursing care.