Sponsored Editorial

St. Michael’s Care Home is celebrating 32 of its members of staff who have served between five and 20 years.

This milestone reflects both their unwavering commitment, dedication and loyalty to the home and to its residents, as well as the positive and long-lasting impact they have on their families and newer employees.

Nine staff received the 15 years plus award of £400 in Marks & Spencer vouchers, nine were given the 10 years plus award of £250 in Marks & Spencer vouchers and 14 got the five years plus award of £100 Marks & Spencer vouchers.

Javed Akhtar and Shakeela Javed will have served 20 years in 2025, with both receiving a £600 Marks & Spencer voucher.

The ethos at St. Michael’s Care Home is that it should be a home-from-home and its long-serving staff play a crucial role in making this vision a reality.

Over the years, the care home’s staff have built strong and trusting relationships with its residents, creating an environment where each individual feels cared for and understood.

For residents, seeing familiar faces every day brings immense comfort. It’s the little things—knowing how someone likes their tea, remembering their favourite stories or simply being there to share a smile — that makes St. Michael’s feel like home. This consistency in care helps residents feel secure, supported and genuinely valued as part of a family. The deep bonds that form between the staff and residents go beyond professional care; they are the foundation of a warm, nurturing environment where residents can thrive.

One of the residents said, “Basically the team are the ones who really put me together again, they just give you that something that makes you want to carry on and fight on, whatever it was, they gave it to me, and I can only explain it with the word empathy”.

The benefits of long-serving employees extend beyond the residents to their families as well. For families, knowing that their loved ones are in the hands of experienced and caring staff who have been at St. Michael’s for many years provides peace of mind.

Families form close relationships with the staff and appreciate the continuity and personal attention that their loved ones receive. Whether it’s providing regular updates, offering a listening ear or simply being a familiar face during their visits, these long-term staff members help families feel connected and involved in their loved ones’ care. This connection is vital in ensuring that families feel reassured and confident that their loved ones are in the best possible hands.

Rema Sankaran, home manager, said: “I am incredibly proud of the commitment shown by all my staff and grateful to these long-term staff members, as it’s their years of service that have helped build a warm, caring and familiar environment that feels like home for the residents and their families.”

Here is a list of the award recipients:

15 Years +

Rema Sankaran –Home manager
Javed Akhtar – Registered nurse
Shakeela Javed – Health care assistant
Genna Cummings – Health care assistant
Beverly Jane – Health care assistant
Sharon Parker – Office manager
Linda Martin – Housekeeper
Sarah Churcher – Nurse assistant
Mj De Jesus – Health care assistant

10 Years +

Millie Parton –Customer relations officer and receptionist
Sam Rogers– Laundry assistant
Gina Horsley – Housekeeper
Kerry Johnson – Housekeeper
Gabriela Toader – Kitchen porter
Suja Binu – Registered nurse
Mark Furlong – Chef
Mandy Aldous –Laundry assistant

5 Years +

Peter Nicholson – Kitchen manager
Hilda King – Kitchen porter
Becky Lawrence – Health care assistant
Dawn Erby-Weare – Deputy Manager
Bev Yarrow – Receptionist
Nicky Smith – Health care assistant
Mihail Toader – Maintenance
Ashna Christopher – Housekeeper
Kerry Marsh – Health care assistant
Kerry Eroglu – Health care assistant
Rlaph Dangazo – Health care assistant
Aderanti Adejayigbe – Health care assistant
Leah Smith – Health care assistant

For more information about St. Michael’s Care Home, visit the official website here.