Care Assistant Hilma celebrates 14 years at Ashbrook Court
We are so proud of our longest-serving team member and all the keyworkers here at Ashbrook Court!
“I love my care job!”, says Hilma, our longest-serving care assistant here at Ashbrook Court. Dedicated Hilma began working at Ashbrook Court in October 2007 and the role marked her first permanent job in care.
“We’re very lucky to have such a strong team here at Ashbrook Court,” says Home Manager and Registered General Nurse, Jonathane Ribeiro.
“It’s heartwarming that Hilma continues to show such dedication and enthusiasm for her role after 13 years of service. For me, coming to work is always like being around my friends, rather than working with colleagues, we’re one big family.
Hilma says, “I love looking after the residents, trying to fill all their needs. I enjoy being part of a team and we have such a strong one at Ashbrook Court because the moment you get there you feel welcome – by the staff and the residents. I wouldn’t want to work in any other care home, Ashbrook Court is very special to me.”
Namibia-born Hilma came to the UK in 2004, originally to join her sister who has since moved back to Namibia. After three years here she joined the team at Ashbrook Court in a role she has enjoyed ever since. Hilma lives in Waltham Abbey with her husband Saani and two young children.
“My family were very supportive when I decided to move to the UK,” says Hilma, “they are very proud of me. When I was young I wanted to be a nurse. I always knew I wanted a job where I could help people and I fell in love with care work.”
There are several long-serving members of staff here at Ashbrook Court Care Home. Hilma has enjoyed working with her colleague Ryszard, for 13 years. He started his role as a Care Assistant in 2008 the year after she joined.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been especially tough for those in care sector and we have been delighted to be able to start welcoming visitors back into our home again, in line with government guidance.
“The residents’ families are an integral part of day-to-day life here, so lockdown was a big change for us and all my team, including Hilma, who have been invaluable during the pandemic.” Says Jonathane. “Their level of care for the residents is always outstanding and to have someone like Hilma around during this very difficult time to cheer the residents up and to keep the team smiling has been incredible.”
Of her experience working during the pandemic, Hilma says, “It’s been very challenging, but I feel very lucky that I have been able to help support everybody through it, we’ve all helped each other, the team and the residents. We’re all looking forward to things returning to normal as restrictions being to ease.”