Berkhamsted care home manager retires after 48 years of healthcare work

A manager at a Berkhamsted care home is retiring after 48 years of healthcare work.

Caroline Spring began working at Bupa’s Kilfillan House, in Graemes Dyke Road, in 2002, making her the longest serving Manager in the home’s 31-year history.

She started her career as a nurse in 1972, working in the Intensive Care Unit at the Peace Memorial Hospital in Watford.

Following the birth of her three children - Sarah, Charlotte and Edward - Caroline returned to work but in a care home as a registered nurse, before being appointed as Home Manager.

This led Caroline to her role as Home Manager at Bupa Kilfillan House where she has worked for 18 years.

After achieving several career goals at Kilfillan House, the decision to retire has been prompted by her desire to spend more time with her family and friends, and enjoy her hobbies of reading and writing.

When asked about her proudest career achievement, Caroline said: “Keeping quality of care at the forefront of everything we do at Kilfillan House.”

Emma Parker, Regional Director at Bupa Care Homes, has worked alongside Caroline throughout her 18 years at Bupa.

She said: “Caroline has dedicated her life to caring for others. She will be dearly missed by both her team and the residents, who have always been her top priority.

"We would like to thank Caroline for all of her hard work and wish her the very best retirement.”

Caroline’s hard work saw her win the Home Manager of the Year award in 2010 and achieve positive feedback from Care Quality Commission inspector and regulatory reports.

Following Kilfillan’s latest inspection, the regulator commended the manager for embracing an ‘open, transparent and inclusive culture and leading by example.’

Adored by all who work with her, Caroline has been praised for her ability to create a compassionate environment that makes living and working at the home feel like ‘one big family.’

One member of staff at Bupa’s Kilfillan House, said: “Caroline has real compassion and is very kind, she has been at the home for a long time and I think that makes a big difference to the quality of care she and her staff offer.”

Caroline said: “I have many wonderful memories with many lovely people. Celebrating several residents’ 100th birthdays will always be something I look back fondly on and be proud to have been a part of.

"I will always cherish my Kilfillan family, we looked after one another and our bond as a team was special.

“I am looking forward to visiting family when I can and taking up new hobbies, such as writing short stories for my grandchildren to enjoy, and perhaps joining a choir.

"I would like to keep in touch with the friends I have made at Kilfillan House and hope to visit the home when they have special events and news in the future.”

Staff and residents are now looking forward to welcoming Kilfillan House’s new Home Manager, Cindy Alland, this month.

Cindy has over 30 years’ experience in the care sector, having started her career as a Care Assistant. She then worked her way up to Deputy Manager then became a Registered Home Manager for several years, before being appointed as Regional Manager for a charitable organisation.

Cindy said: “My first task as Home Manager is to start building a personal relationship with my team and residents at Kilfillan House. I’ll then do my best to incorporate their hobbies and interests into exciting new activities and initiatives.

“I plan to build on the excellent quality of care which Bupa Care Homes across the country are known for and hope to continue creating a warm and comfortable environment, which Caroline worked so hard to achieve.”