The Care Quality Commission (CQC) have confirmed that a 22-year-old General Manager in Kettering is the youngest Registered Manager of a care home in England.
Residents and staff at Elm Bank Care Home have applauded General Manager Jessica Pateman for going above and beyond in her role since she took on responsibility in August for this 115-bed home, which cares for elderly people with residential and dementia support needs.
At the impressive age of 22, Jessica was confirmed in December as the youngest Registered Manager of a care home in England.
Jessica said: “I love working in care and getting to know the residents at Elm Bank as my own grandparents were not nearby when I was growing up in Cyprus. When I moved to the Isle of Man and began working in the care sector, I got an incredible sense of satisfaction from caring for people with support needs, and it is my way of contributing to the local community.”
Since becoming the Manager at Elm Bank, Jessica has focused on making sure there are several ways of communicating with residents, their families and staff.
Jessica began her career as a Carer for the Isle of Man Government and then trained as a Senior Social Care Worker. More recently, in order to become a Registered Manager, Jessica worked hard with the guidance of Regional Director Catherine Tanner to assist several Barchester homes, requiring additional support to meet the high standards expected of them.
Jessica has also studied to progress her career, having previously completed a NVQ Level 3 in Care, and she is now working towards her Level 5 Leadership qualification.
Jessica’s vision is for Elm Bank care home to receive an ‘Outstanding’ CQC rating, and her personal goal is to achieve that within three years. She also hopes to inspire other young people at the start of their careers, by demonstrating that self-confidence and focusing on the next steps in experience and training will help them reach their dream job.
Jessica has been recognised by Lorna Rose, Managing Director (Central Division) at Barchester, who said: “Jessica really deserves this new role, and recognition of her hard work and total commitment to providing the best care, lifestyle and activities programme for residents in her care. She has gained experience in several Barchester homes and we have always been impressed by her attention to detail, professionalism and ability to get to know people quickly.”
