Every staff member has been exceptional and all demonstrated genuine care and support around looking after my father-in-law. It has certainly helped with the bereavement knowing how well he was looked after and that he was always surrounded by people who looked after him like he was their own father. He was always clean and so was his room.

Mum was happy at Fordingbridge, as she told us often. Our family also knew she had the very best of care and attention which gave us peace of mind between visits. There are a number of staff who worked on her floor and we cannot thank them enough, personally, for being her family when we weren't there with her. You all know who you are.We really feel that she was in the best place with the best care and love in her last days. Thank you all.

My grandmother was diagnosed with mixed dementia quite a few years ago. We watched her slowly fail to manage in her own home and finally the day came where she needed more care than was able to be provided in her own home. This was a big moment for everyone and came with a lot of thoughts of guilt, sadness and fear, especially seeing her be separated from her husband. She sadly passed away recently and we can honestly say that the care she had at Fordingbridge Care Home surpassed all of our expectations. Seeing her so trusting towards the staff, even up until the end, was such a reassurance for us as a family and a tribute to the incredible care staff that went above and beyond for her. I hope all the staff at Fordingbridge can be proud of the quality of care they provide and know that we truly feel they are the unsung heroes.

I was not able to visit my Dad as much as I liked due to Covid and my work commitments and distance to the home but I was rest assured knowing my Dad was being looked after so well. All of the staff were so attentive and I believe that they not only cared for my Dad but also had a special bond with him and would make him smile. His room and himself were always clean and when I visited the staff, they always made me feel welcome, they would also keep in touch with me and notify me of how my Dad was doing. I would recommend this home to anyone thinking of sending their loved ones there.

My mum has been a resident at Fordingbridge for several years. I have watched her slowly decline as the illness takes hold and as upsetting as this is to watch, one of the main consolations has been the care and love shown by the staff who look after Mum.I live some distance away and can't visit as much as I would like, so knowing I can really trust the home and the people who look after Mum is so important to me. I have never had a reason to doubt at any time that her needs and care have not been a priority. This is vital when you have to make such a difficult decision to entrust a loved one to a completely new environment.

Catherine
Sales Manager

Catherine has worked in sales and marketing her whole career, after graduating with a degree in Textile Management she worked in Corporate Workwear for many years. Catherine’s first role in the care sector was working with a disability charity that ran nursing homes and enablement projects for young adults.

Catherine

While her two children were younger, she joined her husband in his estate agency, but was delighted to return to the care sector in 2020 and now cannot imagine doing anything else.

Catherine’s role with Allegra is to support residents and their families as they explore care options. Working with the teams in the individual homes she ensures that during every stage from initial enquiry through to moving in with us every question is answered, and we offer the reassurance needed for the next chapter in our resident’s life. It is important for our residents to remain part of the community in which will have lived for years, often all their lives, so the other part of this role is connecting with local community groups, charities and organisations.

Catherine has said that working for Allegra with their groundbreaking household model means we are offering a home with compassion and care whilst ensuring residents are retaining their independence and quality of life.

Out of work Catherine enjoys baking and gardening The children are older now, but still keep her busy!

Paul Thomas
Regional Manager - Western Region

Paul has joined Allegra Care with 28 years’ experience in the health and social care sector including working in senior leadership roles for the last 18 years; covering operations, business management and quality assurance. Paul has a real passion for person centred care and how that is delivered at the highest level.

Allegra Team Paul Thomas

Paul has worked across a diverse sector over his time in health and social care and brings a wealth of experience to his new role as Regional Manager. Paul believes in integrating real and meaningful values and culture into a service and in doing so, delivering the outcomes for the people we support. Paul goes by the theory of values with no meaning, have no value.

Outside of work, Paul is the father of three boys and a 2nd degree black belt who teaches Judo.