Long-standing team member at Devon Dementia Care Home shares her journey
I began my journey at Hatherleigh Nursing Home and into care on the 8th September 2016, stepping into a world that would challenge me, move me and ultimately shape who I am today. At 44, I had never experienced such a whirlwind of emotions – joy, heartbreak, pride and deep connections, all in a single shift! It was the most rewarding experience I’d ever had.
As I gained experience as a Care Assistant, leadership came naturally. Because of this, I was offered the chance of being House Lead, to see if this was something I’d like to do, and it just clicked. From there, I progressed to Care Practitioner, learning medication administration, completing a phlebotomy course, and diving into the Care Practitioner modules. I loved being hands-on and learning new skills that helped me support both the team and the family members.
During COVID, I sustained a back injury that made the physical part of care more difficult. Around the same time, our then Administrator, Rosie, moved to our Central Support Office in Bristol and the role became available. I’d worked in admin before, so I asked to transfer, and in September 2021, I began my role as Administrator.
It was a big shift, with a whole new set of responsibilities, but I’ve never been one to shy away from a challenge. I threw myself into it and I continue to learn every day. The best part? I still get to see the family members and stay connected to the heart of the home.
My care background supported my admin role in so many ways. I understand dementia and the unique journeys each person goes through. I understand what it means to be there for someone with their personal care needs, and that helps me recognise what families are going through too. This understanding has enabled me to build trusting, supportive relationships with relatives and friends. I also understand minimum standards, care plans, documentation and manual handling from both sides, which has allowed me to confidently support the team and the day-to-day running of the home.
Every day here is different, but never dull! As Administrator, I would arrive between 8:30 and 9:00am, check in on the houses, reconcile hours, manage emails and coordinate with our Central Support team. I supported the team however I could, built relationships with relatives and worked closely with Ashley, our Home Manager at the time. Sometimes I would lend a hand supporting our houses and when someone was approaching the final chapter of their life, I felt deeply honoured to sit with them and offer comfort, especially if they didn’t have family nearby. If faith was important to them, I would gently arrange for a clergyman, because those moments of care and presence truly matter.
In September 2026, ten years after I first joined Hatherleigh as a Care Assistant, my journey took another step when I became Non- Clinical Interim Home Manager. Having worked in so many different parts of the home over the years, it feels like everything I have learnt along the way has led naturally to this role. What matters most to me hasn’t changed: knowing the family members, supporting the team and being part of everyday life at Hatherleigh.
I’ve built lasting bonds here. Sally, who lived here when I first started, is someone I still visit every day. I bring her books I’ve read, make her black coffee from my pod machine, and sneak in treats! When Alice joined us, I enjoyed coming in on my annual leave to take her to the local market, we ended up having tea and cake together. These relationships don’t fade with time, they deepen.
My hospitality background started by studying Hotel Management at Cornwall College and then working through the ranks at Cranfield Management Development Centre, starting as a waitress, up to Restaurant Manager and my final role there being assistant hotel manager, I have a wide hospitality background in hotel management, catering management and even running my own furniture upcycling business, so my love for creativity comes alive when planning events, I go all out with decorations and details to make every celebration feel special.
My son recently joined the care team after trying a few different industries, and it’s the first time I’ve seen him truly enthused about a job. Watching him find joy and purpose in this work has been one of the proudest moments of my journey. If someone is considering a career in care, my advice is simple: don’t look back!
Hatherleigh has been a huge part of my life for ten years, and I hope it continues to be for many more. Working in care has taught me to seize the day, live fully, and always be kind, you never know what’s around the corner.
Sentiments from former Home Manager, Ashley Ryder:
You’ll often read in adverts for care that you need a big heart, and Tamsin is the absolute epitome of this. While the wonderful words she has kindly shared above give you a glimpse into what she does, and the incredible career she has built at Hatherleigh, all of which she wholeheartedly deserves – they don’t quite capture the whole picture.
What they don’t tell you is just how much Tamsin means to people. She’s not only a huge part of life at Hatherleigh, but of the wider community too. Her kindness, her warmth, and the way she always has time for others make her truly special. She brings people together, she lifts spirits, and she makes a difference in the most genuine way – simply by being herself. Her passion for going above and beyond, and for always keeping our family members at the forefront of her mind, shines through in everything she does.
When you hear about being the “right person for care,” it isn’t always about experience – it’s about who you are. Tamsin embodies this completely, always thinking of ways to improve the lives of our family members and showing every day what it truly means to care.
If you would like to learn more about a career at Hatherleigh Nursing Home, please visit https://www.hatherleighnursinghome.com/join-our-team/