Job Profile: Caroline Hughes of Sunnymead Residential Living
Sunnymead Residential Living provide living, care and support to older people while promoting independence and support to their clients to retain voice in how they live their lives.
While living in the home, guests can expect delicious home cooked, innovative meals which cater to each dietary requirement.
Sunnymead’s cook in charge, Caroline Hughes, tells Armagh Jobs why she recommends starting a career with Sunnymead Residential Living and how you can join the team!
What’s your name and what is your role in the business?
My name is Caroline Hughes and I am the Cook in charge at Sunnymead Residential Living.
Why did you choose being a Cook as a career/business?
As a young woman, I got the opportunity of working in a school kitchen as a Kitchen Assistant and became really interested in the cooking aspect.
I was given the opportunity to train as a professional cook through Armagh Technical College and remained with the Education Authority for nearly 20 years.
How did you get into your role at Sunnymead and how long have you worked there?
I joined the kitchen team at Sunnymead in July 2001.
I decided to pursue a change of career and went into caring. I missed the cooking too much and was lucky enough to get a post as Cook.
What are you most proud of in your career to date?
After a few years I went on to manage the kitchen in Sunnymead and I am very proud of what I have achieved over the years.
What is your favourite thing about your job?
I enjoy working with the staff and supporting them in their roles and always being there for them when support is needed.
What has been the biggest challenge in your job?
Mealtimes in Sunnymead are often one of the highlights of the day – a sociable event for residents to come together and enjoy their meal.
We strive to have a variety of food on the menu which is nutritious, tasty and home-style cooking.
Some clients require specialized diets and the challenge is to deliver this in an innovative way.
What is the most helpful advice that you have been given?
When faced with a challenge, always stay calm and things will work out in the end.
What do you think your best quality is?
I enjoy meeting up with the residents for a chat – the older generation have a lot to share.
They love to talk about the old times.
Why would you recommend Sunnymead Residential Living as a place to work?
There is a great team of people in Sunnymead, from care to kitchen, cleaning to office staff.
Everyone gets on well together and I enjoy coming to work.
The residents who live here really appreciate the help they get and not a day goes past where one of the residents doesn’t call into the kitchen to say, “Thank you for a lovely meal.”
At the end of the day that’s what counts, being able to make a difference!