We are delighted to introduce Claire Ashcroft – our new CQC Registered Manager for Bridgewater Home Care Bolton
Claire joined Bridgewater Home Care in November 2021 and has a wealth of experience in the care sector which has helped her to settle in so quickly, leading the Bolton team and enjoying life with the Bridgewater family.
Claire was inspired to work in care in 2006 after her grandad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. She applied for a job in a care home to gain more knowledge and experience to support her Grandad and told us,
” I had no idea what Alzheimer’s was or what living with Alzheimer’s entailed. I haven’t looked back since then and I worked in a care home setting until around 2013.”
Although Claire enjoyed working in a care home she wanted to support people to live independently in their own homes and had a lot to offer the home care sector. Claire explained,
” I began work as a carer out in the community and progressed to Scheduler, then Head of Client Experience and finally Deputy Care Manager for a previous home care provider. When I achieved my Level 5 diploma in Health and Social Care my aim was to become a Registered Care Manager.”
Bridgewater Home Care was delighted to help Claire to realise her career ambitions and welcomed her with open arms to take up her current role as Bolton’s Registered Manager.
Claire agreed to answer some quick-fire questions so that we could get to know her even better.
What do you most look forward to at Bridgewater Home Care?
“I look forward to coming to work every day and I thoroughly love my new role, where no two days are ever the same! Having that family feel around you doesn’t make it feel like work. I am always excited by what I will be faced with that day. Meeting new and existing clients and receiving the great feedback we get. It might sound cheesy but it’s a great deal of satisfaction at the end of the day knowing that because of the way we work and the time and dedication from others, our clients have had another lovely successful day in the comfort of their own home. I fully appreciate from the experiences we had with my own Grandad how important it is to remain at home, in your own surroundings and with the right care in place to make it possible.”
Claire enjoys spending time with her team and the photos below show how she likes to indulge her team in some well-deserved treats from time to time! Claire added,
“We have an amazing Team at Bridgewater Home Care Bolton, who are kind, compassionate and caring. They go above and beyond on a regular basis. “
What do you like to do to relax in your spare time, any hobbies or interests?
“I love to cook! I love to create my own dishes but I can never seem to recreate them as I never measure the ingredients or write the recipe down! That makes my family mealtimes fun! I also love to go out for a run (when the weather is nice)… Dog walks are also a must for me at a weekend as I have 2 family pets – Loco is my ‘crazy by name – crazy by nature’ pup who is certainly living up to his name! I also have Trevor, our little hamster! I love nothing more than getting out in the fresh air and exploring the countryside. I don’t really watch much TV but I do love a good crime ‘who done it’, and drama series. I have a family that keeps me busy too! My youngest son lives at home with me and my partner and keeps me on my toes! My daughter lives in Bristol now with her partner, and my eldest son is in the Royal Logistics core based in Bicester . I am also a step mum to my partner’s two daughters. “
We think that the photo below of Claire’s recent joint Bolton Platinum Jubilee Bake-Off entry with her youngest son really shows what a talented cook she is! Claire was delighted when she heard about the Bake-off competition and couldn’t wait to take part. She would love others to get involved too as it’s not too late to enter! It is open to all Bridgewater Home Care Bolton staff, clients and their families. The deadline to send in a photo of your baked goodies is 9 am on Monday 14th March 2022. Entrants should make sure to include their name and mark it “Bolton Bake-Off “. Email photos to: info@bridgewaterhomecare.co.uk
What is one thing you would put on your bucket list?
“It has to be New York at Christmas, ice skating, horse and cart through central park, Rockefeller Christmas tree! “
What is your favourite genre of film?
“Hmmm, this is a hard one! I wouldn’t say I’m a real film buff but I do like the late 80s and early 90s films. Films like The Lost Boys, Dirty Dancing, Pretty Woman, Bodyguard, Mrs Doubtfire… I could watch these over and over. Although I think my favourite feel-good film at the moment is The Greatest Showman, my son and I know this word for word! “
What is your favourite season of the year and why?
“Autumn is my favourite season, falling leaves, hot vimto and a good drama box set.”
Who is your ideal dinner party guest and why?
“It’s got to be Morgan Freeman – I just love his soothing and relaxing voice.”
One fact about you that your colleagues may not know?
“I was a Morris Dancer from being aged around 8-9 to 18.(and a pretty good one at that!)”
We wish you every success in your new role Claire!
For further information on the range of home care services provided by Bridgewater Home Care Bolton, or to discuss home care for yourself or a loved one, please visit our services page or call us on 0800 355 7888 or email: info@bridgewaterhomecare.co.uk.
