10/02/2026
Here's the other Director Anthea's story:
My mom became ill in 2007. My siblings and I soon learnt how difficult it can be to navigate the care system. Mom deteriorated and died in 2008. I was devastated and although had a loving family felt lost and alone. Up to this point I had worked mostly in catering which I had really enjoyed. I suddenly had no job satisfaction and felt as if I was treading water. A friend had started working at a local nursing home and wondered if I would get as much satisfaction as she did. I applied and was accepted for a health care assistant position at a care home. It was exactly what I needed. Learning new skills, at the age of 44, was exhilarating. I felt I made a positive difference to people's lives. Through an apprentiship I completed level 2 then 3 in health and social care, becoming a senior carer along the way.
I followed my wonderful manager to a larger care home where there had been concerns and the home had a poor record with the CQC. 9 months later, many long days and lots of fundraising resulted in a GOOD rating in all areas with the CQC!
It showed me what can be achieved with solid, honest, supportive management, we could turn a service around.
Sometime later, unfortunately, my manager became ill and left on long term sickness. A new manager was appointed. Standards slipped and morale dropped. The manager and provider appeared not to care. I left and started my first domiciliary role where I met my now best friend.
After a while we became dissolutioned with the support we, as carers, were given. We gave our all to the role, knowing our service users were being well cared for by a group of carers who had to support each other. It really isn't good enough when concerns are reported, advice is sought and you are told "just get on with it".
In 2017 Platinum Community Care came into existence and the rest, as they say, is history. Born out of frustration, grown out of commitment. I have met some amazing people. Carers, service users, their families, health care professionals. I feel I have been blessed to care for and support people when they need it. I feel blessed that we have supported carers to feel valued and reach their full potential. This can be such a worthwhile role for the right person. All this born though an apprentiship!
