10 February 2020

An honest interview with Kew House Care Home General Manager, Yetty

We caught up with Yetty Adepegba, General Manager of our ‘Outstanding’ home in Wimbledon.

How did you join Hallmark Care Homes? 

I was headhunted for the position and from there I was drawn to Hallmark because of their charter which highlights their values and the foundations of which all Hallmark Care Homes are built. I was very interested and inspired by it, I think it’s what I lead my life by especially the part that talks about integrity.

What is special about Hallmark Care Homes?

Their ethos and values with the charter at the forefront. Many providers talk about what they will do but Hallmark does what they say they will do. Hallmark have a clear vision which they communicate to their team and I appreciate this as I like to have goals and this is different to other care providers I have worked with.

What do you find most rewarding about your job?

Being able to help people. Lots of people come into care in different ways and find it difficult trusting their loved ones into our care, you see lots of people come in very anxious and insecure and by the time they’ve come in you can see that the resident is settled, you get smiles, you hear laughter, you get fun. I go home on those days and I think ‘this is why I’m in this job.’ Some people come into care homes thinking the worst but then you see the residents put on weight, smiling, living the life that they had, being able to go to the cinema, have a bath. The difference you can make to the lives of the relatives too because you can see physically they are so grateful to know that their mum is being so well looked after and that they can get on with their lives that’s what makes my job rewarding it is the smiles.

What has been your proudest moment?

I have two. Winning General Manager of the Year at Hallmark’s company awards. It was fantastic to be recognised for my hard work at the time, it was a wonderful occasion and I just wasn’t expecting it. Another proud moment for me was reading our recent CQC report where we were given the Outstanding rating and seeing the four stars. It blew my mind; it made all the hard work of myself and team truly worthwhile.

What has been your greatest challenge and how did you overcome it?

Getting the team to unite together and understand the vision. A good team behind you makes anything possible and I have worked really hard to ensure that everyone understands that they are a part of the care delivery at Kew House. It doesn’t matter if you are hoovering, fixing a light you can care whilst doing so and this has really helped to create a family feel and togetherness at the home.

Tell us three things you need to provide great care?

You need to have passion for what you do, as this gets you through the difficult times. You also need to be a caring person and you have to have fun.

How do you relax?

I enjoy playing music on the keyboard, watching comedy on TV and I like to dance.

If you have any other questions about care, or life at a Hallmark Care Home, please get in touch. We’d love to hear from you!