Management on the move: The life of two very busy Peripatetic Managers

At Orchard Care Homes, we’re lucky enough to have two very skilled, hard-working and reliable Peripatetic Managers who travel between the homes providing support as and when it’s necessary. We decided to ask TJ and Suzanne what their roles look like and find out what being a ‘Peripatetic Manager’ really means.

Did you know that the word ‘peripatetic’ derives from the Greek word ‘peripatētikos’ which means ‘to walk about’? With amazing care homes all across the UK, it’s no surprise then that TJ and Suzanne have some travelling to do. Take TJ for example – he covers the central region, meaning homes in the North West and the Midlands.

“Although this is my first role with Orchard, I have been a Care Home Manager for most of my career – other than some dabbling in the entertainment industry. I started at the age of 18 in a small residential home owned by a friend and the rest was history! I’m now a Registered Nurse, Registered Counsellor and a trainer.”

When asked what a typical working day looks like for him, TJ told us that it depends whether he is based at a home covering the role of Home Manager, or he is out and about providing regional support to the homes. If the latter, this means he is visiting the homes and supporting the manager with any issues they may be experiencing, or providing mentorship and development to new managers, deputies, nurses and care colleagues.

“I absolutely love the variety of work. I get bored easily being in the same place doing the same thing each day so I find the variety of homes, and the different needs in each one, very exciting.”

Meanwhile, in Suzanne’s neck of the woods (the North region), things are equally as exciting and rewarding. Suzanne also comes from a management background, but hers was within Orchard – she worked as Home Manager of Lansbury Court Care Home from 2015 before stepping into her role as Peripatetic Manager this year. Prior to this, she had a range of roles before entering the care industry.

“When I left school, I worked in a few office based environments in receptionist/secretary roles.  I then moved to Sunderland from Darlington when I was 17 and got a job as a machinist in a clothing factory (it was the first job I could get and I really didn’t like it!). At last, I started my first care job at 19 years old and never looked back. I worked at the same home for 13 years, climbing the ladder to becoming Manager.”

Suzanne’s days are varied too, and she is just as fond of the excitement that each day brings because of this. When we asked her what her favourite thing is about working for Orchard Care Homes, she told us that she has always found Orchard to be a care provider that cares about its people. She added that everyone genuinely cares about their colleagues and the people living in our homes.

“Since my role is so rewarding, I forget that it’s a challenge. That said, my sense of direction is rubbish! Driving to places I have never been before can be quite stressful… the Satnav is a God-send!”

When the busy working day is done, you can expect to find Suzanne invested in a good book or spending time with her family – particularly her one year-old granddaughter who keeps her very busy indeed. TJ on the other hand could be reading a good fantasy book, giving reiki, providing aesthetic treatments or reflecting on his Drag DJ days!

Thank you to Suzanne and TJ for sharing their experiences with us. If you’re interested in a rewarding career at Orchard Care Homes, where no two days are the same, then take a look at our careers today. You can also learn more about our excellent training and career progression opportunities with The Orchard Academy on our Learning and Development page.