Wendy brings activities, adventure and ardour to Riverdale Care Home
Wendy Perkins joined Riverdale Care Home in Chesterfield as an Activities Coordinator at the start of January this year, and the positive energy and contagious smiles that have spread through the home already are just a glimpse of what’s to come. We were excited to ask Wendy all about her experiences before joining the home and her plans for this year.
Although Wendy may seem as though she has worked in the care sector her whole life given her natural flair for it, she actually has a wide range of experience in different roles and industries. From retail to call centres all the way to reception engineering, Wendy has done it all. It is not surprising though that Wendy worked as a dog groomer for a while - we bet those pups received the very best love and care!
“I have worked in the care sector for three and a half years now, starting out as a COVID coordinator before becoming home administrator. That’s the most recent role I was in before I made the leap to Riverdale to become Activity Coordinator!”
“My favourite thing about my time at Riverdale so far is spending time with the lovely people that live here in the home. We have the opportunity to enrich their lives and fill their days with memories and fun!”
Growing up, Wendy actually wanted to be in the Wrens (now just the Royal Navy), so she has always had that spark to care for and look out for others around her. Seeing the smiles on the residents’ faces makes Wendy’s day brighter and she is excited to be helping them continue their daily activities and integrate themselves in the local community.
It's only March and already the home have celebrated Golden Retriever Day with Winnie the retriever, a Valentine’s afternoon tea, live music with Claire from ‘Razzle Dazzle Productions’ and a fun visit from ballroom dancers Wendy and John. The wonderful Chesterfield care home also has more activities coming up such as a bake sale, a St. Patrick’s Day party with ‘Paper Kite’, a local music duo, and a huge summer festival with fish and chips and pop-up beaches.
“If there was one thing I wish people knew about being an Activities Coordinator, it would be that you will be working independently a lot as well as with the team so there’s a great mix. I’d recommend the role to anyone!”
Wendy has also spread her creativity in the form of dainty little teacup bird feeders – she loves pretty things and wanted something to brighten up the outside area in time for Spring. The residents loved putting these up with her and it’s now their responsibility to keep them full with bird feed!
We asked Home Manager Denise if she thinks Wendy’s impact is already visible on the home and she said “Absolutely! The people we look after are getting out and about into the community, visiting the church and local shops and Wendy is establishing those relationships. Families have commented that there seems to be so much happening such as coffee mornings and entertainment.”
When asked to describe Wendy in three words, Denise said: “Passionate. Enthusiastic. Delivers”. Thank you to Wendy for delivering! Denise, Wendy and the entire Riverdale team have amazing plans for this year and we can’t wait to share them with you.
If you’re interested in a rewarding role as an Activity Coordinator and you’re looking to make a real difference, take a look at our current vacancies here. Alternatively, if you’d like to find out more about our award-winning care homes and the specialist care types that we provide, you can browse all 23 of our homes here and find out more about the work we do.
