Zenka’s zeal for excellent care at Chatsworth Lodge

Zenka Shires joined Chatsworth Lodge Care Home back in 1995 as a Care Assistant and gradually moved up the ranks to Home Manager. This means that this year she will celebrate an incredible 30 years providing care to the people of Chesterfield, Derbyshire. We asked Zenka some questions to reflect on her personal and professional achievements and her story is truly inspirational!

“I had no idea what I wanted to be when I was younger. I feel there is so much pressure put on what we want to be… When I was young I tried a lot of different jobs!”

Zenka admitted to us that she wasn’t quite sure on what she wanted to do when she was younger, starting out in a shoe shop and also gaining some experience in retail and hospitality. She even owned her own sandwich shop called “Eat@Zenka’s”!

“I lived in Bridlington on the East Coast and there wasn’t always a lot of work in winter, which is the why at the age of 21 I got my first job in the care industry.”

Zenka has actually joined Chatsworth Lodge Care Home three times (in 1995, 2012 and and 2017) and has never been afraid of trying out different career paths. However, in the end she realised her heart was in Chatsworth Lodge, and her career in care while at the home has just gone from strength to strength.

The first two times Zenka joined the home it was in the role of Care Assistant. However, in 2015, Zenka gained her NVQs 2 and 3 in Health and Social Care and this sparked an interest in progressing to senior level.

“I found the role of Senior Care Assistant really interesting and loved learning about medications and what they were used for. A couple of years later, the Deputy Manager role became vacant and I thought: Why not? Who knows if you don’t try?”

With the help of The Orchard Academy, Zenka was then able to complete her Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management. Reflecting on her progression through the ranks, Zenka told us she feels very lucky to have been able to grow and develop naturally to General Manager and then, eventually, Home Manager.

“I love Chatsworth Lodge… the place, the people, everything. I have so many happy memories here of dancing and singing with the residents, especially at our Elvis Presley party last year! Everything we do here is worth the while when we see those heartwarming smiles, the sparkle in our people’s eyes and the forming of beautiful friendships”

Louise Barber, current Head Housekeeper at Chatsworth, has worked with Zenka since 2014 and told us that Zenka is always the life of the party; she just has to be her natural self and all the residents are smiling. She also said that if she had to describe Zenka in three words, she would say ‘inspiring’, ‘professional’ and ‘amazing’!

Zenka told us that she has always felt very supported by Orchard throughout her time at Chatsworth Lodge.

“I know that whenever I need help, it is only a phone call away – there is always someone there. It sounds cheesy but it’s true! It’s thanks to this support that I still find time for myself and my hobbies – such as walking in the countryside. I can walk for 10-15 miles sometimes! It’s so good for you.”

If you’re interested in a career at one of our award-winning care homes, you can take a look at our Careers page here. There is also more information on The Orchard Academy team on our Learning and Development page, where you can read about the opportunities for career progression that we provide and begin your own inspiring journey just like Zenka’s.