Health care assistant at Little Bramingham Farm shares her memories of working at the care home for 25 years
At Little Bramingham Farm, the award-winning Luton-based residential care home run by charity Friends of the Elderly, health care assistant, Jackie Taylor, has been sharing her memories of caring for the residents at the care home for 25 years.
“I started my career at Little Bramingham Farm as a domestic, and over the years have grown and been fortunate enough to hold a number of different roles,” said Jackie. “I have been a carer, bank shift leader, shift leader and now a health care assistant. All of the positions I have held at Little Bramingham Farm have, and still do, fulfil my wish and job motivation which is to support and care for the elderly.
“Little Bramingham Farm is a second home to me and the residents, and my work colleagues are my extended family,” continued Jackie. “I have built strong, loving and positive relationships with each resident I support, and I even had the pleasure of caring for my old high school Physical Education, or PE, Teacher. She was a wonderful lady with such a sharp mind and used to tell me that my PE classes were not my strongest lesson, which is so true as I still have her comments on my report cards.
“I’m close to all of the residents who all have their own ways, characters and habits and I love nothing more than sitting with them, having a chat and hearing all about their fascinating life stories, they are all so interesting.
“Over the years I have seen and been part of many positive changes and enhancements at the care home. We always keep up-to-date with the changes in care standards, training and technology which helps us to continue to deliver the best possible outstanding care to each resident we support.
“The quality and range of activities the residents take part in every day is amazing. Each activity is tailored to the residents’ individual needs, likes and pastimes. Karen, the activities coordinator, makes sure there’s always something fun and interesting going on which the residents’ families love being involved too; especially with our regular community events, such as Christmas, Easter, our summer parties and Halloween.
“The best part of my job without a shadow of a doubt is making each day count for each resident, promoting and supporting their independence. It’s so gratifying and rewarding to make them smile and see them enjoying themselves – and I’ve learnt so much from them too – especially to remain positive and to enjoy and relish each moment of every day.
“I’m often asked why have I worked and stayed at Little Bramingham Farm for so long. There are so many reasons. All my work colleagues are so dedicated and committed to the residents. We all have our own strengths an bring something different to the table which, when together, works, and works amazingly. Also, for over two decades, Emma Lawrance, the Registered Manager at the care home, has been a positive, caring, supportive and stable influence on not only the team, but all of the residents too.
“We really are one big happy family, and it was wonderful for all the care team and residents to share in the celebrations when Little Bramingham Farm won Care Home of the Year 2025 at the National Care Awards, it was a special moment.
“The care team is now in the running at The 2026 Luton Care Awards in the Team of the Year category, which is not only amazing, but such a wonderful thing for everyone at the care home to be excited about and proud of.
“I was asked recently why I do what I do, and the answer is simple. I love caring for the residents, and give them all the support, care and love I would give to my own parents. The years have flown by, but I know for sure, I wouldn’t want to have been – or be – anywhere else. I wouldn’t have it any other way,” concluded Jackie.