Adelina finds her role incredibly rewarding, as she’s passionate about enhancing the mealtime experiences and nutritional well-being of the residents in her Home.
How long have you worked at Nellsar?
I joined in December 2013.
What roles have you had in your Home?
I started as a Healthcare Assistant and enjoyed this role for two years. I was then promoted to Senior Carer for three years, after which I became a Dining Assistant. More recently, I have been promoted to Mealtime and Nutrition Lead.
What does your current role involve?
My role involves improving the mealtime experiences of our residents at Princess Christian and a large part of this is my involvement with our Mealtime Dementia Care Initiative (MDCI) which has been running at our Home for just over a year – observing and focusing on the specific mealtime needs of our dementia residents. The Nutrition Lead part of my role involves creating fortified care plans for those residents who need to manage their diets. Some may have special dietary requirements (for example soft diets) and I work in collaboration with the team to make sure residents’ nutritional requirements are met.
What skills do you need to do your role?
You need to be kind, have patience and be good with people. Good communication and observation skills are also important. You need to be flexible around the needs of residents and be committed to seeing things through.
What elements of your role do you most enjoy?
Being with the residents and seeing positive changes in them. It’s very rewarding to know that what I’m doing makes a positive impact. I really enjoy being part of a team at Princess Christian and I thoroughly enjoy working with my colleagues.
What are you most proud of?
Being promoted through different roles during my ten years at Princess Christian. I’m especially proud of being one of the founders of the MDCI and my work with colleagues to really embed the project at our Home. Seeing the positive outcomes with residents through the MDCI makes me incredibly proud.
How would you describe your Home and working with your colleagues?
Princess Christian feels like Home – a second family! I’m lucky to have amazing colleagues, they are the best! Our Head of Catering Services Adrian Silaghi has really believed in me and given me the opportunity to grow and my Home Manager Mario Taherian has supported me through my different roles at Princess Christian.
What role developments are you most looking forward to?
I’m looking forward to developing the MDCI further and helping to introduce the concept to other Nellsar Homes in the future.
