We are so excited that our newest home Priors Hall is almost ready to open its doors to our new residents but before we can welcome them in, we need to build the team, starting with the manager and at Halcyon we pride ourselves on selecting only the very best.
A good manager is forward thinking, knows how to build a cohesive team, allows that team to work to their strengths, nurtures both team members and residents and creates a loving, secure, safe environment for all.
We are delighted to have found a manager who has an impeccable track record, many years of experience and who has worked her way up from care assistant to manager therefore having a wealth of first-hand knowledge and experience.
Gurpreet Hundal who prefers to be called Preet knew, even from a young age that she wanted to work within a caring profession. Coming from a culture in which family is important Preet had already spent much time caring for family members both young and old before reaching school leaving age.
On leaving school Preet enrolled at college where she studied Health and Social Care, a course that she enjoyed and did very well in. This course covers all elements of the healthcare industry and gives students an insight into the many provisions available and the type of care provided. By the time Preet had completed her qualification she had decided that she would like to be a midwife and so embarked on a nursing degree at Northampton University.
As part of a nursing degree students are required to complete placements, these placements involve students entering a variety of healthcare settings to gain first-hand experience; it was during a placement in a care home that Preet realised her true calling was not midwifery but elderly care. Preet spent hours engaging with residents, getting to know them and building an understanding of their lives within the home. She saw how the care home functioned and was already building the perfect care home in her mind.
Preet feels very fortunate to have discovered her passion for social care so early in her working life, since leaving university she has worked within care homes for the elderly and for adults with mental health conditions. Right from her very first job Preet wanted to learn, absorbing everything that she was taught like a sponge, asking questions and taking it all in.
Preet’s vast experience led to her working as an NVQ assessor, helping others with their studies and seeing them safely through their journey. This was a role that Preet enjoyed, she did however miss working within a care home, she missed the daily contact with residents and being able to make a difference to their lives.
Preet moved back into care, running two units; initially as a senior carer and later as deputy manager, eventually securing the position of home manager.
Preet’s passion for providing outstanding care and her wealth of experience has led to subsequent managerial positions during which she has overseen the commissioning of three new care homes. Her track record speaks for itself.
We consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have Preet at the helm of our new home in Corby. She is now in post and is currently interviewing team members and working on a schedule of events to launch Priors Hall in style later in the year.
My focus within the care industry is to irradicate the perceived stigma associated with care homes and to create a positive environment in which our residents can thrive. I want everyone who lives with us to feel proud of their home and to see every day as a new opportunity to enjoy life to its fullest. I am excited to be working in Corby and looking forward to forming strong ties with the local community. Preet Hundal – Home Manager
If you are interested in working alongside Preet or are considering a residential home for either yourself or a relative, do get in touch, we’d love to hear from you.