60 seconds with Lois Rogers

The Challenges & Rewards of a Sheltered Housing Manager

Lois Rogers is a dedicated Sheltered Housing Manager with over 30 years of experience. She began her career as a part-time Relief Housekeeper and has since progressed to managing multiple sheltered housing facilities on the Isle of Wight. Lois is passionate about providing excellent care for older people and finds great satisfaction in her work.

How long have you been working for Abbeyfield?

I have been working for Abbeyfield for over 30 years. I loved my first job as a part-time Relief Housekeeper so much that I decided that I would like to become a live-in Manager/Housekeeper, an opportunity which I accepted in Cowes. I have since taken on managerial roles at other houses in Cowes, Bembridge and Southampton, before becoming a Senior House Manager.

With the more recent geographical restructuring, I now manage the houses in Newport, Bembridge, and the two in Cowes.

What was it that attracted you to Abbeyfield?

I started my career as a care assistant and then progressed to deputy matron at a residential care home, so I knew that my heart was in caring for older people.

It was important for me that Abbeyfield invests in services and staff. I have enjoyed the staff benefits and extensive training programme that Abbeyfield provides, and I was glad of the chance to achieve my Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care.

What is a typical day for you?

I don’t think that there is ever a typical day, but my role is varied. Any day could include checking in with staff; addressing any resident issues; attending meetings; meeting deadlines; dealing with contractors; compliance checks; answering emails; letting rooms; marketing; organising activities and special events for residents; and updating the Service Improvement Plans.

What in your opinion makes a good housing manager?

A good housing manager should be understanding, flexible, knowledgeable, kind, and honest. They should be to be able to display all the Abbeyfield values.

Remaining calm, seeing the bigger picture and not being afraid to ask for help are also important abilities and, from my increasingly varied experiences, I have learnt the value of the supportive structures of policies and procedures in place.

What is the best part of your job?

I love the variety. I also get a great deal of satisfaction knowing that I have tried my best and achieved a good standard of work, and it’s nice when we receive compliments from residents, their families, friends, and professionals. Time, effort, encouragement and support given to the people we work for, and with, and the general public builds trust and respect, strengthens relationships and promotes Abbeyfield.

I believe we have the right people leading our key teams across Abbeyfield, giving me confidence in my role.

What are the biggest challenges that you face?

Recent challenges have included filling our rooms and recruiting high-quality staff.

Dealing with resident’s mental heath, conflict, and communicating with a resident regarding a personal matter are always tough, as is good time-management in a demanding role.

What are you looking forward to at your houses?

I am looking forward to more collaboration with my staff and volunteers. I am pleased that my resident volunteer is joining the National Residents’ Panel that will help shape Abbeyfield and give our residents a voice. I would like everyone with whom we come into contact to believe that Abbeyfield is a wonderful place to live and work.