Meet the Manager: Liza Lorimer, Glenabbey Manor
Liza Lorimer, Home Manager at Glenabbey Manor has worked in care since she was 16 and has previously worked in Staff Nurse, Senior Care Assistant and Deputy Manager roles.
Name: Liza Lorimer
Job Title: Home Manager, Glenabbey Manor
Why did you want to work in care?
I have had a passion for elderly care from a young age. I love spending time with residents and being able to provide them with a high level of care whilst bringing a smile to their face and just being there to hold their hand when they need it the most.
What other roles did you work in before becoming Home Manager?
I started in care when I was 16 working weekends as a Care Assistant in a nursing home. I then went to Scotland where I completed a degree in Nursing I have recently started working towards Level 5 Management Health and Social Care.
When I returned to Belfast I was working as a Staff Nurse within elderly care and then joined Glenabbey Manor as a Senior Care Assistant before becoming Deputy Manager and eventually Manager.
What do you enjoy about working at Glenabbey Manor?
Glenabbey Manor is a really beautiful home. The rooms are all large with spacious communal areas all of which makes for a really nice working environment. Although it is a big home it still has that homely feel. All staff do their best and come together to do the right thing for our residents even in challenging circumstances.
Our residents are like a great big extended family. Each resident has their own wonderful personality, and it is a great honour to share each day with them. Seeing them smile and listening to their stories is wonderful.
How would you describe ‘good care’?
Having time for someone, showing compassion and empathy, being able to laugh even in the bad times.
Care needs to be person centred not something that is regimented. Glenabbey Manor is home for our residents and our care is very much tailored to their specific needs.
We have to know our residents to know what they need and to help them enjoy each day. We are currently trialing a new menu which incorporates favourite recipes from our residents.
What is your primary goal in this role?
To deliver excellent care. And one way of doing that is by engaging with the families of our residents so that they feel part of their loved one’s daily life. I feel it is important that they are included as much as possible. This has been especially important the last year.
What are your hobbies outside work?
Walking my two dogs and cooking!
