Staff from Haviland House, where residents are referred to as ‘family members’, were kind enough to share their thoughts on our specialist dementia nursing home and care.

If you'd like to find out more about Haviland House, you can visit its web page or call our friendly Customer Service Team on 01903 327327.

Kylea Reynolds

Kylea Rynolds is a Butterfly Home Leader.

What’s the best part of your job?

Spending time getting to know people’s histories and who they used to be before dementia.

What’s the most challenging part of your role?

Watching the decline of people you are caring for.

When did you join Guild Care?

I worked in various other homes within Worthing. I originally started at Haviland when it first opened, I left for two years, then returned to Caer gwent, then back to Haviland!

What specific skills do you think you need to work with people living with dementia?

Patience.

Why did you choose to come and work at Guild Care?

I liked their ethos.

What qualities and values do you think are important to work in dementia care?

Empathy and kindness.

What would you say to others interested in changing roles into dementia care?

You have to do it because you care.

What specific challenges has the pandemic provided in the way you care and support our family members in our homes?

It has been very difficult as we lost vital members of our working team. The family members have missed their relatives greatly, we have had to find new ways to create contact and reassurance for both them and their relatives

If a relative is considering a care home for their loved one who has dementia, why should they choose Guild Care?

The staff truly care, they are dedicated to the family members and their happiness/safety.

Charles Van Nimwegan

Charles Van Nimwegan has been working at Guild Care for the last three years. He is currently a Health and Wellbeing Assistant Haviland House.

What is the best part of the job?

It’s really stimulating to see the person you are supporting with a smile on their face and communicating with you. We treat everyone as if they are family. We really do get to know people so well here.

How did you get into caring?

I’ve always cared for the elderly, I was an auxiliary nurse at Worthing hospital, then Shoreham and at various nursing homes before joining Haviland House.

What's an interesting fact about yourself?

Many years ago, I used to travel around the country with my parents singing in music halls and care homes. I think we were called The Vandells?

What qualities do you need to work with people living with dementia?

Remember that although a person has dementia they are still alive inside and if they can’t communicate then just simple things like holding hands really does make all the difference.

If you'd like to find out more about Haviland House, you can visit its web page or call our friendly Customer Service Team on 01903 327327.