Meet The Team
Helen Osborne
Manager
In 1986, following the closure of Church Farm, owned by my grandparents where I helped to look after the herd that supplied Aldeburgh with their dairy requirements, I came to Garrett House as a junior carer. I immediately fell in love with meeting new and interesting people and feeling I was able to be of help and make a difference to their lives.
Care provision and what it entails has changed immensely over this period and through training and the day-to-day differences, I have amassed new skills and knowledge and feel well equipped, together with the help of outside health professionals who we work in partnership with, to deal with all the new challenges modern care homes face.
In 2020, following almost 2 years of study, I was awarded my diploma in care home management and leadership and was very proud when I became Manager on 1st May 2024. I’m pleased to say that I still have the same drive and passion that I had in 1986, albeit slower, to ensure the wellbeing and final years of our residents are dignified and happy.
Greta Cane
Deputy Manager
I have always had an interest in the welfare of others and started a nursing career at the age of 18 but due to personal circumstances, I was unable to sit my final qualifications. I later returned to work in dialysis and was part of a team that set up two new dialysis units, one in Chelmsford and the other in London. I continued my career by working in trauma and orthopaedics in Colchester. Before joining Garrett House in 2017, I spent time at Aldeburgh Community Hospital and in domiciliary care.
I work with a great team at Garrett House and feel that care work is a vocation and the feeling of joy that I get from being able to help people is what keeps me in care. I know there is no other job I’d rather do, I am at present studying for my Level 5 Management Diploma.
Deborah Knights
Madication Manager
Debbie has over 30 years experience at Garrett House caring for our residents. She has always shown an interest in medications and was promoted to Medication Manager in September 2021.
Debbie uses her experience and knowledge of medicines to ensure that residents get the medicines they need to effectively manage their condition.
To enable this to happen, Debbie ensures that all senior carers who administer medicines to residents, are fully trained and competent to do so.
Debbie works closely with our GP surgery, chemist and local authority who perform regular medication reviews.
Lesley Mayhew
Office Manager
Since December 2014, Lesley has been the smiling face that greets you and the friendly voice on the phone. In recognition of her capabilities and hard work, Lesley was promoted to Office Manager in April 2024.
She brings many years of administration experience and is responsible for the overseeing and organisation of HR , finance and staff training and that's on top of keeping everyone organised on a day to day basis.
Caroline Walker
Day Care Lead
Having spent many years working in children’s educational, health and welfare services and with my own family fully grown, I felt I needed a new challenge. Having explored other career paths, I knew I wanted to stay within the care industry. With trepidation, I embarked on a position within elderly care and realised I had found my niche.
I am particularly interested in End-of-Life Care, identifying and putting into place supportive and palliative care plans to assist and improve the quality of life of the dying person and those closest to them.