Meet the Manager – Tracy Klue

An excellent introduction to the Home Manager of Avocet House – Tracy Klue.

Here she addresses her time in the care industry, roles within the home, and personal hobbies: 

“I have worked in the care sector for over 28 years. I started my career as a carer, and within three years I had worked my way up to be a manager. 

As a General Manager I am responsible for the running, finances, and maintenance of my home. I am responsible for ensuring the health, comfort, safety, happiness and wellbeing of my residents, and for ensuring that their families are included in, and kept updated, regarding their loved ones care and wellbeing. As a manager, I have responsibility for my team, for ensuring they have the knowledge required to carry out their job role, and to ensure their safety and look after their wellbeing. I have an open-door policy, and I am a great believer in teamwork. I work in accordance to CQC KLOEs, and within legislative and contractual frameworks.

I chose a career in care, as I am passionate about helping others to maintain their health and wellbeing, and to maintain and be as independent as they possibly can. I enjoy helping people identify and achieve goals no matter how small, as this really promotes their wellbeing. I am passionate about kind care, and ensuring that our residents health, happiness, and wellbeing is at the heart of everything I do. 

I hold a Registered Manager’s Award and Care Certificates that I have achieved through The Open University. I hold a PTLLS level 4 qualification, an Assessor’s Award, and I have completed many internal and external training courses related to my role.

Moving into a care home can be a very emotional and stressful time for our residents. I always try to meet a potential resident before they move into our home, to have a chat about their life history and to gain an understanding of what is important and precious to them on a personal level. If this is not possible, I meet with the resident on their first day and spend time talking to them, listening to what is important to them, and offering reassurance. I discuss the day to day running of the home with the new residents, and answer any questions they may have. I ensure that residents are introduced to staff, and explain different roles staff have and why staff wear different uniforms. We offer group activities where residents can get to know each other and build friendships.  

The part of my role that I enjoy the most is the contact with my residents, talking to them and listening to their precious memories, laughing with them, holding their hand, and re-assuring them if they are upset, planning and joining in with activities and seeing them happy and smiling – just being there for them, really.  

My weekends, when I am free, are spent with my partner Andrew exploring the Norfolk coast and playing golf badly, UK travel, and exploring other towns and cities, and spending precious time with my parents, sons and grandchildren.”