‘A Career in Care’ – with Lucía Clari

Lucía has recently joined the Sisters Hospitallers family as the new Registered Manager at St Teresa’s care home. She has over twenty years of experience working with vulnerable children and adults with different diagnoses and in various settings, such as supported living, outreach and residential homes.

We had a great talk with her about making a difference and creating a positive environment at work.

Firstly, tell us who is Lucía Clari?

I was born in Sevilla where I studied Travel & Tourism. I came to England over 20 years ago and I met some friends who introduced me to social care. I really enjoy helping others and I have been working with vulnerable adults since then.

Why did you choose St Teresa’s as your workplace?

When I first walked through the front door of St Teresa’s home I felt enveloped by peace and I knew straight away that the home is a very special place indeed. Meeting the residents, the Sisters and the staff team has made it even more special.

I like the principles and values that are at the heart of the organisation and it would be an honour to live up to their standards and to be of service. The Sisters are a great inspiration and they always bring the best out of me. Their example always encourages me to strive to become a better version of myself.

What was your experience in healthcare before joining Sisters Hospitallers?

I have over twenty years of experience working with vulnerable children and adults with different diagnoses and in different settings, such as supported living, outreach and residential homes. I have also been able to study whilst working and have been awarded an NVQ 4 in Leadership & Management, Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and a BSc (Hons) in Psychology.

Personally, working in healthcare, every moment that I have helped someone has been truly special but I remember very fondly when I joined the Thames Path Challenge to raise funds for the organisation I was working for at the time.

Taking a look at the job roles you’ve had over the years, which one have you enjoyed the most? And which one was the most challenging?

I believe all our experiences are valid and valuable and contribute to what we become at the point in time where we find ourselves. I have enjoyed every role I have carried out and I feel proud of always striving to make a difference for the people I have worked with. Working with people with challenging behaviour can be very draining because you know they are suffering and it’s often difficult to help them find a different way to communicate but when that happens, and people learn to express themselves in a more positive way, it can be very rewarding.

As a Registered Manager, what does your normal day look like?

The most important thing will always be to ensure the residents are at the heart of everything we do. The rest is about ensuring the home is managed efficiently and effectively and that everyone is respected and valued. We all must work as part of a proud team to ensure the home provides outstanding service to our residents.

I love seeing the residents happy and smiling and to know that the Sisters and the staff team are happy too. When there is a happy, positive environment, all the rest is much easier to achieve.

What would you say to someone thinking about joining Sisters Hospitallers?

I would encourage them to join us and experience for themselves what a special organisation Sisters Hospitallers really is! I feel truly fortunate and honoured to be able to be of service to them. The Congregation and the unconditional love and service that the Sisters offer the residents and staff on a daily basis makes Sisters Hospitallers the most special organisation I have ever known.