A BRADFORD district care home worker is retiring after spending more than three decades at the same firm. 

Carolyn Beecroft joined the Shipley-based Czajka Care Group in 1982 following a chance conversation with her neighbour, Yvonne, who was the manager at Fairmount Nursing Home at the time.

Carolyn has since worked in several roles at the family-run care group.

“Every role I’ve had over the years has been fulfilling," Carolyn said.

"It’s important to understand that every day, whatever job you do in a care home makes a difference.

"You really are having a positive impact on people’s lives – each shift enables you to change someone’s life for the better – and that’s why working in care is so rewarding.

"Of course, it can be hard work physically and mentally, and when you lose a resident it's terribly sad, but it’s the people you work with that make it so worthwhile."

For five years, Carolyn worked nights at Fairmount Nursing Home and Staveley Birkleas - caring for older residents with dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Carolyn soon proved to be a highly capable and valuable member of the team.

As her children grew older, she started working day shifts and was promoted to senior carer.

Carolyn said: “One of the reasons I have loved working at Czajka and stayed for so many years is the variety of roles I have worked in.

"As well as being a carer, I’ve been a physiotherapy aid, manned the reception at weekends and worked as an activity co-ordinator.

"In recent years, I have worked on a one-to-one basis with residents at Staveley Birkleas, caring for younger adults with disabilities.

"I’ve built so many fabulous relationships with the people I have cared for and the people I have worked with over the years, and they have all become a big part of my life."

Carolyn added: “I’m really going to miss everyone, and I’m grateful for the experiences I’ve had over the years.

"It’s never been quiet at Staveley Birkleas, and we have done some fabulous things over the years with our residents."

Managing director at Czajka Care Group, Konrad Czajka, said: “Carolyn has been a constant presence in our homes for 32 years and she has really made a difference to our residents’ lives.

"Hard-working, and having spent several successful years in different roles, she represents what a varied and interesting career you can have in care, and she will be sorely missed.”