Marie comes home to Portway House

Portway House is delighted to welcome Marie Scandrett to the team as Senior Carer, bringing with her nearly 26 years of experience in the care sector. For Marie, this was less about starting something new and more about coming home, as she previously worked at Portway House as a Care Assistant, gaining valuable experience supporting residents directly on the floor.

Having spent time in a healthcare role that was largely office-based, Marie realised something important about herself: she missed being with people. "I didn't really have anything to do with clients in that job," she explained. "I found myself really restless. I just needed to get back to looking after people."

The return to hands-on care has been both grounding and uplifting. Marie admits that her decision to leave Portway House previously was rooted in motorway anxiety. "At the time, the travel really worried me. I'd be anxious for days before a journey. But over time, I pushed myself through it, and now it doesn't bother me at all." That realisation gave her the confidence to come back and she hasn't looked back since.

Stepping into her new role as Senior Care Assistant, Marie leads her team with warmth and expertise. Her responsibilities include supporting medication management, overseeing documentation, and ensuring that residents daily needs are met with compassion and care. But beyond the tasks, it's clear that Marie's heart lies in the people.

Her passion shines most strongly in two areas: dementia care and end-of-life support. "Those moments are so important," she says. "Probably the most important part of someone's journey. I know I do a great job of making sure people are comfortable and cared for with dignity." She also stresses the need for more training and understanding around dementia, something she actively shares with newer colleagues. Currently, she's mentoring a young care worker with only a year's experience, passing on knowledge that can't always be learned from textbooks. "I always say, my knowledge is your knowledge."

What stands out most about Marie is her deep affection for Portway House itself. "It's one of those places you just never forget," she reflects. "When you walk in, it feels warm. You can be yourself here and have fun with residents, with staff, with relatives. It's just a great place to work."

For Marie, a strong team environment is all about working together, having fun, and ensuring residents are happy and comfortable. She laughs as she describes her so-called "resting serious face," but quickly adds that she's always joking with residents first thing in the morning, setting a positive tone for the day. "The time just flies by here," she says. "I hated being bored in my last job. Now I come in, and before I know it, it's nearly home time."

It's clear that Marie has found her place again, not just in her career, but in a community that values her passion, experience and warmth. As she puts it herself: "I'm happier to be back doing what I know best."