By Perry Roberts, Customer Service Advisor
Over summer as part of my induction I had an interesting excursion to Sir Robert Thomas Court, where I met the wonderful scheme manager, Angela Doyle; a very conscientious and hardworking lady. She has worked for MCC in various roles since 1996.
After a tour of the scheme, consisting of 30 apartments, both single and double, she told me about her job, the fact that no two days are the same.
Within her job Angela has many roles to play …..
In a nutshell upon arrival, there are usually people already sat in the common room which is situated just off the reception area.
Firstly, she will always pop in and ask how everybody is and if any help is needed in any way.
Then she'll go along her daily ritual giving them morning calls via intercom links to any of her residents that have requested them, or anybody that she may have seen a change in, may be feeling a little under the weather, or that she has concerns about.
The next job is to check emails, organise any repair requests, patrol the corridors to check everything is how it should be (clean and tidy but most of all safe). Not forgetting those all important fire doors - which must remain closed at all times.
Then onto the next jobs; checking her emails from many different parties, making any telephone calls that are needed and also writing up any letters or reports.
Food glorious food...
Once a month, Angela organises a Sunday lunch for the residents, who all, rather obviously, very much look forward to it. With the cost of living increasing significantly, Angela tries her utmost best to keep costs down and to only charge and divide the cost it makes between them all.
She also does a breakfast club once a week, to make sure everyone has a full belly!!
The residents...
The most important part of her role is being there for the residents, who will probably put us to shame as they are very active seniors.
Most of them manage to get out and about to the local shops and parks and usually together too as they have formed a strong sense of community; they've become their own little family and support system.
In the summer months, the gardens are put to good use, and Angela often organises barbeques.
The apartments...
Apartments are never empty for long! As Sir Robert Thomas Court has a great reputation and is highly sought after, it’s known as a GREAT place to live.
It was interesting to look inside one, very spacious apartment which had lots of light. The Mayfair of apartments coming with a great view of the beautiful gardens.
It was also interesting being able to see the fixtures and fittings in the flesh that I had only seen before in diagram formats in Keyfacts - giving me a greater understanding of what the residents were ringing up about when wanting repairs, such as intercom systems and the electric drains in the shower.
All in all I had a great day out putting a face to a name, meeting some of our fabulous residents and getting a much greater understanding of how a Customer Service Advisor Role fits in with the Scheme Managers and our Retirement Schemes.
I would strongly advise that no matter how busy we are we always take time to get a greater understanding and knowledge of our co-workers roles and residents.
