New Manager Brings Fresh Vision to Highwood Care Home

Highwood Care Home in Bideford has welcomed an experienced new manager Michelle Balsdon, who brings nearly three decades of dedication to the health and social care sector, along with a passion for creating a warm, supportive environment where residents can continue living fulfilling lives.

Having officially started her role in February, Michelle arrives with 29 years of experience in care, beginning her journey at just 16 years old as a care assistant in her hometown of Bideford.

Her career has progressed through a wide range of roles, giving her a deep understanding of both frontline care and leadership. She worked her way up from care assistant to senior care assistant, later joining an NHS community nursing team where she specialised in bladder and bowel care services. Over the past nine years she has focused on care home management.

One Michelle’s proudest achievements came during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she led a major turnaround at the care home where she had started her career. Under her leadership, the home went on to receive a ‘Good’ rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Alongside extensive practical experience, she holds a Level 5 qualification in Leadership and Management, multiple NVQs in health and social care, and a degree module in continence care.

Michelle’s motivation for entering the care sector came from a natural desire to help others. Encouraged by her mother to pursue her passion in health and social care, she chose to gain hands-on experience first by working in a care home, a decision that ultimately shaped her lifelong career.

Central to her approach is a strong belief in dignity, respect and person-centred care.

Michelle said: “I want residents in Highwood Care Home to live the lives they want to live. Even though residents may need support, we aim to make Highwood as friendly and homely as possible. People still have dreams, aspirations and goals and we’re here to help them achieve those. Life doesn’t end when someone moves into a care home, it’s simply a new chapter.”

Seeing residents happy is what she enjoys most about her role.

“I love everything about working in a care home, especially seeing residents smiling and enjoying their day,” she added.

Since arriving at Highwood Care Home, Michelle has been struck by the positive atmosphere within the home.

“My first impressions were that it’s a beautiful, warm and welcoming home. Upon my first visit, residents were happily socialising in the bistro area, and the staff team are fantastic, very experienced and incredibly welcoming.”

While the home already has strong foundations, she has begun introducing some early improvements. These include providing more structure to the daily staffing routine and strengthening communication between staff, residents and families.

She has also made staff wellbeing a key focus.

“Looking after the team is really important. When staff feel supported and confident, they can deliver the best care possible.”

Looking to the future, Michelle is keen to further enhance resident wellbeing through a variety of initiatives. She plans to meet residents individually to understand what matters most to them and what they would like to see improved within the home.

“I want to speak with residents one-to-one, introduce myself properly and ask them what they’d like from the home. Together we can create plans that help them enjoy life here even more.”

Strengthening links with the local community is another key priority. She hopes to work with local schools, sports clubs and community groups, helping to bring the community into the home while also creating opportunities for residents to get out and about.

Staff development will also remain high on the agenda, particularly around dementia care. Plans are already being explored to introduce further immersive dementia awareness training, such as a dementia simulation bus, alongside encouraging team members to pursue further qualifications such as NVQs.

The home is also looking forward to hosting a Summer Fete, helping to bring together residents, families and the wider community.

Maintaining strong relationships with families is another cornerstone of Michelle’s approach. A relatives’ meeting has already been held since she started, and she has introduced an open-door policy to ensure families always feel welcome and informed.

“Communication is key. We want families to feel involved, reassured and confident in the care their loved ones receive.”

Highwood Care Home recently completed an internal quality inspection, and the new manager is committed to building on this by continuing to strengthen safety, quality and compassionate care across the home.

With a clear vision, extensive experience and a genuine passion for caring for others, Highwood Care Home’s new manager Michelle is excited to begin this next chapter alongside residents, families and staff.

Find Out How New Home Manager Michelle Balsdon Is Bringing Nearly 30 Years Of Care Experience To Highwood Care Home – Enquire Today