Manager appointed for new dementia home in Holsworthy
Holsworthy’s former Deer Park Care Home which was acquired in September by Camelot Care is to re-open in early 2025 as Deer Park Nursing Home under the management of Suzanne Evans.
Suzanne, who has spent the past decade managing Halwill Manor Nursing Home in Beaworthy, comes to Deer Park with a total of 20 years in the care sector behind her.
Suzanne said: “There is currently a significant unfulfilled need for further nursing care provision in the region, especially for dementia services, and I know the opening of a new residential nursing home will be a great relief to families looking for residential care for a loved one living with dementia.
“I was delighted to be invited to become part of the Camelot Care team. I’ve long been aware of their continued investment in their staff and homes, their commitment to residents, and their high standards of care, which very much resonates with my own ethos.”
Before moving into the care sector, Suzanne Evans had a career in human resources within banking corporations in London. In her spare time she started doing voluntary work with The Samaritans, which she says she found very rewarding and inspired her to consider a change of career.
Suzanne said: “Helping people via The Samaritans made me want to pursue a more meaningful career path. Family members had moved to Devon some years earlier so I took the opportunity to relocate and study, embarking on a degree in Social Science and Psychological studies.
“I then began supporting adults with learning disabilities and autism which I found fulfilling, and a few years later I had the opportunity to move into nursing care for older adults.
“I grew up enjoying a close relationship with my grandparents and have always felt a natural affinity with the elderly. And more recently, my mother-in-law’s dementia journey inspired me to enable excellent care and the ability to live life with dementia to the fullest.
“Managing Deer Park will put me in the privileged position of being part of people’s journey at a time when they are most in need, together with the honour of working with colleagues who are sincerely compassionate and dedicated in their roles.”
Suzanne lives locally with her husband Dave who is retired from a full service in the army.
She said: “Our children are now adults, but they attended school locally and I’m grateful for the support and sense of community the area provides.”
Outside work Suzanne likes to enjoy the beautiful local area, as well as travelling further afield for holidays. She is a great animal lover, has been involved in animal rescue in Spain and the UK, and has a Ragdoll cat and a Spanish rescue dog.
Suzanne is currently working with other members of Camelot Care’s management to recruit a full staff team ahead of the opening of Deer Park Nursing Home next year. She is especially keen to hear from local nurses who are interested in supporting residents with dementia. Interested parties can obtain more details by calling 01409 413555 or email CamelotHouse@camelotcare.co.uk
