One of Shropshire’s biggest care homes has strengthened its team with the appointment of a new manager.
Rhea Paller has taken the helm at Montgomery House – a purpose-built, 90-bed care home in Sundorne, Shrewsbury.
Operated by Shropshire’s largest independent, not-for-profit care provider Coverage Care Services, the home provides residential, nursing, respite and specialist dementia care for older people.
Rhea brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role having previously held senior nursing and management positions with another care provider in the Shropshire area.
And, despite the ongoing difficulties brought about by the coronavirus pandemic and the wider challenges continuing to face the care sector, she is determined to make sure that Montgomery House remains the care home of choice for people living in the local area.
“I absolutely love it here and feel extremely settled already,” she said.
“It’s been fantastic getting to know all the staff and residents over recent weeks and an absolute delight to welcome back our first visitors in such a long time.
“The caring nature of the team here at Montgomery House shines through every aspect of its hard work and I feel privileged to have been extended the opportunity to lead such a dedicated and compassionate group of individuals.”
Rhea is looking forward to implementing a range of new projects at the home to support the health and wellbeing of residents but more than anything she’s hoping a return to community life won’t be far away.
“Montgomery House has an important role to play in the local community and we are all hoping that we are through the worst of the pandemic so that we can, in time, start to gradually welcome members of the wider community back into the home in a safe and controlled way,” she explained.
“We don’t quite know when this will be yet, and we will of course be guided by the Government and our local public health teams at all times, but we’re keeping our fingers crossed that we can slowly progress towards re-establishing our links with the community after such a long time.”
Originally from the Philippines, Rhea came to the UK as a trained nurse in 2010 to complete a postgraduate degree in International Nursing at Hertfordshire University.
Whilst studying for her degree she worked part time as a carer and it was during this time she developed her passion for working with the elderly.
After graduating in 2014, she moved to Shropshire to undertake a placement on the NMC Overseas Nursing programme with a private care provider.
After successfully becoming a registered nurse, she then quickly rose through the ranks to senior nurse, then deputy and eventually a management and leadership role, looking after several large care homes.
Montgomery House is currently accepting new residents, for more information visit the website https://www.coveragecareservices.co.uk/.
Pictured: Rhea Paller is appointed manager of Montgomery House in Sundorne, Shrewsbury.