A mother and son have showed their commitment and support at Gibraltar Nursing Home.

Home Manager, Verity Walmsley shared that far more places have learned the idea of being ‘like a family’. It became like a buzzword meant to capture closeness and loyalty among colleagues.

Verity said: “In recent years, some companies have backed away from the term, recognising how it can sometimes blur lines or create pressure to overextend.”

“At Gibraltar Nursing Home, the environment is welcoming enough that many team members work alongside their actual family.”

Bridget and Gabriel Ioannides are mother and son who both work as care assistants at the nursing home.

Bridget is the House Lead of Beech House, known as the gent's house which is a dedicated space within the home for just male residents.

Gabriel works alongside Bridget bringing his care skills but a unique dynamic that only family can offer.

The Ioannides have been valued members of the Gibraltar team, Verity said: “Bridget and Gabriel make a huge impact not just in Beech House but across the entire home.”

“They work seamlessly together, both committed to giving their best to our family members.”

Before Gabriel began to work at Gibraltar Nursing Home he worked in a DIY shop, when he left, he began a career as a carer at the nursing home, his grandmother also lived at the nursing home.

He “wanted to do something where he was directly helping people make their lives that bit better.”

Verity said: “Gabriel has become an amazing carer and instrumental to Beech House” and he has been in this role for five years now.

Bridget supported a woman with cerebral palsy, a role which she held for 12 years.

She described it as: “enabling her to live a full and cared for life within the community.”

The same wholehearted approach was what she brought to the nursing home when she joined three months after Gabriel.

Bridget has been supportive in her role, she has arranged personalised activities for the gents in Beech House, which helped create a sense of home.

Alongside this, Bridget set up a committee within the nursing home called COGS (Creating occupation at Gibraltar to support social skills) to help both team residents who are also known as family members have a continuation of life.

Bridget said: “working with Gabriel can have its ups and downs. I think if anything I demand more from him because I’m his mum and would like to believe I leave my mum head at home.”

“I am proud that he is so well- respected for his work ethic and other team members will go to him for advice.”

Gabriel responded in a similar manner: “Working with mum is great, she’s a great leader and goes above and beyond to make everyone feel at home and comfortable.”

Verity said: “A background in DIY might not seem like the most obvious path into care, but with the right mindset, empathy and willingness to learn, it can lead to a deeply fulfilling career.”