Louise Spooner has worked at The Laurels Care Home, on Manchester Road, Sheffield, since 1993.
The home was originally opened in 1987 and bought by the Hill Care Group in 2008, one of the company’s 38 homes across the north of England.
Owner John Hill attended the surprise party to congratulate Louise personally and present a gift from everyone at the company.
Directors, regional managers, nurses and care assistants were also among those at the surprise party
Louise said:
“I was lead into our indoor Garden Café to see over a dozen Hill Care staff and John Hill. I had an inkling something was going on but didn’t expect this. I’m so grateful to everyone at Hill Care for celebrating my 25th work anniversary with me. I have worked with some amazing people during my 
career at The Laurels and I wouldn’t have been here for 25 years if it wasn’t for this amazing team.”
Louise is the longest serving member of staff at The Laurels Care Home, having started as a secretary and receptionist, before sister home The Limes was constructed on the same site.
She then became liaison officer, managing the marketing, social workers and admissions.
Shortly after The Limes was built, Louise took on the role of administrative manager, managing the buildings and ancillary staff, and working alongside the registered nurse manager.
In this role, she completed a Level 4 Certificate in Management with the Chartered Management Institute, before being promoted to home manager.
Louise said:
“The Laurels provides specialised personal care for those living with dementia, while our sister home The Limes provides nursing and residential care. It is a hugely fulfilling job. We prepare personalised plans for each of our residents, after liaising with their relatives, ensuring we provide a stimulating place for them to live. I’m originally from Sheffield myself and I jokingly asked John at the party whether I could get a discounted room at the home myself for when I retire.”
