Darius-Antonio Ivana

As Deputy General Manager of a 64-bed care home, I play a central leadership role in ensuring the delivery of high-quality, person-centred care, operational effectiveness, and regulatory compliance. I support the General Manager and act as their delegate in their absence, overseeing both clinical and administrative functions to maintain smooth daily operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Budget Management: Oversee departmental budgets, ensuring efficient allocation and responsible spending across all areas. Work closely with heads of department to monitor and manage resources in line with organisational goals.
• Compliance & Clinical Oversight: Provide direct oversight of medication management and wound care practices, ensuring safe and effective clinical delivery in accordance with internal procedures and CQC standards.
• Staff Leadership & Performance: Support senior care staff in adhering to internal policies and procedures. Liaise with HR to develop retention strategies and staff wellbeing initiatives, promoting a positive and stable workforce culture.
• Quality & Regulation: Lead the implementation of the new CQC Single Assessment Framework, ensuring our services meet the latest regulatory expectations and align with CQC’s quality statements.
• Occupancy & Business Development: Serve as a key contact with the local community, care professionals, and referral leads. Prioritise increasing occupancy through active engagement, relationship-building, and conducting thorough pre-admission assessments.
• Strategic Reporting: Report on occupancy trends and budget performance directly to the Regional Director in the absence of the General Manager, supporting strategic planning and business continuity.

Key Achievement:

Internal Quality Score Improvement: When I joined in February 2025, the home was scoring 20 on the internal regulatory quality inspection. Through focused leadership, policy reinforcement, and cultural change, Along with the General Manager, we led the service to a significantly improved score of 79 during our inspection in early June 2025—a milestone reflecting strong progress under the new CQC framework.

As Deputy General Manager, I am responsible for supporting the overall management and day-to-day operations of the care home, ensuring the highest standards of care for our residents. My role involved overseeing a wide range of functions, from staff leadership to regulatory compliance, all while fostering a positive and supportive environment for both residents and staff.

Key Achievements & Responsibilities:

• Operational Leadership:
  Supported the General Manager in the daily operations of the care home, ensuring efficient delivery of services and smooth day-to-day running of the facility. I took on full responsibility for operations in the General Manager's absence.
• Staff Management & Development:
  Led and motivated a dedicated team of care staff, ensuring high standards of performance and providing guidance and support where necessary. I played a key role in staff recruitment, training, and performance reviews, promoting a culture of continuous improvement.
• Resident Care & Well-being:
  Oversaw the delivery of personalised care to all residents, ensuring their safety, comfort, and dignity. I managed the development and implementation of individual care plans and worked closely with families to address concerns and improve the quality of care.
• Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance:
  Ensured the home met all relevant regulatory requirements and Barchester Healthcare's internal policies. I played an active role in preparing for and responding to CQC inspections or QIR / RD visits as well as conducting audits and implementing improvements based on feedback.
• Financial & Resource Management:
  Assisted with managing the care home's budget, ensuring efficient resource allocation and cost control while maintaining a high standard of care. I contributed to business planning and worked to achieve financial targets.
• Community & Stakeholder Engagement:
  Built and maintained strong relationships with local authorities, healthcare professionals, and the wider community. I contributed to the marketing and promotion of the care home to attract new residents, supporting overall growth and reputation.
• Health & Safety Management:
  Ensured the health, safety, and well-being of all residents, staff, and visitors, maintaining high standards in infection control, risk assessments, and safety audits.
• Training & Development:
  Supported staff in their professional development, ensuring mandatory training was up to date and encouraging ongoing learning to maintain high standards of care and compliance.

As a Care Supervisor my responsibilities are consistent with those of a Senior Care Assistant, being responsible for overseeing daily operations in a dementia nursing home. Experienced in managing staff, coordinating care, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Staff Management: Supervised and supported a team of care staff, conducted performance reviews, and delivered training programs.
• Resident Care: Managed care plans, administered medications, basic clinical tasks and ensured individual needs were met.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensured adherence to Health and Social Care Act, CQC standards, and prepared for inspections.
• Quality Assurance: Developed and updated care plans, conducted audits, and implemented improvements.
• Safeguarding & Risk Management: Involved in safeguarding investigations, DoLS applications, and risk management.
• Administrative Duties: Managed records, reports, appointments, and staff scheduling.
• Collaboration: Worked with healthcare professionals and engaged with residents and families for optimal care.
• Support to Management: Assisted with administrative tasks, managed schedules, and supported policy implementation.

Key Achievements:

• Implemented a new medication ordering system, reducing out-of-stock incidents by 50%.
• Developed a robust handover system, enhancing staff communication and continuity.

As a Senior Care Assistant I covered the Registered Nurse’s role when needed, showcasing strong leadership and flexibility. Proficient in supervising care staff, managing daily operations, and providing personalised care while ensuring adherence to regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Staff Management: Supervised and mentored a team of care staff, conducted training, and performed performance evaluations.
• Care Coordination: Coordinated person-centred care, tailored care plans to residents’ needs, and performed simple clinical tasks.
• Medication Management: Administered medications, maintained accurate records, and conducted routine health assessments.
• Compliance: Ensured adherence to health and safety regulations, safeguarding procedures, and CQC standards.
• Risk Management: Conducted risk assessments and implemented safety measures to protect residents and staff.
• Quality Assurance: Monitored and evaluated care quality, conducted audits, and ensured continuous improvement.
• Resident & Family Interaction: Engaged with residents and families to address concerns and ensure satisfaction.
• Documentation & Reporting: Maintained accurate records and prepared reports for management and regulatory bodies.

Key Achievements:

• Developed a tailored care plan for a resident with complex needs, significantly improving their health and well-being.
• Designed and delivered a first aid training program, enhancing team competency in managing medical emergencies.
• Implemented New Procedures: Successfully introduced on my unit a new care monitor procedure that increased staff efficiency and reduced errors.
• Improved Compliance: Ensured compliance with CQC standards by implementing rigorous quality checks, leading to a successful inspection with "Good" ratings in all areas.

As a Care Assistant, my responsibility was to provide person-centred care, including daily hygiene tasks, meal assistance, mobility support, and health monitoring. Experienced in maintaining dignity and comfort while ensuring safety and effective care through collaboration with families and healthcare professionals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Personal Care: Assisted with bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting, ensuring residents' dignity and comfort.
• Meal Assistance: Supported meal preparation, monitored nutritional intake, and helped with feeding.
• Mobility Support: Assisted with moving, positioning, and using mobility aids to prevent falls and ensure safety.
• Health Monitoring: Observed and documented health changes, communicated with healthcare professionals.
• Emotional Support: Provided companionship and engaged in social activities to enhance residents' well-being.
• Household Tasks: Performed light housekeeping to maintain a safe and comfortable environment.
• Record Keeping: Maintained accurate care records, ensuring confidentiality and regulatory compliance.
• Safety & Infection Control: Followed protocols to prevent illness and ensured a safe living environment.
• Communication: Collaborated with families and healthcare providers to deliver coordinated care.
• Care Planning: Contributed to and reviewed personalized care plans based on residents' needs.