You are viewing 1 of your 1 free articles
From the frontline - Liam Fleming
Liam Fleming, a housing manager at Anchor, talks about helping older people and his theatrical ambitions
What does your job involve?
My job [at Anchor’s rented retirement property Serica Court in Greenwich] is to keep the building to a high standard, which includes managing gardeners, cleaners and repairs. Ensuring the safety of my tenants is crucial. This includes organising morning calls for those who need them and the delivery of medication. But, importantly, it’s also about keeping my tenants happy, for example through social events.
How did you get into housing?
I started as a carer in one of Anchor’s care homes when I left university. I became an activity co-ordinator, then moved to London where I was in charge of activities before becoming a part-time housing manager. I went full time at my own scheme and haven’t looked back.
READ MORE
What would you change about the sector if you could?
I’d give local authorities more funding so they could have the people and services to support older people in a more targeted way. Currently there is a lot of ‘one size fits all’ care and this doesn’t work. Treating people as individuals is difficult when you don’t have the resources, but it is essential to ensure a good quality of life.
What’s the best thing about your job?
When a tenant comes in to tell me that I’ve made a difference to their day, however small or large. That’s what makes it all worthwhile.
And the most challenging?
It’s frustrating when you want to help a tenant but they won’t accept that help, whether it’s because of pride or frustration with themselves. I want the best for all my tenants and it’s sad when you know you could help but they won’t let you.
What is your dream job?
I love the theatre. I act and direct in my free time, so to be able to do that would be fantastic.
What’s the first thing you’d do if you became prime minister?
Re-join the EU. Then increase the adult social care budget so older people would have faster access to facilities. If we can get space in assisted living schemes more quickly for people living in their own homes then everyone moves up the housing ladder. Enabling people to move easily from assisted living into care homes is also important. There needs to be easier access so people get care when they need it.
What’s the most private thing you would be willing to admit to your colleagues?
Even though I’ve performed in front of hundreds of people at a time, I still get nervous speaking publicly.
