Get to know Tarnya Fairburn, our Care Home Manager here at Brantley Manor…

Can you tell us a little about your background in care?

I’ve worked in care all of my life, which now spans around 35 years. I began my career as a Care Assistant and worked my way up to becoming a Care Home Manager at the age of 27. After 12 years in management, I became a Regional Manager and spent around 14 years with Pearlcare, overseeing eight homes, including Brantley Manor. Care is very much part of our family too, my daughter is also a Care Home Manager for Pearlcare at Ladydale in Staffordshire.

What brought you back to Brantley Manor?

A few years ago, I was gifted with a beautiful grandson, Marshall, and I decided to step back into a home manager role, so I could spend more time with him. After three years, I’ve now returned to Brantley Manor—a home that I hold very dear and am incredibly proud to lead.

Tell us a bit about yourself outside of work.

I’m married, have two grown-up children and one grandchild. I absolutely love animals and have quite a few cats, many of which I rescued from Egypt. I enjoy gardening and keep an allotment and I also have a caravan on the East Coast where I love spending time. I like to stay busy and enjoy lots of crafts, including calligraphy, crochet, art, cross stitch, diamond art, and many others.

What motivates you in your role as Care Home Manager?

I bring a genuine passion for providing high-quality, person-centred care. I truly believe every resident deserves dignity, respect and a sense of purpose in their daily life. Even the smallest positive difference, whether that’s improving comfort, supporting independence, or simply taking time to liste, is incredibly rewarding. Building strong relationships with both residents and staff is also very important to me, as it creates a supportive and positive environment for everyone.

What are your main priorities when it comes to resident care?

The safety and wellbeing of our residents is always my top priority. However, I believe care should go beyond meeting basic needs. It’s essential that residents feel at home, comfortable, engaged and respected as individuals. I aim to foster a culture where care is compassionate, consistent and centred around each person’s unique needs and preferences.

Finally, what makes Brantley Manor special?

Brantley Manor is a beautiful old vicarage with a long and proud history. We’re currently working towards celebrating 40 years of the home in 2027, which is a real testament to its excellent reputation. We’re a small home with just 29 residents, which makes us quite unique in today’s world of large care homes. We truly are a family here. The staff are incredibly caring and friendly, and that warmth is felt every single day.