Pat Lavery who started as a pot washer at Anzac House, a care home for people with dementia, has retired after working her way up to be manager.
Mrs Lavery, 61, joined the care home, in Moonrakers, Devizes, in 1984 when her three children were young.
The job was meant to be temporary but Mrs Lavery enjoyed herself there and she progressed to become a carer, then care leader and home manager in 2006.
Mrs Lavery, of Longcroft Avenue, said she had loved her time at Anzac House.
She said: “There is a lot of confusion among the residents but you have to see the person behind the dementia. They are still people with personalities and it’s such a pleasure to make somebody smile.”
Mrs Lavery, who has three grandchildren, has retired as manager but will continue working for the Orders of St John Care Trust as a part time trainer.
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