More and more, workplaces have leaned into the idea of being “like a family.” It became a buzzword meant to capture closeness and loyalty among colleagues. But in recent years, some companies have backed away from the term, recognising how it can sometimes blur lines or create pressure to overextend.
At Gibraltar Nursing Home, the environment is welcoming enough that many team members work alongside their actual family.
Working Together, Caring Together
Bridget and Gabriel Ioannides are a mother and son duo who both work as Care Assistants at Gibraltar Nursing Home. Bridget is the House Lead of Beech House, fondly known as “The Gents House”, a dedicated space within the home just for male residents. Gabriel also works alongside her in Beech, bringing not only his care skills but also a unique dynamic that only family can offer.
Working with someone you know so well has its benefits. There’s a natural flow to communication, even in fast-paced or sensitive situations—often picking up on non-verbal cues that others might miss. It also brings a depth of trust, shared values, and mutual understanding that’s hard to find anywhere else. When you’re working with someone who’s known you your whole life, you skip the awkward small talk and get straight to the heart of the work. You understand each other’s pace, motivations, and those unspoken “I’ve got you” moments that make all the difference.
Finding Purpose in Care
Gabriel worked for a local DIY store however didn’t find it fulfilling and disliked the shifts, and as his Grandmother lived at Gibraltar Nursing Home he thought about giving a career in care a go, as he “wanted to do something where he was directly helping people make their lives that bit better”. Now 5 years in this role, Gabriel has become an amazing carer and instrumental to Beech House.
Building Community through Care
At the time, Bridget was supporting a woman with cerebral palsy—a role she held for 12 years. She described it as “enabling her to live a full and cared-for life within the community,” and was deeply involved in every aspect of her daily life. That same hands-on, wholehearted approach is exactly what Bridget brought with her to Gibraltar when she joined the team three months after Gabriel. This approach is demonstrated as she is always arranging personalised activities for the gents in Beech House, helping to create a sense of home. She also set up a committee within the nursing home – COGS (Creating Occupation at Gibraltar to Support social skills) – to help both team and residents (who are fondly called ‘family members’) have a continuation of life.
Bridget shared “working with Gabriel can have its ups and downs. I think if anything I demand more from him because I’m his mum and would like to believe I leave my mum head at home, I am proud that he is so well-respected for his work ethic and that other team members will go to him for advice”. Gabriel responded similarly “working with mum is great, she’s a great leader and goes above and beyond to make everyone feel at home and comfortable”.
Making a Difference, Together
The Ioannides are valued members of the Gibraltar Team, with Home Manager Verity Walmsley sharing “Bridget and Gabriel make a huge impact not just in Beech House, but across the entire home. They work seamlessly together, both committed to giving their best to our family members. With shared values and a hands-on approach, whether it’s helping out wherever needed or volunteering on their days off to support activities and events. It’s clear that Bridget has passed on her strong work ethic to Gabriel, and that shared mindset is exactly what makes them such a great team.”
Working in care is more than a job, and as Gabriel’s journey shows, you don’t need years of experience to make a difference. A background in DIY might not seem like the most obvious path into care, but with the right mindset, empathy and willingness to learn, it can lead to a deeply fulfilling career.
At Gibraltar Nursing Home, it’s not unusual to find family members working side by side—just like Bridget and Gabriel. That’s what makes this place feel like more than just a workplace. It feels like home. A place where people support one another, where values are shared, and where care goes beyond the basics to create real, meaningful connections.
To find out more about working at Gibraltar Nursing Home, please visit : https://www.gibraltarnursinghome.com/monmouth-jobs-join-our-team/