Meet the Manager at Hailsham House

From qualifying as a nurse in Portugal to building a long-term career in UK care homes, Rui’s journey has been guided by one simple belief that care should always feel personal, human and centred around the individual.

Now leading Hailsham House,  based in East Sussex, he brings that philosophy to life every day, creating a home where residents feel safe, valued and truly at home, and where teams feel supported to grow, develop and make a difference.

We sat down with Rui to talk about his career journey, what makes Hailsham House so special, and why care continues to be such a rewarding career.

You’ve always worked in care. How did your career begin?

I’m a nurse by background and completed my nursing degree in Portugal in 2012. I worked in hospitals and community settings there before deciding to move to England. Since coming to the UK, all of my experience has been in nursing homes.

I started as a nurse, then progressed to nurse supervisor, weekend manager and later deputy manager here at Hailsham House in 2022. In 2024, I stepped into the Home Manager role. I didn’t plan to move into management initially, but I was encouraged to take opportunities as they came and I’m really glad I did.

What inspired you to choose nursing as a career?

I always knew I wanted to work in health, even before I knew nursing would be the path. I was very good at biology and really enjoyed it, and I also had a family member who was a nurse, which influenced my decision.

Once I started the degree, it felt natural. I enjoyed the variety of working in hospitals and the community, and I knew I’d chosen a career where I could truly help people.

Why did you choose to work in care homes rather than hospitals?

Care homes appealed to me from the beginning. Nursing homes in the UK are very different to care settings in Portugal, so when I first started, it was a completely new experience.

What stood out was how personal it is. This is where people live, it’s their home. In hospitals, even if someone stays for a long time, it never truly feels like home. Here, residents often say, “This is my home,” and that’s exactly what we aim to create.

You get to know people deeply, their stories, their families, their routines and what matters most to them. That person-centred approach is what made me stay in care homes.

Are there any residents or experiences that have stayed with you?

There are many residents you never forget. Some stay with you because of the relationships you build or the time you spend together.

One resident lived here for over ten years. Her room faced the car park, and every morning when I arrived, she would wave at me through the window. We would chat daily, and I built a strong relationship with her and her family. She passed away recently, and now when I park my car, that moment is missing. It’s a reminder of how personal care can be and how those connections stay with you.

What makes Hailsham House such a special place?

It’s the people. We have a very experienced team, and many visitors and families tell us the home feels like a family. Residents, relatives and staff feel comfortable approaching anyone, managers, nurses or carers, and that openness is incredibly important.

Although Hailsham House is a large home with 119 bedrooms, it operates like four smaller communities. Each area has its own lounge and dining space, which helps maintain a warm, personal feel.

We involve relatives and the wider community as much as possible through events, meetings and celebrations. Our relatives’ meetings feel more like open conversations, we share ideas, talk about what’s working well and what we can improve, and work together to make the home even better.

How would you describe your management style?

I’d describe my style as supportive and inspiring rather than controlling. I want to lead by example and bring the team with me, working towards a shared goal.

I encourage accountability because this is our home, not just mine. We do things for the residents and for each other. Of course, I adapt my approach depending on the person, as everyone is different, but trust, teamwork and shared purpose are at the heart of how I lead.

What would you say to someone considering a career in care?

It’s important to understand what care really is and what life in a nursing home looks like. I always encourage people to visit, meet the team and get a feel for the environment.

Care is a beautiful and rewarding career. At the end of the day, you know you’ve made someone’s life easier, happier or more comfortable.

There is also real progression in care. I’ve seen carers become senior carers, then nurses, and I’ve supported colleagues to gain their PIN so they can practise as nurses in the UK. If you’re compassionate and committed, there are so many opportunities.

What do you enjoy outside of work?

Running has become a big part of my life again. I recently signed up for a half marathon in Eastbourne to raise money for St Wilfred Hospice that supports us with palliative care. They help us enormously, often at very short notice, so it felt right to give something back.

I’ve previously completed half marathons in Portugal and a local 10k, which raised money for residents’ wellbeing. This year’s challenge is bigger, but it’s for a great cause, and the support from the team, residents and relatives has been incredible.

I’m also a new parent, with a six-month-old son, so staying active helps me balance work, family life and the demands of leadership.

Working in care is about people, community and purpose. At Hailsham House, we believe life doesn’t stop when someone moves into a care home. Our role is to support residents to continue living meaningful, connected lives and that’s what makes a career in care so special. If you would like to learn more about a career in care please click here or to learn more about the services provided at Hailsham House, please click here.