Leading with Care: Welcoming Yarnley House’s New Manager
Yarnley House Care Home is pleased to introduce its Manager, Rebecca Hebditch, who joined the home on 2nd March 2026. With over 20 years of experience in health and social care, she brings a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and a strong commitment to person-centred care.
A Journey Into Care
Her career in care began in an unexpected but meaningful way. While on maternity leave, she was asked to support a friend who had purchased a nursing home. Initially helping with care plans and compliance, she quickly found herself drawn to the residents and their stories.
What started as a practical favour soon became a passion. After deciding not to return to her previous role, she began working towards her qualifications and progressed to Deputy Manager at Ferndown Nursing Home, before becoming Registered Manager just two years later. She remained in that role for 10 years, building extensive leadership experience.
A Diverse Career and Proud Achievements
Following a decade in management, she broadened her experience by becoming Service Manager for About Health, leading a Community Dermatology Service across Dorset and West Hampshire. Working in partnership with local Clinical Commissioning Groups, she managed services across multiple locations during the COVID-19 pandemic—a challenging yet rewarding period.
Despite this, she found herself missing the close relationships formed within a care home environment, which led her back into residential care as Home Manager at Branksome Heights Care Home.
During this time, she was selected to take part in a two-year Digital Care Planning Research Project through the Partners in Care Registered Managers Network. This led to co-presenting findings at the London School of Economics in March 2025 to representatives from the Care Quality Commission, local authorities, and sector stakeholders, as well as contributing to the published research paper.
Values That Shape Her Approach to Care
Holding an NVQ Level 4 in Health and Social Care alongside a Leadership and Management qualification, her approach is underpinned by strong personal values—integrity, kindness, and empathy.
She often reflects that a career in care was not something she actively chose, but something that naturally found her. What she enjoys most is the connection with residents, families, and her team, describing care home life as a “rich tapestry” of experiences, personalities, and shared moments of joy.
First Impressions of Yarnley House
Since joining Yarnley House, she has been struck by the home’s bright, welcoming environment and the positive energy of both residents and staff. The team’s enthusiasm and the residents’ varied life stories have made a strong and lasting impression.
Enhancing Daily Life at Yarnley House
Several initiatives have already been introduced to further enrich life at Yarnley House. These include a dedicated Reflection Room for end-of-life care, aromatherapy across all floors, and engaging programmes such as Armchair Travels, Love Where You Live, and Expanding Our Minds Together.
A staff recognition scheme, including “Shout Out” cards and boards, has also been introduced to celebrate team achievements and foster a positive working culture.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, the focus is on continuing to enhance resident wellbeing by listening carefully to individual preferences and introducing meaningful, engaging experiences. Strengthening connections within the local community is also a priority, with plans for events, partnerships, and more opportunities for residents to take part in community life.
Supporting staff development remains central, with a commitment to creating an environment where team members feel confident, valued, and supported, alongside opportunities to grow and progress within the home.
Open Communication and Reassurance for Families
Families can feel reassured by an open and transparent leadership style. With an open-door policy and regular resident and relatives’ meetings, communication is actively encouraged.
By leading with compassion, maintaining high standards, and working closely with the wider team, the aim is to ensure Yarnley House continues to provide safe, high-quality, and person-centred care.
If you are exploring care options for yourself or a loved one, the team at Yarnley House would be delighted to support you. To find out more, get in touch today to arrange a visit or speak with a member of the team.
