“It’s a major step in anyone’s life to come into a care home,” she said.

“I think there’s a lot of stigma about homes from years ago. The way I describe it is there’s an awful lot of living to do during the time they come in and the time that they go.

“We try to pack it full of memories for them and their families.”

Nicola Mead, Willowthorpe manager, said: “She knows what makes them happy, but she knows that there are sad times that we are not going to hide away from.”

“She doesn’t see their age or any problem they may have as a barrier. She makes it feel not like a care home.”