A young-at-heart care home team leader from Parkstone has recently celebrated two milestones – her 80th birthday and 48 years of continuous service.

Ita Graven, who works at Elizabeth House care home in Parkstone, enjoyed a special afternoon tea to celebrate her birthday and her career achievements.

Ita was thanked her dedication to all the residents she has cared for nearly half a century, with some of which are younger than herself.

Ita started her care career in 1974 at residential care home, Draper House, then owned by Dorset County Council. The hospital transferred to the Dorset Trust and Care South, before closing. She transferred to another Care South care home, Queensmead, before finally moving to Elizabeth House.

Now a care team leader, Ita said: “Being promoted to care team leader was a real highlight for me and something I worked hard to achieve. The memory will always stick with me.

“The 48 years have gone by in a flash! I love the work; every day is unique, and I’ve made a good living out of doing something I enjoy. I have always said you don’t know your home until you know the residents and that when you know your residents, you know your home. Elizabeth House is a home-from-home for me, and I really appreciate all the effort that has been made to make today’s celebrations so special.”

Chief executive at Care South, Simon Bird, said: “We are lucky to have lots of long-term team members who have stayed with us well in excess of 25 years, but Ita’s 48 years is really quite incredible, and there certainly seems to be no stopping her with her energy and enthusiasm. Ita has cared for hundreds of residents in our care and really is the perfect example of someone that was made for a career in care with absolute empathy and devotion to caring for everyone she meets.”