Julie Burton, Head of Operations at Azalea Court Care Home, has dedicated over four decades of her life to health and social care. Her passion for the sector is deeply rooted in her family’s history, where care and nursing have been constants across generations. Inspired by her aunt, the Director of Nursing for Barking, Dagenham, and Havering, Julie’s journey into care began at an early age, despite initial aspirations of becoming a hairdresser.
Reflecting on her career path, Julie shares, “Care has always been a part of my family. My parents cared for their parents, my mother was a nurse and a teacher, and my aunt introduced me to the broader concept of care. It was inevitable that I’d follow in their footsteps.” This early influence instilled in Julie a deep sense of responsibility and compassion for others, leading her to a career in nursing and, eventually, social care.
Challenges in Social Care: early observations and leadership
Julie’s career coincided with significant changes in the UK’s social care landscape, particularly during the Thatcher-era reforms that shifted social care from local authorities to the private sector. This period, marked by uncertainty and upheaval, highlighted the lack of preparedness within the private sector to manage social care, with business-focused individuals entering the sector without a true understanding of what care delivery should look like.
“Coming into social care at a time of major reform was daunting. It was clear that the private sector didn’t know how to handle it, and we saw the consequences—businesses failing, safeguarding issues, and public outcry,” Julie explains. This realisation motivated her to focus on making a tangible difference within her immediate surroundings, which she has now extended to a wider audience after three decades in the field.
A vision for Azalea Court: community and living well
At the heart of Julie’s leadership at Azalea Court is a clear vision: to create a community where people can live well, not just exist. Azalea Court believes that it stands apart from other care homes by prioritising the individual and fostering an environment where residents are encouraged to live life to the fullest, regardless of their circumstances.
“We believe in developing a community where everyone can live well and share experiences,” Julie says. “At Azalea Court, we don’t define our residents by their needs alone. We look at who they are as individuals first, and their needs come second.” This philosophy has helped Azalea Court transition into a care home that offers more than just basic care—it’s a home where residents of all ages are supported in living their best lives.
Leading cultural change in Social Care
Julie is also acutely aware of the challenges social care faces, particularly the ongoing disparity between the NHS and the care sector. In her opinion, despite social care propping up and supporting the NHS in many ways, it often lacks the recognition and resources it deserves. Julie is determined to be part of the shift toward a future where social care is valued equally.
“One of the biggest challenges is achieving parity with the NHS,” Julie acknowledges. “Social care offers incredible career prospects, but we need to bring more young people into the sector and show them how meaningful this work is. It’s not just about providing care; it’s about shaping how we live and grow in our own careers.”
A credible force in care
Under Julie’s leadership, Azalea Court has become a credible force within the sector, enabling people to live well and thrive. Her team is dedicated to ensuring that every day is a reflection of their care ethos—creating a community that breathes life into the home and shapes its daily operations.
“We all have to believe in how the home is working and understand our roles in its function,” Julie says. “This is how we ensure that we replicate our ethos every single day.”
Through her leadership, Julie Burton continues to drive Azalea Court forward as a place where care is more than just a service—it’s a community built on respect, dignity, and a shared commitment to living well.
Talk to us today to understand how we can support your care home to achieve your care objectives and dramatically enhance your residents’ well-being and care outcomes.