Monday June 24, 2024
Care worker, Chris, 58 from Dormanstown, has been a care worker for a year and a half after changing careers and now works at Meadowvale Homecare.
What did you do previously and why the career change?
“I was a mental health nurse for 26 years; I was burnt out and then went on to be an NVQ assessor. The pandemic disrupted it, and I was jobless for a while. I tried care work on a whim and thought why not, and I’m so glad I did.”
What do you love about your job role?
“The variety, it’s something different every day. I love having little problems to solve, travelling around, chatting to clients, doing something of use and people depend on you. All the clients are lovely, giving them time and talking to them is the best part of the job. Throughout the working day, we either work on our own or in doubles and I like the change.”
What are the tough sides to the job?
“The toughest side to the job is when people pass away. When the clients are upset, it’s never easy to see or when they move to a care home and it’s sad if you don’t get the chance to say bye. We all hate the feeling of being powerless to help, whether that’s helping the client or a family member.”
What was your perception of the industry before you joined it, and what’s your perception now?
“I had quite a few negative opinions of different care companies, but Meadowvale Homecare is a family unit, we are treated fairly, and we all know there is a limit on pay and how much we can do.”
What does your typical day look like?
“Days can be long, but there’s no such a thing as a typical day. I could be doing someone’s shopping or taking people out into town. Most of the time it is home based, providing personal care and medication, and I could be seeing a client from 15 mins to 2 hours at a time.”
What is one of your favourite memories?
“One of our ladies was stuck in bed for two years, and we got her down to Locke Park after month of visiting her in bed, it was a dream come true for her, and it was for me too.”
If you’re looking for a fulfilled career, a job to suit your lifestyle or simply looking for a new role, The Caring Kind is connected to various care providers within Redcar and Cleveland, join our community today.
