Thursday December 19, 2024
Toni from Guisborough has been a support worker for BJP Home Support for four years and hasn’t looked back.
What does your typical day look like?
“I get up around 5am and have a coffee, then get myself ready for the day. My daughter has additional needs, so I wake up early and wake my daughter, get her ready and take her to school. Once my daughter is at school I then walk to my first call, this could be anything from providing personal care, toileting support, getting our clients in and out of bed, washed and dressed, preparing food, laundry, domestic tasks and taking them shopping, no two days are the same.”
What did you do previously and why the career change?
“I was a hairdresser for five years, I did enjoy it, but it felt like a chore, working in care feels completely different. I had two daughters, and I didn’t work while taking care of them. I said once my daughters went to full time school, I’d try care work. I’ve never done it before, and my Mum thought I wouldn’t like it because of personal care, and I said I won’t know until I’ve tried it, and I love it!
“I don’t know why I chose a care role; I wanted to do something different, and I thought I’ll give it a try. I did think my Mum might be right, but I definitely proved my mum wrong and a part of me wrong.”
What do you love about your job role?
“It’s a very rewarding role, it has given me patience, a lot more than I thought I had. I can’t see myself doing anything else.”
What are the tough sides to the job?
“Some clients get used to just you, and one of my calls only ever wanted me. One call, I turned up at her home and she was on the floor, and she couldn’t tell me how long she’d been there. She went into hospital and then a care home and that was the last time I saw her. It’s really tough seeing clients in distress or hurt.
“New clients can be difficult, visiting a new environment and not knowing where anything is, can be challenging. But it takes time, you get to know the client more and build up a rapport and learn their preferences.
“Christmas time can be difficult too, when I’m surrounded by my family on Christmas day I always think about the clients if they don’t have any family.”
Did you ever think you’d work in the care industry?
“I said I’d never do it in the past, but I wanted to do something different that I hadn’t done before, and I gave it a shot and I’ve never looked back.”
What would you say to others that are looking to join the industry?
“Do it, I’m so glad that I’ve done it. I’d rather be on minimum wage, than be working somewhere I hate. I look forward to going to work. I hum on my way to work and around the homes of my clients, and the clients love it. I’m just so happy when I’m caring for my clients.”
What is one of your favourite moments?
“I visited a lady, one call a week for two hours, just me. Over time, we built up a really good relationship.
“Over the first two years, I knew she needed more care, and I spoke with social services, along with BJP Home Support. After a few discussions, we managed to create a package of care for her. The past two years she’s had carers for medication, preparing breakfast, lunch and tea. At first, she was only used to me, so she wasn’t sure about the extra care. But now she gets the right level of care and is so happy with her day to day life.
“She really means a lot to me and increasing the amount of help and support to her not only made the client happy, but me too.
“This particular client pushes me out of my comfort zone regularly, for example, she asked me to build a flat pack shelf, and if I was at home I would usually ring my Dad to build any furniture, but I did it and I was so chuffed with myself. In this job, you really surprise yourself sometimes with what you can actually do.”
Is there career progression in the sector?
“There is definitely career progression in this industry. I am now qualified to level 3, but there is training available and progression in the role. My next step is level 4, for when the time comes when my daughter gets older.”
What do you enjoy most about working for BJP Home Support?
The staff and the clients. I have always found everyone really supportive and overall, it is just a great company to work for.
