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Absolute Carer Shares Her Story

ann

 

Absolute Carer, Ann tells us why she decided to join the care sector and explains the training benefits that come from working with a small, local provider.

 

What attracted you to becoming a care worker?

My mum was my main influence in me becoming a care worker. After looking after an elderly relative in my own home for around three months I realised that I had a passion for care and that I could make a difference and enjoyed helping people. 

What training have you benefited from at Absolute?

I have benefited greatly from the training that Absolute have provided for me, progressing my career to another level. They have helped me to complete ‘train the trainer’ courses in both medication and moving and positioning. I have also been on a number of other courses that have helped me improve my knowledge of things like; diabetes, gastrostomy, Parkinson’s and dealing with difficult conversations. All these courses have had a huge impact on the way in which I carry out my work. 

What are the most positive aspects of being a carer?

I find the work very addictive, this is due to the good feeling I get from helping people stay at home or helping them to improve and get better within their own home. I find the work very rewarding and making peoples lives that little bit easier gives me great satisfaction. I also get great satisfaction from dealing with end of life clients, making their last days easier and also helping the family to come to terms with this and supporting them. Some clients just want someone to talk to and I have great pride in having a conversation with them and breaking their spell of loneliness. 

What do you like least about care work - or what are the greatest challenges?

I find it hard when clients are not happy, as being at home all the time can become very frustrating and it can be a challenge to be a carer to them rather than a friend - but usually a conversation while visiting can mean it is easier for them. It is also very challenging watching a client’s health decline knowing there is nothing you can do to help, but you feel a little bit better knowing you can support them. It is a very stressful job and you need to remain calm as you are never 100% sure of what you will be walking into. All you do know is that whatever it may be you are there to make things easier for them. Another challenge can be getting the correct equipment into the home where it is needed, but Absolute are very supportive of this and I feel that they do all they can in the quickest possible manner to sort these issues and provide guidance on what to do until equipment arrives. 

Do you have any long term aspirations to climb the ladder in Health & Social Care?

I would like to progress further in the health and social care sector into training staff. Absolute are currently helping me to do this and I have progressed within the company. I am helping with the training in areas I know well and signing off new carers competencies, also assisting the new carers with further information where it is required in order to improve their work. 

What kind of a difference do you think you make to someone's day when you visit them?

I can set someone up so they are ready clean and fresh having had breakfast for the day. I feel this gives them a good start and that maybe they are able to do things for themselves during the day without my help in the morning. I go in to make life easier. In the evening a number of the people I see have become weak or tired from a long day and I help them. This may be supporting them to walk where they may be unsteady on their feet, or even short of breath. By helping them it can mean they sleep in a bed rather than on a sofa or in a chair. Sometimes I assist people in tasks they cannot do, such as hoisting them out of bed to give them a chance to get up and be in their wheelchair, and have some independence. Or I may get there early to provide a bit of support or conversation, which breaks up their day and stops them from being completely alone. I sometimes help with the odd house chore or cook them a meal. I may be there to support with medication, allowing clients to remain in their own home. I feel all our clients appreciate the help we provide and many enjoy a chat and a familiar face. We assist them to stay in their home and I believe that most of them would not be able to live alone without our support.

Do you think working for a small, local care provider has any benefits over working for a large franchise?

I feel this gives me the opportunity to progress and for my knowledge to grow with the company. I feel the training is more specific and the care is much more personal to the clients as they do not see as many different carers and get good continuity of care where possible. 

What words of encouragement would you use for someone considering a career in care?

If you want to become a carer you must care! You will be making a difference to people lives and this is so rewarding. You will feel sadness at times but the feeling is outweighed but everything you have done to make things easier for the people that you are helping. The early days can be tough as there is a lot to learn, but with a company like Absolute that supports and helps you through this - you will soon love you job/carer choice.

Is there a moment or a client that you've met in your time as a carer, that will always stick with you?

There are a number of things I have come across in my time that will never leave me, some very sad clients that I have lost, who had the best personalities, but I always remember that they are no longer suffering now.

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Tel: 01420 769658

Email:
hr@absolute-healthcare.co.uk

Address:

Pyramid House
59 Winchester Road, Four Marks
Hampshire, GU34 5HR