More Than a Job: Celebrating a Culture of Care at Home Instead

When people talk about finding a career they love, they often describe it as “never feeling like work.” For Judy, one of our long-standing Care Professionals at Home Instead Cannock and Burntwood, that’s exactly how she feels. After more than 13 years with us, Judy will be retiring next May, but her journey shows how care is so much more than a job.

From Redundancy to Reward

Judy first discovered caring after being made redundant from her office job. When a family friend fell ill, she stepped in to help. “I thought, you know what, I could do this,” she recalls. That decision led her to try different care roles before joining Home Instead. What drew her in was our person-centred approach:

“I like that you get to know people and have regular calls. They seemed as if they cared for clients more than anything else.”

For Judy, this was the culture she’d been looking for: a place where care was about connection, not just tasks.

Why She Stayed For 13 Years

Longevity in care work is often about more than job security. Judy highlights two key reasons she’s stayed: the relationships she’s built with clients and the supportive culture of the office team.

“I’ve been with some of my clients for quite a few years, and they’ve become friends. And with the office team, I know I can go in at any time with anything. It helps me think everything will be alright.”

That sense of belonging, both with clients and colleagues, has given Judy the confidence to thrive in a role she truly loves.

A Family-Oriented Team

What stands out most in Judy’s reflections is the team culture. She describes the supportive, family-like environment where Care Professionals look out for one another:

“Nobody says, ‘That’s not my job.’ You do what you can for your clients, and everyone does their part to go above and beyond.”

Whether it’s covering small tasks, sharing tips, or jumping in to help one another, this spirit of teamwork ensures clients always receive the best care, and Care Professionals feel supported in return.

Growing with the Role

At Home Instead Cannock and Burntwood, we believe in helping our Care Professionals develop their skills and confidence. Judy was encouraged to complete an NVQ, with tailored support for the parts she found challenging. She later trained in palliative care, giving her the opportunity to support clients with more complex needs.

The office team also recognised her preferences, offering senior roles but respecting her passion for working face-to-face with clients. This flexible approach meant Judy always felt valued.

“They know what my weaknesses are, my strengths. I’ve always felt noticed.”

A Culture That Lasts

For Judy, the joy of the role lies in listening, sharing stories, and being present. Whether it’s learning about a client’s experiences as a child evacuee during the war, enjoying a cup of tea together or feeding the ducks at the Chase, those conversations create real bonds.

She sums it up:

“It’s a job I love doing. And when you find a job you love, why would you change?”

As Judy prepares for retirement, her story reflects something bigger: at Home Instead Cannock and Burntwood, care isn’t just a service, it’s a culture. It’s about people who stay not because they have to, but because they want to. And that culture of care benefits everyone: clients, families, and our team.

If Judy’s story has inspired you, and you’re looking for a role where you can make a genuine difference every day, we’d love to hear from you.