Our Exeter & East Devon Care Professional, who happens to be 80 years young
Very often, it’s more about the character and heart of an applicant as opposed to their social care experience or knowledge, as of course, you cannot ‘teach’ kindness.
Judi, our most ‘senior’ Care Professional at 80 years young, displays all of those core characteristics: kindness, empathy, an ability to find common ground and essentially, to care.
With a varied and unique career background, Judi found her way to Home Instead following a passing conversation with a good friend, who’d had a chance conversation with our Owner/Directors, Mark and Vanessa McGlade at a social gathering. Inspired by their clear passion for their company and cause, when Judi expressed a wish to find herself a local part time role that could offer her variety, a chance to meet people and to ‘give something back’ to her community, her friend did not hesitate to recommend Home Instead.
Something of a trailblazer given the era, Judi was an estate agent in Exmouth alongside her husband, taking an active role in viewings and overseeing sales and purchases – unique for a woman in the early 1960’s, who would usually be in more of a behind the scenes, administrative role in a similar area of business but, our Judi does not ‘do usual’…
Judi has spent the vast majority of her life living, and working, in east Devon, and she admits that community means a great deal to her.
Having moved from the Estate Agency role to raising a family, Judi then did regular modelling for a fashion agency, before dedicating her time to her passion for interiors and in particular, antique furniture. For many years, Judi managed not one but three retail outlets across the east Devon area, before ‘retiring’ and finding her way to us a Home Instead.
On this, her most recent career move, Judi recalls her application to Home Instead quite distinctly, saying “I walked past the office in Budleigh three times before finding the confidence to go through the door. I needn’t have worried of course, as the team were wonderful and welcoming. That’s just who they are.”
Among the many unique qualities that Judi displays in abundance, energy is at the forefront. Showing no signs or desire to slow down with regard to her role, Judi is matter of fact about her thoughts on maintaining her now considerable commitment with regards to time.
What Judi does acknowledge is that her role isn’t always simple, saying “Sometimes clients are complicated, because well, people are complicated. I’ve always found a way to build a relationship though and there’s very often a simple solution that I can find, or fear that I can help them to overcome, with a little time and consideration. The detail in the Care Plans are a huge help and enable us to really tailor our care to the individual.”
From a practical point of view, Judi also comments that providing personal care (an element that is sometimes among the questions raised by those applying for care roles) does not need to be an issue. “I don’t give it a thought – what a privilege to be able to make someone comfortable, content and feel safe at the end of the day. Knowing that I have made that possible in some small part, is hugely rewarding. I honestly love it!”
Judi, your warmth, humour and dedication make us proud! You’re a shining example of a Home Instead Care Professional. We look forward to seeing where your career takes you…
We have created a range of contracts to offer great rates of pay, adaptability and security. As an officially 5 Star Employer in Care, Age-Friendly Employer, Disability Committed and a Menopause Supporter too, you would be joining a great team. Contact our Recruitment Team on 01395 200600 for an informal chat, take a look at our Current Vacancies online and apply in seconds, or follow us on Facebook and discover why we are different.