A Career Change That Made a Difference
Meet Sue: A compassionate Care Professional who found her calling supporting others.
As Sue celebrates 9 years with Home Instead, we took the opportunity to catch up with her and find out what first inspired her to become a Care Professional.
What were you doing before you joined Home Instead?
Prior to working in the care sector, my career was as a dental nurse, getting to the dizzy height of being head nurse in a large dental practice.
What inspired you to become a Care Professional?
Fed up with teeth all day long, I wanted to change my job, but do something that involved working with people still. A family friend with Alzheimer’s had support from Home Instead. I felt it was something that I would enjoy being a part of.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I really enjoy working one-to-one with people. There are many ups and downs in this job, but I can’t imagine doing anything else.
Did you feel prepared and supported when you started your first visit?
My first Client was a wonderful gentleman. There was a lot of support for me at the start, and I didn’t feel out of my depth. I think he was the reason I thought, yes, this is the job for me. I still think of him and miss visiting him, even though he left us 6 years ago.
What makes Home Instead different from other places you’ve worked?
Home Instead is a very professional set-up. It is held in high regard by other medical professionals. I would not move to another care company.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about becoming a Care Professional but isn’t sure if they can do it?
I originally thought I couldn’t do it. Mainly the cleaning up of bodily fluids, and I was a little afraid of people living with Dementia. I soon found out my concerns were groundless.
What’s your favourite way to unwind on your days off?
Long countryside walks with my black Labrador Ruby is my perfect way to unwind.
One fun fact about you?
I consider myself a kangaroo and wallaby whisperer. Such gentle, beautiful animals, unless you provoke the bull kangaroo. I cannot wait to get my next kangaroo fix in June 2026.