Gill started her career with Home Instead North Herts in 2019, she loves her job and she has talked about why in this article.
In all honesty, I’d never thought about becoming a care professional an advert came up on my Facebook.
Being able to help someone, even if it’s just chatting to them to help improve their day, as you may be the only person they will see until their next visit.
Greet a client and check their wellbeing. Possibly assist with showering or washing and dressing, breakfast, medication, bit of housework making sure they have all they need until the next visit.
They say they don’t know what they’d do without me. They see me as a friend or even family, it makes visits so much easier when someone is completely at ease with you, trust is everything.
The personal care started gradually. This, I never found difficult to do. It’s about your client being put at ease on all levels of their personal care needs, lots of chatting and reassurance makes it easy for both concerned.
I think you need to ask my clients! I think, I’m very patient, calm, I love to chat, as well as listen to people. I’ll do anything to help someone if it’s within my capabilities.
Oh, it must be the smile you get when someone is genuinely pleased to see you and you know you are able to help them and make a difference.
No, I don’t think I would change anything, as there is so much support, whether it be from a fellow care professional or the Management team.
I’m quite happy not wearing a uniform (even though full PPE is required) It just appears more friendly.
I get told they like me coming because I’m always happy and friendly. I think this helps because they find it easy to tell me what they want or need from me.
I would have liked to advance in my career as a care professional if I’d done this when I was younger.
Yes, lots of client’s abilities have improved, most of the time its building confidence so they can do more for themselves.
The loss of a client as you build relationships not just with your client but with families as well.
I smile with one of my lovely clients, who when I visit, tells me about her evenings with her bottle of wine and her glass of cider – but what she doesn’t realise is, it’s non-alcoholic purchased by her family!
The only thing that has surprised me is how easily I adapted to a completely different career and how easily I made this change, and my own confidence grew as I’ve always been quite a shy person. This whole journey has felt so natural, I wish I‘d done it years ago!
Never take life and your abilities for granted, as it can change so quickly. Always remain respectful, kind, and happy in your approach. One day this could be you on the receiving end of a care professional, always treat people how you would like them to treat you.