You Can Care Week 2023 - Become a Care Professional

1. How long have you worked for Home Instead?

After working in private care for the last 20 years I joined Home Instead in March 2022.

2. What do you most enjoy about your role as a Care Professional?

For me the organisation and this office is just as important as working with the clients. When I first came here the staff were so friendly and quick to respond to my queries and offer me help or support, I thought this is the place I want to be.

I love caring, meeting clients is a huge part of me as I love to look after others. I can mix working part time at a local supermarket with regular hours in care, and this suits my current circumstances.

3. In this “cost of living crisis” how beneficial is it to work in Social Care – what perks do you enjoy?

To me it’s really important to be earning a good wage whilst also helping people to live independently and making a difference to their lives. I’ve already received 2 referral bonus payments and I am keen to carry on encouraging others to join our team. I am looking at applying for the “Blue Light Card” which I understand will bring me extra offers and discounts.

4. What advice would you give to someone who was considering changing their career path to one in Social Care?

I would tell them that this is such a friendly and helpful environment it’s a nice job to have. As the office team are always on the end of a phone to help and they are not putting me under lots of pressure, I can give more to my clients as I am arriving to their calls happy and calm.

If people are worried about giving personal care, I would say just treat the client as you would a family member. Many of us have had children or have looked after loved ones, so we often have personal experience and skills to use in this role.