You Can Care Week 2023 - Become a Care Professional

For You Can Care Week we asked our Care Professional, Mandy, what she enjoys about her role and the advice she would give others looking to join the care sector.

A woman stands smiling in front of a purple wall with a sign that reads, “It’s You Can Care Week 2023.”. - Home Instead

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.

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.

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.

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.

You Can Care Week 2023 - Become a Care Professional

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.

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.

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

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.