We like to find out from our team what they think about working in care. Here’s a selection of their comments
Nick Champion, Kiwi House
The most important thing to me is that as care assistants, we’re here to help residents maintain their lifestyle, which means assisting them to enable them to remain a level of independence.
I love being able to really make time to listen to residents. This one-to-one time is the best bit of my job. Learning new things about residents and also when you hear from their relatives how well they are doing – it’s just the best feeling. Kiwi House is a lovely place to work, I was made to feel instantly welcome and I personally feel supported and appreciated everyday. At the end of the day, we’re like one big family!
Bobby Mahoney, Bowood Court & Mews
I honestly can’t imagine doing anything else but this. Being there for the residents and seeing their faces light up when they see you is all the reward you need.
Obviously you need to be friendly, kind and caring to do this job, but the important thing I think is to treat the residents how you would like your own parents or older relatives to be looked after.
Making time to sit and actually listen to residents talking is the best bit of my job, which has its challenges at times – as care assistants, we do see some sad things but that’s the reality. Without question, my best day at work was last year’s summer fete. We had all the residents outside as it was a glorious day and to see them out and surrounded by friends and family having fun was heart-warming.