Case study taken July 2021
What attracted you to work in care?
I started as a Health Care Assistant and am now a Care Team Leader. I have always been interested in care but as I didn’t have any experience, so I wasn’t sure if it was something I would be able to do. When I was about to be made redundant from a previous job, I felt it was the perfect time to look for a job in care.
Tell me about your current job and what it involves?
I am a Care Team Leader, which is essentially a Senior Carer. I am competent in medication so if any of the team need help, I can give them support. My role involves a lot of paperwork, such as writing care plans, but I am still very hands on looking after residents and ultimately making sure the home is running well.
What training have you completed in your career so far and what other training would you like to do?
A lot! I have done all the basics such as infection control, moving and handling, oral hygiene, and medication to name a few, as well as training in Team leading. I have also recently completed my emergency first aid and fire safety training. I’m happy to do whatever training is available to me as I think the more you can do the better.
What support have you received from your line manager and the team?
I get a lot of support at work and can always rely on my team to do a good job. My manager has an open-door policy so other than when there are meetings, I feel I can go to her at any time if I have any issues or need help or advice, alongside the other seniors.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The residents! It’s heart-breaking when they leave or pass away. It’s like having lots of grandmas and granddads and they feel like family, it’s great getting to know them all.
What do you find the most challenging part of your job?
When a resident passes away as you do become very attached. It can also be difficult when telling other residents what has happened and why a person is no longer around.
What hours do you work each week and how does that fit around your family life?
I work 4 x 12 hour shifts from 7am to 7pm which I really like as when I finish at 7pm, there is still time to see friends and go out, or just relax before going to bed. Only working 4 days a week means I get an extra day off which really does make a difference and you feel like you have a good break. I work every other weekend so I always know when my days off will be, meaning it’s easy to make plans.
In your day-to-day role, what type of things would you do to encourage your residents to live as independently as possible?
If they able to do things for themselves like brushing their teeth, their hair and eat and drink by themselves it is best to let them do as much as they can. If they ask for help, then we are always there to support them. It is also important for the residents to socialise so we will try and encourage them to go out or at least come out of their rooms.
What would you say to someone considering a career in care and who may be nervous about providing personal care?
I would say that it seems more daunting than it is. Before I started, I was nervous about giving personal care especially, but it was nothing like I expected.
It can be hard work, but you get to have fun and you get to know the residents. We do a lot of activities and recently we had a barbeque which the residents loved. It was so nice seeing them happy, it can really make your heart melt.
Would you like to progress in your career and if so, what would you like to be doing in the next few years?
I am planning to study nursing in the next couple of years either at university or college. It wasn’t something I had considered until I started working in care. One of colleagues has just recently started the course so I have been finding out more from her.