Carers
Meet some of our Carers and find out why they chose Care as a career.
Chris Hudson, Hourly Carer
I’m your typical bloke, cheery, like going out, enjoy sport and socialising. I was a baker for 25 years, a delivery driver, worked in warehouses. I’ve also done other various jobs over the years.
I was looking for a part time job to get some extra cash, when I saw the advert. I thought I could do that. It was something different and I applied and got the job.
I thought it would involve looking after mainly older people but I’ve found you can help anyone of all ages. I went in with an open mind and I always remember on the training course thinking… what have I let myself in for! But found I took to it very quickly.
I was then made redundant from my full time job and with a little persuading from the Care Managers, I decided to go full-time. Believe it or not I’ve now been doing it for 4 years!
Mannie Kysemamuriwo, Live-in Carer
I’m from London, but originally from Zimbabwe and have been in the UK now for 36 years. Prior to working at Helping Hands I was a Consultant in Public Service Provision, looking at public service provision from all angles; the consumer, the provider and any procurers involved, particularly both central and local governments.
I was beginning to find the job very frustrating. I wanted to make more of a difference in how services were provided to users as I was doing this from an all round, all players involved, approach. Besides, I was looking for a career within my chosen area of public service provision, but with the flexibility that a career with Helping Hands has. My perceptions of Care were a ‘mixed bag’ –which hasn’t changed much! (obviously this was due to my experience). A friend recommended me to Helping Hands and the rest is as they say … history. My friends and family were incredulous. They just cannot believe that someone like me is doing something like this.
The best thing I love about the job is the closeness to users and trying to ensure that their needs are responded to appropriately because they should be the drivers of what actually ends up being done to and for them. After all, they are the ones who are paying the money and are our reason for being.
I am mostly interested in things that help me have a good quality life whether I am relaxing, or working or whatever it is I happen to be doing. I believe in people making sure that they always see to it that they do their best, whatever it is that they might be doing, however they might be doing it and whoever it is that they might be doing it with! I am interested in ensuring that through me, what I think feel and do, I affect other people as positively as possible so that they lead better lives for having known and/or come across me in their lives.
Mary Cole, Hourly Carer
I spent 40 years of my career working as a legal secretary in a variety of offices. Last year my life changed after I went to visit my dad in Cape Town; we spent his 91st birthday together and I realised just how precious our time together was. After returning to London, I knew I had to make a change. I gave up my job and went back to care for him; he was very frail with cancer. I hadn’t realised just how rewarding care work could be until I spent that final time with him.
I knew that looking after someone else wouldn’t be the same as looking after my dad; but I thought it could still be very rewarding. I knew there must be a lot of people who love their elderly parents, but are unable to care for them themselves; people who would be appreciative of someone who could step in and help. When caregivers are treated with kindness and respect, there isn’t much that a compassionate Carer won’t do for their customers.
The person I currently care for is the same age as my father. He was a Doctor in his younger days; a brilliant, intelligent and compassionate man, we discuss a variety of subjects together. He has a love of the arts and has a great interest in paintings and antiques. He takes great pride in his home and really appreciates the extra little things I do for him, like restoring his silver and his other prized possessions to their former glory.
After 40 years working with very bright people in law offices, I need stimulating conversation and that is certainly something we share; one learns so much from others you meet in life. He has a lovely sense of humour; I’m able to tease him, make him smile and help him forget the discomfort he is in.
Neringa Kasultye, Live-in Carer
The role of a Live-in Carer is very rewarding. Nothing makes you more pleased than seeing your customer happy and enjoying things such as going out, having a nice conversation or sometimes just listening, playing dominos or having a portion of ice cream. All these small things can make a great difference in somebody's life and it is a Live-in Carer who makes this difference. And you can always be sure that you will be greatly appreciated not only by the customer but by his/her family friends and Helping Hands staff.
I really enjoy working for Helping Hands, not only do they show their appreciation, but the support I receive from the team is great, there is always somebody to listen and give advice even with the smallest issue. The cooperation and support between managers and carers is absolutely brilliant - that is why Helping Hands has achieved a great reputation with their customers. I want to thank everybody at Helping Hands, the managers, training staff, accountants; all are great to deal with, because they know their job and do everything with a good heart. That is why I have heard Helping Hands being complimented by customers so many times!
My family and friends think it is a very worthwhile job. I have lots of patience and it suits my personality. I really enjoy meeting the Service users, getting to know them and talking to them about their lives… and making them smile.
