It makes me feel good when I’m caring for someone. I like looking after people and making their lives better.
Some customers can be upset, and just having a little chat, putting on some music, and having a singalong with them, cheers them up. I’ll do anything to make them happy. When they’re happy everything is easier for them.
Everyone is different, and every day is different in this job. I meet so many different people.
Some customers like football and I do too, so the conversations we have could go on for hours. Sometimes I lose myself and leave the call a little later because I’m sitting there chatting and the time goes by so quickly.
Inevitably you’re going to get close to people. You treat them as they want to be treated, you build a relationship, and they trust you.
To be able to provide a high standard of care you need to know their habits, what they like and don’t like. You know what soap they like, what food they like, if they have a certain blanket they like and the hobbies you can help them with.
I go to bingo with Simon. It’s nice for our customers to enjoy themselves and to go out and do something different. I cook with a couple of my customers, and we have fun doing it together. I take customers shopping or for a walk.
On a Friday I go to the shop and get fish and chips for Henry. He lives alone. It’s those little things that can make someone’s day or someone’s week.
I think it’s really important for people to be at home. If you can provide care for them at home, it makes them feel independent and happy. Some people have lived in their homes for 50 or 60 years.
If there is anyone thinking of being a carer I’d say: ‘give it a try.’ To be a good carer you need to be kind, considerate and compassionate. Being able to chat and communicate with someone is hugely important.
At 29 I am now a senior care assistant. I’m just finishing my NVQ level 3 in Health and Social Care and I’d love to go on to management with Bluebird Care.
The way the Bluebird Care team look after us is absolutely wonderful. They are a very good company to work for and there is always someone to talk to if you need it. You get a huge amount of support.
I work between 35 and 40 hours a week, I enjoy my job and I enjoy caring for people.
It’s so rewarding, and I gain so much from it. At the end of the day, I go home happy.
Edward
Edward
/
West Midlands
