You Can Care

Right at Home is proud to support You Can Care Week (25 February to 3 March) which aims to encourage more people to discover a highly rewarding career of caring for people in their own homes.

Marion Smith (pictured receiving a GEM award for Going the Extra Mile from MD Alastair Shanks) is passionate about her role and believes her “amazing job” as a caregiver in people’s homes would suit other local people looking for a more rewarding job. 

“As a caregiver, I go into people’s homes to look after them. Practical care is only one part of the job; companionship and being there to help if needed are just as important,” explains Marion. “The job is very flexible – I started working just a few hours a week and have built up over time – and all my clients are local to me so getting to work is quick and easy. Right at Home has supported me in studying for qualifications. Working for and passing qualifications is not something I thought I could do but I feel really proud about it and it’s been a great confidence boost.”

Job satisfaction, camaraderie and a supportive working environment are all benefits that Marion thinks others would value: “If you are looking for a new challenge and have a caring nature, then looking after someone in their own home could be for you. Patience and being a good listener are really important skills but often not valued in other jobs. If putting a smile on someone’s face is important to you, then you will love being a carer. My colleagues really helped me while I was studying for my qualifications and are there when I’ve had a tricky or emotional day – it’s a great team who all look out for each other and I’ve made lots of friends here,” says Marion.

Sara Woodley is the Registered Manager at Right at Home. She believes the company offers the type of employment many people are looking for today: “We offer our staff the opportunity to be valued for the personal qualities they bring to work and their ability to improve someone’s quality of life. We are a flexible employer looking for local people to join our team. We provide lots of support to our care staff, including meaningful career development through training and qualifications, which is why we are supporting You Can Care Week and its messages around quality employment.”

Marion joined Right at Home as a caregiver in 2016 having run her own sandwich bar and been a stay at home mum to her daughter. “I was looking for a change and although I had cared for my mother, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to do that as my job. I also wasn’t sure I could provide personal care for someone I didn’t know. But I went for the job anyway and although I didn’t have to help with personal care straight away, once I saw that I was just there to help, I realised it was a small obstacle to overcome. I’ve not looked back since joining Right at Home. This has been one of the best moves I’ve made. Everyone mentions how happy I am when I’m working.”

Modern care companies invest in their staff through training and personal development. Employers like Right at Home offer flexible employment and support their staff because they recognise that caring can be a demanding role but one that employees find highly rewarding when they are valued and motivated.

Sara Woodley sums up the company’s message for You Can Care Week by saying: “If making people’s lives means more to you than reaching targets or filling in forms, or helping someone enjoy their hobbies and interests is more important to you than sitting in meetings then we’d love to talk to you about a career in caring.”

Right at Home provides a range of care and support to help people in their own homes. The company covers Guildford, Farnham, Aldershot, Fleet, Farnborough, Alton and surrounding areas.