Caring, Studying and a Pandemic

The impact of Covid-19 

Coronavirus has impacted so many arenas of our lives. For Maddison, it affected both her working life in care and her studies.

Whilst delivering outstanding care for Right at Home Portsmouth, Maddison is also an A-level student at Portsmouth college, hoping to study Psychology with Law in University in the future.

We spoke to her about how she balances her work, study and life balance all whilst navigating a global pandemic.

When did you start a career in care?

I started during the COVID-19 Pandemic in June. I don’t think it has been hard for me as the carer but what upsets me the most is how the pandemic is affecting the clients, especially with how lonely and vulnerable they feel and there is only so much I can do to support them which can be heart breaking at times.

What does a typical day look like for you?

A ‘typical day’ for me will vary as I am a college student, I work every other weekend and 2 morning and afternoon shifts in the week. Basing this off a weekend day, for me my schedule is around 5/6 hours a day with a break in between 2 of the calls. Each call is an hour long. The tasks I normally complete are; making the clients food and drink, helping them with small tasks, assisting clients with personal care, companionship and going out on drives with clients.

What have you learnt since working in care?

Working in care is more than a part time job, it is like visiting your friends at times as you establish a great bond with your clients which really makes you, as a person, want to go the extra mile in the terms of helping and assisting them.

What’s the best thing about your job?

I am extremely appreciative and grateful to be able to have a great job which provides me with great flexibility and a humbling experience. It really helps me stay grounded and in the present. l don’t think we all realise how life goes by so fast and I spend the majority of my time thinking about the past or worrying about the future but being able to talk to so many people who have lived their lives and their experiences (positive and negative) is great. Even their regrets are motivating as I can’t conceptualise how fast life goes past.

Every time I leave most of my clients, they always remind me to cherish life and make the most of your youth. I genuinely do believe taking up this job has helped me with my mental health as I feel supported by a great team as well as my clients who provide me with happiness as I feel like I am achieving something especially during these unprecedented times. There is a sense of consensus and belonging at RaH Portsmouth and I am proud to be a part of it.

Did you enjoy this article? Why not read more about it how covid can change careers in care.