Michelle, a CareGiver’s story

When I was younger, I helped care for my nan with dementia, she lived in sheltered accommodation and I would often talk to the carers there and always thought how compassionate they were.

There is no set job description for being a CareGiver, each day or visit can differ greatly. The main thing is keeping the client’s needs at the forefront of your mind and really getting to know them. Clients very quickly become like family to you and you to them.

A highlight but also funny moment for me was while with a nonverbal lady, she found it funny to try and tickle my feet and every time I laughed, she laughed too. This carried on for a good five minutes and in the end, we were both really laughing together. I had never heard this client laugh before and thinking about that moment now actually has me smiling again.

Being a mum of 3 children 2 with additional needs, finding a job that worked round my family was paramount and I’m so happy I have found that job. I mainly work night shifts so I can sleep while my children are at school or holiday clubs, yet I’m there for school pick-ups, teatime, bedtime and I’m still about for family days out which is so important to me and my family.

For anyone thinking about working in care no two days are the same and if you want to feel rewarded every day then this is the career for you.

While like any job this job can have its moments, what really helps us through them is the staff you work with. In the company I work with we always find ways to make each other laugh and smile as well as support each other.

Many people when they think of care think of the personal care we give, but it is so much more than that. It’s the companionship we give to clients and the bonds we build with them.