Progression In a Care Role

The care industry is undoubtedly challenging yet is one of the most rewarding career paths that a person can take.

Care companies repeatedly hire enthusiastic, warm-hearted individuals with a passion for ensuring that people are presented with the opportunity to live their life to its optimum potential; this philosophy is epitomised not only by entry-level staff at Right at Home but more senior members of the team.

It’s often the case that a person’s skills are not fully utilised or recognised within the workplace. Consequently, a member of staff becomes disgruntled with their role at a company and eventually seeks pastures new.

However, Right at Home is dedicated to ensuring that the work of their carers doesn’t go unnoticed, presenting a range of career opportunities. This pro-active approach incorporated by the company has thus far yielded tremendous results, with the success of Caroline Liddell, Right at Home’s Compliance Support Worker, further testament to the prospects that are presented to our carers. When discussing her Right at Home journey, Caroline provided an insight into the endless opportunities available:

“When I joined the company, I was employed as a Support Worker. However, now I’m one of the senior members of staff, working as a Compliance Support Worker. I was promoted within a month and a half – I have over twenty-years of care experience, so I was fast-tracked into a senior role. I’m also training at the beginning of September to be the Assistant Care Manager.”

After receiving a diploma in general nursing, Caroline worked in the travel industry as a member of Cabin Crew with airline Flying Colours. However, between seasons, she used her expert knowledge whilst working in nursing and care homes, using the period as an opportunity to satisfy her caring instinct:

“Looking after people is a passion of mine. I like providing care for the likes of grandparents and seeing families look after other members of their family. This line of work is even more poignant for me now that my Dad has Parkinson’s and I’m keen to make a difference in people’s lives.”

Caroline is amongst the individuals who have a sincere interest in ensuring that people are provided with fantastic care; equipped her breadth of knowledge and prolonged experience, she has worked in a range of respected positions, yet came precariously close to falling out of love with the industry whilst in her previous position:

“The last job I was in, I worked as a Deputy Manager for a care agency. Due to internal squabbles between management, I lost my passion for care. So, I left that post and began looking for another role.”

Upon meeting Caroline, Right at Home immediately recognised traits of an outstanding carer, and she has established herself as a key member of the team since joining the Stockport and Didsbury structure.

“Right at Home immediately appealed when I was looking for a new job. They were a fairly new company in Stockport, and that interested me. I wanted to grow with the company and it’s been the best decision I could’ve made. My experience has been incredible.”

As part of the Right at Home thinking, a strong emphasis is placed on the importance of putting the client first – their needs and requirements are paramount. A quintessential human element of care is maintained throughout the care process, with bespoke care plans devised to suit the needs of each individual, a detail that didn’t escape the attention of Caroline:

“When I researched the company, it immediately became apparent that Right at Home goes the extra mile for their clients; it’s a company that is extremely person-centered. They always try and match clients up with carers so that they have similar interests and the consistency of care is hugely important. Staff retention is also fantastic, which is hugely important, as it helps if the patients see the same faces. It’s an extremely professional company, with a fantastic team.”

As the adage goes: Nobody ever stops learning. Caroline is living proof that there’s room for continual development, having completed a range of training since joining Right at Home; Caroline is also in the process of completing a diploma. Right at Home takes great pride in its team and the opportunities provided for carers entering the profession at entry-level. However, support and guidance aren’t limited to newcomers to the care industry:

“Right at Home have utilised my skills fantastically well. They gave me a promotion to senior, more or less immediately, and said ‘you absolutely should apply for this position’, which was nice as they actively encouraged me to make the most of my skills and knowledge.”

Caroline Liddell has thrived since entering the care industry. A well-established, senior member of the Right at Home team, she continues to prosper and contribute to great effect, providing people with wonderful care and support.

So, what advice would she give to anyone entering, or considering entering the care profession?

“Always treat your patients how you’d like to be treated, or how you’d like your family members to be treated. Keep a very open mind; if you don’t have a passion for care, then this profession is not for you. Never feel awkward when caring for somebody; the client will feel more awkward than you.

However, above all else, have a laugh! Don’t get uptight, enjoy yourself, and go with yourself. Every day and every person is completely different. It’s a fantastic job, so enjoy it.”

Call 0161 791 0934 for more information about Right at Home’s care or career opportunities. We’d be delighted to hear from you.