Sally has been a carer with Hamilton George care since may 2022. A highly treasured caregiver who makes a huge difference in the lives of our clients, here she tells us why she became a carer and what she loves about her work.
Tell me a bit about yourself and your background
I started working at 16 during the school holidays. This then led me into multiple careers in beauty, clothing, property and building. Each role helped me in growing different areas of knowledge and experience, working in teams and understanding the importance of the clients. I hope that a legacy I leave is that you can do and be anything you want in life if you have the passion.
Why did you want to be a carer?
Having looked after my elderly parents, I think I took on the role of a carer long before I gave it much thought. In 2020 a girlfriend of mine was diagnosed with cancer, and I walked a journey with her navigating all the challenges of care. It was post covid and someone I knew introduced me into the caring industry and my interview with Hamilton George. I chatted with the team and made a commitment to give back and serve others within the Hamilton George care team. Having received some wonderful feedback within client’s letters of thanks, I think I have been able to achieve my goal.
What do you think makes a good carer?
Patience, kindness, understanding, one must be adaptable to each client. This is where the Care Plan is so important. Created by the management team following multiple conversations with the client and their family as well as clinical assessments and reviews, this in-depth overview gives us carers the information we need to begin our placements and provide care.
What are the highs and lows of care?
I have enjoyed placements in different locations, so this would have to be a high for me. Getting to know the environments and neighbours in various locations has been wonderful. But the first thing that comes to mind on lows are birthdays which can be lonely. But I love what I do and have made a commitment to the industry so I am happy where I am. After 3 years with Hamilton George Team I could not have made it this far without that support.
How do you connect with your clients?
I enjoy meeting new clients so when I arrive at the client’s home, I always observe the rhythm of their daily living, adapting myself so that I integrate into their world. It’s important that the clients feel safe and over time I just become an extension to their life, making a difference in as many areas as they allow.
What’s been a career/placement highlight so far?
The relationships I have formed with the clients and their extended family. There are layers to caring and blending in with the family and offering to be their hands and feet in a time when the client is not able to do things for themselves and the children are busy in their careers.
Why did you choose live-in care care?
Personally, I enjoy the time spent together with my client and the relationships we build. This allows me to really understand what skills I have on offer to share, making their day more fulfilling as they have more time to spend doing the things they love with or without my assistance.
What advice would you give to think about someone considering working in care?
You have to love what you do; you have to want to make a difference in people’s lives. It’s not about doing a job. It must be your passion to serve others, and it’s that drive that will make your experience a good one.
