Sylvia is an experienced carer who has been working with Hamilton George Care since February 2024. Here she tells us a little more about why she loves her job and what inspired her to become a carer
Tell me a bit about yourself and your background
I was born in Scotland and my family emigrated to SA when she was a teenager. After school I decided to go into the care industry and trained to become a registered nurse. I later studied Business Management in Nursing and became Matron of Hospitals, before going back into care homes again where I was General Manager for 10 years. Then Covid hit South Africa and, like many, I lost a lot of my friends and colleagues. I took this as a sign to have a break and re-focus.
At this time my mother decided to go back to live in the UK so I went back with her and started looking for jobs in live-in care. My husband loves living in South Africa so remained at home, but I make regular visits back to see him and my grandchild - and I have another on the way! I started at Hamilton George this February after it was recommended to me by a friend and I haven't looked back since.
Why did you want to be a carer?
Making the move along with my mother was the perfect fit. Care works brilliantly around my lifestyle as I can travel back and forth, see my family and friends that emigrated here, come home to my husband, children and grandchildren, and enjoy the best of both countries' weather!
My career has always been very care focussed, but with my nursing degree and background in both private and public care I knew I could make a difference. Working as live-in care is perfect for me as I can build deep relationships with my clients, but also take on a teaching role for the domiciliary staff that come in to support. It’s important for me that I support my client to live their life to the best of their ability and stay in the home that they love.
What do you think makes a good carer?
Somebody that's understanding who knows what the job entails and can fulfil the clients need with a good sense of humour. It’s important to build a rapport with the client in your care - but you’ve got to remember you're in someone's home so you have to respect them, their space and their wishes.
Be true to yourself - don't take on a role unless you can feel you can give it your all. You need to understand each other, and getting to know the client is vital so you have to be able to communicate. Preparation is key for me. Having a clear understanding of the care plan is my first step, I must know what's expected of me before I accept a position. I want to be able to give them the best possible support.
For me this also means being clear about my own personal needs, and ensuring that I give myself the time between positions to relax and recharge. Having the support of a really good agency makes all the difference.
What are the highs and lows of care?
For me it’s all highs. I don't think there are any lows. You’ve got to be a very positive person within yourself. Able to work independently. Self care is very important as well - but for me I love my work and I enjoy every single day.
If the client is happy then you are happy. After all my years of experience in different settings, I enjoy being back at the bedside, You can be as busy or as bored or as sad as you want in a job but it's what you make of it, and I enjoy seeing my clients being happy and enjoying what they can to the best of their ability.
How do you connect with your clients?
I like to introduce myself and explain my history and background, and discuss how I want to work with them. But I need to know from them and their family what they’re looking for, what they want from me and how I can help them.
For example my client has lots of albums so we connect through her photos. I don't ask questions unless it’s clear she wants to expand on them but it’s a brilliant opportunity to engage.
There are many ways to communicate with someone. I like to take a client out into nature; the chance to get out and about into nature and re energise. I always treat my client as a whole, not what their condition is. It’s important to take a holistic approach.
What’s been a career/placement highlight so far?
I love my recent placement and was so happy to go back to my client after the break. Being in Central London is wonderful and I make the most of it whenever I can. I always come back and tell her where I’ve been and what I've been up to and she loves hearing about my little adventures. She is very much a people person so I love showing her pictures of my grandchildren and sharing my history with her. She is a wonderful woman and we communicate so well.
In my career I was honoured to win an international award from Smith and Nephew in South Africa for Wound Care Management. I presented a paper with a fascinating case study about a paraplegic wounded soldier I worked with. In our time together I taught him English and knitting - it was an honour to have supported him and I was over the moon to have the paper and my work acknowledged.
What advice would you give to someone considering working in care?
I’m always recommending that people come to work at Hamilton George. It's such a supportive agency and the people are fantastic.
I’ve only ever had good experiences as a live-in carer but I know it's not for everyone. You have to have integrity, compassion and be compassionate. Working with vulnerable people is such an honour you have to treat them and yourself with respect.
