Choose a career that changes lives | The Sun

THREE Christmases ago, Sheila, now 83, a resident at Churchfields Care Home, received a treasured gift from care worker Faye – a silver friendship-knot necklace. 

It’s a symbol of the bond that’s blossomed between the pair as they tend tomatoes in Churchfields’ greenhouse and Sheila wears it every day.

“I love my job and my friendships with residents like Sheila,” says Faye, 25. “I used to work in retail, supervising the tills at a garden centre, but I wasn’t fulfilled. Every day was the same.

“Then I spotted an advert for this job online. When I came for interview, I was struck by the atmosphere at Churchfields – it’s so warm and homely. ‘I’ll give it a go,’ I thought.

“Six years later, I’m still here. Coming into work and bringing a smile to the residents’ faces is a joy. I’m making a positive impact in the world.”

If you’re looking for a rewarding career, why not consider the adult social care sector, like Faye?

The only qualifications required are a kind disposition, good communication skills and a desire to make a difference. Training is provided on the job and you’ll gain qualifications as you progress.

There’s a wide range of roles on offer, supporting the elderly and people with physical or learning disabilities with everyday tasks in residential care or their own homes, and the hours are flexible.

You could even invite someone who needs support into your home as a Shared Lives care worker. 

Faye’s an activity coordinator for Churchfields’ 33 residents but also assists with caring duties, such as preparing breakfasts: “Churchfields provided me with all the training I needed – for example, using hoists.

“Some of our residents are bed-bound, others have dementia and there are a few who could run a marathon tomorrow. That’s what makes my job interesting.

“There’s lots of nattering over cups of tea, but I organise activities too, like our Wednesday coffee morning and quiz in the local pub.

“Music therapy is one of my favourites – watching a dementia patient who’s been closed off suddenly smile is wonderful. And we’ve just started going ice skating – everyone loves it.”

I organised a skydive through a virtual-reality headset. It was amazing – the lady had her arms out as if she really was floating through the air

Every year, Faye organises a treat for each resident, asking: “What do you dream of doing?” She’s taken people swimming and horse riding, and was undaunted when one lady announced her dream was to skydive. 

“I organised a skydive through a virtual-reality headset,” she recalls. “It was amazing – the lady had her arms out as if she really was floating through the air, and she screamed and laughed with excitement.”

Sheila’s passion is gardening so she and Faye spend time together on Churchfields’ allotment or in the greenhouse, picking lettuces, tomatoes and runner beans for the chef to cook. 

“Shelia loves to give me life advice,” smiles Faye. “‘If you’re going to get into trouble, don’t get caught’ is one of my favourites.”

“Faye is there for me all the way,” says Sheila, a former machinist at a car factory. She has lived at Churchfields for
five years.

“Dogs used to be a big part of my life – at one time, my husband Roy and I had six rescues. So Faye brings her dog JJ in to see me. She’s wonderful.”

It’s the opportunity to forge relationships like Faye and Sheila’s that makes a career in adult social care so unique.

And that’s why Abbey, 23 – a care worker for Visiting Angels, which offers care packages to people in their own homes – loves her job too. 

“There’s so much satisfaction in supporting others,” says Abbey. “My clients range from people in their twenties and thirties with health conditions to the older generation and palliative care.

“Some people want support with housework, others just a chat. It’s all down to the individual.”

But, while Abbey is a care worker, she also feels cared for herself, through her employer’s attitude to their team. 

“We can study towards qualifications in areas of care that particularly interest us – dementia, for example,” she explains.

“And when I came back to work after having Delilah, who’s 18 months old now, I was offered my choice of hours.

“It’s great – I’m with Delilah all day, then when my partner Brandon, a builder, comes home from work, I leave for my evening shift. I do Sundays too and overtime is always available.”

A fulfilling, varied job that fits around your life – a career in adult social care is one of a kind.

Could I get a job in adult social care?

There are so many different kinds of care for adults that jobs in this field are really varied.

Do I need to be a nurse to do it?

No, these kinds of job are not medical, they’re all about enabling people (aged 18 and up) to live their daily lives as well as possible.

Do I need qualifications?

Not at all – a passion to make a difference and good communication skills are all you need. There will be support and training you can do on the job and, in some cases, qualifications to work towards.

What kinds of jobs are available?

From working with residents at a care home to supporting someone with disabilities in their own home, there’s a wide range of jobs. Some are even live-in, if that appeals to you.

I’ve got family commitments, can I work part-time?

Yes. There are lots of different options available for adult social care workers, including flexible working.

THERE ARE JOBS AVAILABLE IN YOUR AREA NOW!

Simply visit adultsocialcare.co.uk and type in your postcode to be matched with a role that could be right for you. The website also contains plenty of information about careers in care, including CV and interview tips.

Find a job in care near you today at adultsocialcare.co.uk

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