20
Jun
Glad to Care Week: What makes us glad to care
This week, Priory Adult Care are celebrating Glad to Care Awareness Week. The campaign was launched in 2018, with the aim of highlighting the resilience and dedication of care workers, and raising awareness of the important work they do.
To celebrate Glad to Care Awareness Week, we spoke to some of our dedicated care staff across our Adult Care services, to find out what makes them glad to care.
Callum's Story
Callum Robertson is a Care Assistant at Berelands House in Prestwick.
Berelands House is one of our Adult Care sites designed for older people requiring residential and nursing care, and provides service users with a tailored care package to suit their individual needs, with a designated nurse and key worker.
What inspired you to get into care?
“A very close family friend passed away from cancer. Whilst watching the nurses, I was impressed by the sheer level of care and compassion they gave, and realised they were a pillar not just for the patient, but for all of us.
“That’s when I realised I wanted to do that too. I wanted to help people.”
What makes you glad to care?
“The simple things! A smile, an appreciative pat on the hand, a quiet thank you – even just being there for someone who wants to chat. It is amazing to see the difference things can make in people's lives, even the small things.”
What do you like most about working at Priory?
“Working as part of a close-knit and effective team. It makes the job so much more rewarding.”
Have you had any career development at Priory?
“I am currently working on SVQ2 and have participated in a number of courses including venepuncture, first aid, and RESTORE2. There’s lots of opportunities for learning and enrichment at Priory, every day is an opportunity for learning!”
Claire's Story
Claire Cavanagh is a Senior Care Assistant at Dalton Court, in Cumbria.
Dalton Court is a purpose-built care home, which provides providing a friendly and companionable place to live for older people requiring general or specialist dementia nursing care.
What inspired you to get into care?
“I was always told I had a compassionate and caring nature. This gave me the inspiration to go into the health sector and become a full-time carer.
“After being on the bank for two months, I knew I wanted to do this as a full time career.”
What makes you glad to care?
“Building relationships with residents and family members – and helping service users fulfil their lives, be happy, and content.”
What do you like most about working at Priory?
“The support and training you receive.”
Have you had any career development at Priory?
I started at Dalton Court nine years ago on bank work, then signed a contract and completed all required training to join as a permanent staff member.
“I became a Senior Carer nearly six years ago, and have completed my Level 2, 3, and 5 training as a moving and handling coordinator, and have completed my boots medication training.”
Elaine's Story
Elaine Ingram is a Senior Healthcare Assistant at Abbey Court in Bourne.
Abbey Court is one of our Adult Care sites supporting older people who require residential and nursing care.
What inspired you to get into care?
“I completed a pre-nursing course quite a few years ago and always wanted a career in auxiliary nursing when I was older. When that time came, auxiliary did exist, but in the format as a healthcare worker.
“I cared for my mum as well as holding a full time job, and after my mum went into care, I felt I could do this as a career. The job was also in Bourne, so no commute which was perfect – it felt like everything was falling into place for me.”
What makes you glad to care?
“That you can care for the elderly from getting up in the morning to retiring at night. It’s such a fulfilling feeling knowing you are there for a person and are helping them live their life.
What do you like most about working at Priory?
“The sense of team work and camaraderie – I love working alongside nurses, kitchen staff, housekeepers, and residents. Every day I learn something new and enjoy being involved with everyone on site in all roles.”
Have you had any career development at Priory?
“I was recently promoted to Senior Healthcare Assistant and completed a course on mental health issues last summer, which was extremely helpful for me in my career and personal life, as I can discuss a range of illnesses with my daughter who is currently studying A Level Psychology.”
Toni's Story
Toni Crichton is a Senior Care Assistant at Berelands House in Prestwick.
We caught up with her to find out more about her experience of caring at Priory:
What inspired you to get into care?
“I used to cut and style people’s hair, and got chatting to a care home resident while cutting their hair. Back then and still now I respond really well with residents and service users, and love supporting people with dementia.”
What makes you glad to care?
“Providing care for people with dementia and supporting them to live their best lives.”
What do you like most about working at Priory?
“I feel very connected to our residents and service users – this makes the job so much more enjoyable.
“The teams are so friendly, and Priory is an extremely well managed place to work."
Have you had any career development at Priory?
“I am now a Senior Carer after starting as a Carer, and have completed my Level 3 SVQ. I’m grateful for the learning and development opportunities and am looking forward to my next opportunity.”
Laura's Story
Laura Schofield is Team Leader at Riverbank in Hull.
Riverbank is one of our Adult Care sites supporting people with their mental health and provides rehabilitation and recovery care pathways.
What inspired you to get into care?
“I was working in retail and was unsure what step to take next. I considered nursing as I knew I wanted a career in care or care-related, and I knew someone working at Riverbank who recommended it as a great place to work. I thought I would try it before signing onto another University degree and I am so happy that I did!”
What makes you glad to care?
“I love feeling like I have made a difference. I had never felt like it in my retail roles, so it is extremely satisfying for me to go home and know I have had a positive impact on someone that day. I love the ‘small wins’ that we achieve daily, and feeling like we have had a breakthrough with a resident which will positively impact their quality of life.
“I love that I still get to interact with residents and am massively involved in their day to day support needs, however, I am also able to support the Senior Support Workers in their roles as I know how instrumental that was in my role as a senior.
“I also love the team that I work with which makes a huge difference. I feel motivated by them, and I feel like I am the best version of myself when I am working with them. It’s a great feeling knowing we genuinely all want the best for our residents, so working together to achieve that is my dream role.”
What do you like most about working at Priory?
“I love how busy I am, and that every day is different.
“I feel valued, and I love making other colleagues feel this way through supervisions and providing positive feedback.
“I also feel the role is very suited to my strengths. I am empathetic and caring, and this role is perfect for those traits to play a day to day role in this.
“I feel so valued in my role, and I am so grateful for the opportunities that have been presented to me.”
Have you had any career development at Priory?
“Yes, I have been offered numerous opportunities which I am so grateful for. I am still continually being offered different development opportunities despite already having two promotions within my unit.
“I have always been made to feel I can approach my manager if there is anything I am interested in doing developmentally. She will always push for me to be able to have these opportunities.”
Kirsty's Story
Kirsty Lyttleton is a Senior Care Assistant at Dalton Court Care Home.
What inspired you to get into care?
“I chose to get into care as I love to make a difference in people’s lives – I love building a good level of trust and relationships with service users to improve their lives, and help them live their life to their full potential.”
What makes you glad to care?
“I enjoy seeing our residents and service users be the best they can be, happy, and enjoying life to the fullest.”
What do you like most about working at Priory?
“The sheer amount of support and learning available to me.”
Have you had any career development at Priory?
“I am now a Senior Carer after beginning my Priory journey as a Care Assistant – and have completed my Boots medication training.”
If you would like to find out more about the services available at Priory Adult Care, you can make an enquiry online. You can also call us on 0808 159 3772 to speak to someone directly.