Amy

What is so great about Amy is her winning smile, her willingness to push herself and a “can-do” attitude that means she will always give the best care. One client said of Amy; “On the days Amy comes to me I am always happy, she is usually on time. She wakes me up with a smile and always makes light of my difficulties with the hoist. No job is ever too much for Amy, she works hard and makes light of everything. She always finds time to do what I require”.

When Amy joined the company in January 2009 (she had worked in retail before), she participated well in her induction training. She wanted to know the best ways to do things and asked lots of questions. She has always sought help when she has been unsure. This means she achieves very high standards of care. She has now undertaken the Skills for Care “Common Induction Standards” and is about to start an NVQ2.

Harry

Harry came to work for the company in April 2006, aged 18. He could not drive and was unable to work alone because of his age. He was given a job and a bicycle allowance because at interview he showed understanding of the needs of clients and their families.

He recently won the company some new business. A lady caring for her husband with advanced dementia rang asking about sittings so she could have time away from her husband. A friend in similar circumstances had told her about Harry and the good care he gave her husband. The wife was very nervous but delightedwhen she met Harry and saw how he worked with her husband. She went out shopping and returned 2 hours later to find Harry had kept her husband occupied and relaxed. Noticing it was beginning to rain Harry had got her washing in. He had gone beyond the expectations of his role. Understanding the stressful life of the wife, he had saved her more work.

Harry has undertaken all the necessary training, has an NVQ2, and is working towards a Level 3. He is now interested in management and learning to assess new clients and review clients’ care packages.

Being a man in care is not always easy, especially when you are young. Harry has risen above the rejection of some clients and has won many over with his approachability, confidence in his role, high standards, understanding of clients and their carers, and used his youth to his advantage.

In June 2010 Harry became a Team Leader in the Droitwich area, working alongside fellow Team Leader Karina Galbraith.

Sue

Sue is one of our older employee. She is new to care, having worked in a factory most of her life. She cared for her mum when she was ill and found she was really quite good at it and enjoyed caring.

She was unemployed following redundancy and took advantage of our 2 week intensive induction to give her the skills and knowledge to be competent in her work. And she has become a firm favourite with the clients. She is taking advantage of all the training we are offering. Not easy when you have not done training for a long time, but we are holding her hand and she is succeedin.

Sue does not want a career. She just wants to make a difference to our clients, helping them have the best quality of life they can have.