A positive difference

People join Caremark for a variety of reasons and at all ages, though they all share the desire to help make a positive difference to people’s lives.

For Hannah Richardson, 20, working in homecare helps fund her way through her nursing degree whilst broadening her experience of working in the care sector.

She’s in the second year of her nursing degree and plans to specialise in paediatrics when qualified.  

Growing up, both Hannah and her sister spent time in hospital and then in a short space of time lost four relatives through illness.

“I saw first-hand how valuable the work of nurses is and that’s what probably guided me down this path,” said Hannah. “I also want to be an advocate for people who perhaps have no voice which is why I have veered towards children.”

Hannah has found that working with Caremark Kirklees has broadened her skills.

“I have learned a lot more people skills. I now recognise the fact that different people have different needs whether that’s through mobility issues, dementia or other factors and carers need to adapt their approach to meet these individual needs.”

Hannah admits she has found the role of a carer more rewarding that she first anticipated.

“I have been surprised at the difference just spending a few minutes having a social chat can have on someone’s day,” she said.

“Just by walking through the door, showing an interest and some care you can see someone’s face light up.”

Hannah was recently named carer of the month and was in a university lecture when the news was released.

“I hadn’t seen the news and then all these messages kept popping up on my phone saying well done and congratulations. I didn’t know what they were about, and it came as a lovely surprise,” she said.

“For me being a good carer is about being kind, caring and compassionate. You also need to be a good talker and a good listener and recognising which of those is right for a particular situation.”