The secret to being a good carer

Sometimes the secret to being a good carer isn’t just what you know, but who you know.

Tracey McCulloch found this out when the family of a client became exasperated after being unable to source mouth swabs needed for the care of a relative.

“The lady had suffered a stroke and the swabs were needed to keep her mouth moist,” said Tracey. “

After trying all local pharmacies to no avail, we started contacting various care homes we know and one of them was able to provide a box – the family had become distraught and were so grateful.”

Tracey, 49, first began working in the care industry as a school leaver on a YTS scheme. After six weeks the care home she was at offered her a job and she stayed for four years.

Family commitments meant she had to find a job with more set hours, and she qualified as a medical receptionist and also worked as a telephonist and retail manager.

“Caring was something I always wanted to do and as the youngest child grew older it opened the door to a return,” said Tracey.

For five years she worked a as carer for an elderly couple and after they had both passed away applied to join Caremark Redcar and Cleveland. She admits she was a bit wary at first about seeing different people every day and how they might feel about strangers going into their homes.

“I need not have worried,” says Tracey. “Everyone is just so appreciative of what you do and the difference it makes to their lives and that is so rewarding.” 

Tracey is now part of Caremark’s Capacity Care Team – the go-to people when someone first returns to their home after being released from hospital.

“We go in and see them up to four times a day whilst their needs are being assessed and a care package put in place. We recognise how vulnerable people are feeling and look to put them at ease. It’s so pleasing to gain their trust and have them look forward to our visits.”