Two important things
Just a few weeks into the job as a carer, Amy Christon had learned two important things.
Firstly, there’s a lot more to care than tea and chat, secondly it can often be the little things in life that make all the difference.
Amy studied business administration at college and after leaving worked in waitressing. Maternity leave gave her time to think, and she decided on a career change.
“I wanted a job where I felt I made a difference,” said Amy. “My friend worked as a carer in a home. I felt I wanted to be out and about so applied for home care support.”
It was then Amy realised that providing personal care is only part of the job.
“It was quite an eye opener,” said Amy. “Checking medication, learning how to deal with conditions including autism and dementia, helping people to get out and about are all part of the job.”
It was during a trip to the local superstore that Amy realised the importance of helping clients get out of the house.
“We were in the local B&Ms which most of us would take for granted,” said Amy. “The lady was looking round, big smile on her face. Due to mobility issues, she couldn’t get out on her own, she had no family and hadn’t been out for weeks. She said it was wonderful to have a look round the shops.”
Now 36, Amy has been with Caremark Redcar and Cleveland for over two years and has taken advantage of the opportunity for on-the-job training and qualifications offered. She has gained a Mental Health Level 3 qualification and plans to study for her Health and Social Care NVQ Level 3.
“I find the more you learn about conditions the better you become as a carer, you have better understanding of clients and more confidence,” said Amy. “You learn what can trigger mental health problems, how best to adapt the way you talk with people depending on their circumstances.”
She added: “Gaining an NVQ Level 3 opens up the career path to becoming a supervisor which is something that interests me.”
Amy has been instrumental in setting up Safe Place – a day centre with a difference – at a local rugby club. It’s a social get together where Caremark clients can meet up for the day, enjoy a cooked meal take part in numerous activities including games, arts and crafts and enjoy some entertainment.
“The feedback from these events makes the job so worthwhile,” said Amy. “It’s not just the clients, but also their families really positive, really appreciative.”
Outside of work Amy likes to spend time with her children, Charlie, 16 and Brooke, 11 and finds walking her two dogs through the nearby woods relaxing.
“My children understand that during holidays I can’t be there all the time because of my job,” said Amy. “They have become quite self-sufficient, and Brooke has been helping out at the Safe Place so who knows? She might also become a carer.”