Our Newcastle Service

I’ve worked in Home Care for 5 and a half years now. I’ve always been a people person and liked helping people and animals. When I was a kid, I’d dress my cat up in baby clothes – I’d just mother everything!

I worked in the pubs for 16 years as a manager and had done some care work before that, though it was in residential care homes. Now that I’ve returned to care, I realise I’m far more comfortable with Home Care – having one on one with someone in their own home. There wasn’t a lot of time to talk to people in the care home.

Embrace it, come into it, try it. For me care isn’t just a job, it’s a vocation. You do it because you want to, because you care for people.

When I train someone new, I can sense by the way they interact with a person if they’re going to enjoy it. I always say, ‘go into someone’s house and talk to them, don’t be silent.’ Some people are shy at first – any new job’s nerve wracking – but most go on to love it.

I tend to take them in to someone’s home, let them introduce themselves and break the ice. Some people are terrified, bless them, as they’re going into a stranger’s house – they don’t know the person and have all these technical things to remember. I find it’s best to step back a little bit and let them do as much as they can by themselves. Obviously, you’ve got to guide them, but without overloading them. I teach them all the meds, the paperwork, show them everyone’s routines and where things are kept. It’s a lot for people to take in, so I tend to step back a little and say, ‘you lead a little bit, I’m there for you.’ I just guide them because it’s the interaction with the service user they need. If they feel comfortable, they’ll do more.

Everyone worries about the medication side of things. Some people have very complicated medication. It’s always the hardest side to care.

When Covid-19 first happened, people were very scared. They’d often start crying when I walked in, saying ‘I don’t want to die.’ Then it changed to having to get their head around not going out and not being able to see their families. Now, I think they’re resigned to the fact things aren’t good, but they’re better than they were. People are still scared though.

It’s hard because we can’t cuddle people right now, and some really need that. One lady has been in tears at not being able to have that human contact. Every time I go in, I say ‘whatever’s going on out there, is happening out there. I’m here for you 100%. My time’s your time, whatever you need, whatever you want.’ Knowing that we’re there for them, that’s what makes the difference. If we can make that time with them special, that for me is what it’s all about. Sometimes people just need to talk, have a chat, know you’re really there for them and that things are going to be OK.

I think care workers have coped really well, making sure they’re wearing full PPE and following the safety guidelines. The biggest battle has been reassuring people that we’re safe, they’re safe, and that we’ve minimised the risk.

We’ve also tried to make sure their families are happy and know we’re doing all we can. I think it’s more reassurance that’s needed – that we’re trying to do things right for them. Some families are really involved in their family’s care. They want to know that their needs are being met – that we’re going in, getting their shopping in. It’s important for their peace of mind. I’ve one lady who had a fall and has a bad back. Her daughter was worried and wanted to know we were there to do everything we could for her Mum. It’s reassuring for her to go home and know that her Mum’s being looked after.