Working in care is a career choice that not only improves the lives of others, but also helps provide you with a sense of purpose, well-being and satisfaction.

To celebrate Carers Week on 11th – 17th June, Radfield Home Care caught up with one of its own Home Care Assistants to learn a little more about why and how they got in to the industry.

Melissa, from Radfield Home Care Shrewsbury, left college not too sure what career path to choose, but after listening to friends and family and reviewing her past school reports, it was clear she had a passion and skill for caring for others.

“Well, it all started when I left school and I went to college, I was completely unsure on what I wanted to learn. The college was really helpful and they looked through all my school reports and explained to me that a health and social care diploma would be the one for me – partially due to the fact my teachers always described me as a kind and caring student who helped everyone in the class. Initially I said I didn’t want to be a carer, and college explained that the diploma can open up a lot of doors for me, so if I didn’t like one thing I could go on to something else.

“I took it on board and completed my work placements; the first one was working on the EMI unit in a nursing home and I was so interested in working with older people I wanted to learn more. While researching dementia, I realised how I could potentially help through working a carer.

“I left college and decided to work with a home care agency, visiting individuals in their own home. I really enjoyed it, I felt a great sense of achievement and pleasure working with elderly people. Enabling someone to be as independent as possible is helping to shape me as a better person. I’ve learned that everyone is an individual and they all live their lives differently. Just for me to be able to help them is the best feeling in the world. Whether it is making a cup of tea and having a natter or assisting with full personal care, it’s great to know I’m making a difference to someone’s quality of life.

“Eventually I want to train to become a district nurse to allow me to still provide care and more medical duties as well. I see this as a challenge for the future, but at the moment I’m very happy working for Radfield Home Care. I enjoy working with all the staff and the management has encouraged me to progress my career. I meet great clients, I receive so much support and I enjoy going to work every day. There has never been a day where I don’t want to come to work. I love how everyone treats all staff and clients like their own family members.”

Radfield Home Care is passionate about providing great opportunities not just for its clients, but also its staff, such as Melissa. Through its Caring for Carers pledge, Radfield has supported hundreds of members of staff to develop their skills and feel appreciated in a challenging industry.

To find out more about how becoming a Radfield Home Care franchise partner can help other individuals like Melissa start a new career, contact the franchise recruitment team via the orange button below!