‘I was inspired to become a carer by help mum received’
FIONA Kaye has spoken of the pride she feels having joined a dedicated team of carers which looked after her late mother.
Fiona said she had been inspired by the help her mum Helen had been offered by Leicestershire County Council’s Home Care Assessment and Reablement Team (HART) to settle back into her house after a spell in hospital last year.
Helen’s experience helped persuade Fiona to make a career change and come and work for Leicestershire County Council.
HART carers, like Fiona, help adults who have recently been discharged from hospital but also support them in staying off the wards in the first place.
They also assist people who are disabled or who may have suffered illness, an accident or injury and want to be able to live independently at home.
Fiona’s mum Helen, from Sapcote, was assigned HART carers after her own stay in hospital in 2019.
Fiona said: “Mum was never a big one for fuss and would always say she didn’t need help.
“But then she started telling me about this great bunch of girls from HART and saying what a difference they were making for her when they came to see her each day.
“I had been working in the care sector for 12 years but thinking about a change and mum said ‘This might be the perfect job for you.’
“She really encouraged me to apply – so I told her I would.”
Sadly, Helen, 81, then fell ill again, had to return to hospital and sadly passed away.
“She never knew I got the job,” said Fiona.
“But I know she would have been proud that I did.
“She told me I would love doing it and she was right.”
“People do get bored with me saying how much I love my job but I’ll continue to tell them – because I do.”
Fiona said she loved helping people with tasks that most people would find basic but which can be major challenges to those who need care.
These can include being able to shower or even make a cup of tea.
She is now urging other people to follow her lead as the HART service looks to recruit a further 45 carers.
Fiona said she felt well-supported by her colleagues and managers who guided her through her comprehensive online training for the role.
The county council’s cabinet lead member for adult social care councillor Christine Radford said: “We are expanding our service and we are looking for caring, committed, enthusiastic people, like Fiona.
“It’s rewarding work and our carers play such an important part in offering short-term support to people who need it.
“That support helps them remain happy and independent, by giving them the opportunity, motivation and confidence to relearn or regain some of the skills for daily living, that may have been lost as a result of illness, accident or disability.”
Anyone interested in a role with HART can call 07593527553 or 0116 3054978 for informal chat about the job.
For further information visit: https://www.leicestershire. gov.uk/jobs-and-volunteering/ working-for-the-council/home -care-assistant.
People do get bored with me saying how much I love my job but I’ll continue to tell them – because I do.”