Chatting and connecting to people is best part of work
Our 12 Days of Caring series, running up to Christmas Eve, is saluting the exceptional work of the care sector during a tough year in which staff have had to go the extra mile. reports.
AFTER living in Italy, where she ran a furniture business, Allison Jacob decided to work in the care sector after returning home in 2018.
At the age of 48 it was the fulfilment of a life-long desire to work in an industry which is based on helping others.
Allison said: ‘I was a foster carer at the time and had always wanted to work in the care sector but life took me in a completely different direction. I started working as a healthcare assistant on what was a initially a temporary basis but I enjoyed it so much that I didn’t want to leave.’
In her role with domiciliary care provider, Kareplus, Allison visits clients in their homes where she carries out duties including getting people washed and dressed, making meals and ensuring clients have taken any medication and have consumed sufficient fluids. However it’s the relationship and bond on an emotional level which Allison feels is the most crucial part of her care.
She added: ‘You get really close to your clients – it’s a very personal relationship and you get to know them so well. As soon as you walk in and say hello you can tell if something is wrong.
‘It’s also nice to be able to chat to people and connect on an emotional level – for me that’s the most important part of the job. For some clients we may be the only people they speak to each day.’
While some people ‘inevitably have to go into residential care’ Allison believes the homecare service is vital for many of her clients. She commented: ‘For many people it’s very important to remain in their own homes where they feel most comfortable.’
While some people may ordinarily spend the festive period with families, many of Allison’s clients will still need their care provision on Christmas day.
She added: ‘We will all be caring for our clients on Christmas day but the way the shifts have been divided means no one will be working more than three-and-ahalf hours. My advice to anyone thinking of changing career and going into the care industry is to go for it – it’s very rewarding and really enjoyable.’
The News has joined other organisations across Portsmouth to thank staff in the care industry after what has been a tougher year than most.
Shaping Portsmouth is organising city groups and businesses including the University of Portsmouth, Wightlink and Hovertravel to purchase £70 Christmas hampers and deliver them to the 39 care homes in the city, as well as to homecare providers.
There will be a carol concert for care homes broadcast on the Portsmouth Music Hub YouTube channel at 2.30pm on December 22. The Portsmouth Carols for Care initiative has seen the recording of classic festive tunes performed St John’s Cathedral Catholic Primary School, St John’s College, Corpus Christi Primary and St Paul’s Catholic Primary, as well as music from the Portsmouth Hub Chamber Choir and St Mary’s Church along with the Salvation Army.
NEIL FATKIN