Rhod’s love for carers after TV work experience
COMEDIAN Rhod Gilbert broke down during a stint as a care worker when it brought back memories of his mother’s last years living with Alzheimer’s, writes Tonywhitfield.
He said care workers were undervalued and needed the nation’s love, respect and support more than ever during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Emotional Rhod, 51, described the care industry as “neglected – and worse, maligned”.
In the first episode of his BBC series Rhod Gilbert’swork Experience, thewelsh funnyman joins a team of carers.
He admitted initially to being squeamish about washing people.
But by the end of his work experience he said he had not expected it to be as happy, joyful and rewarding as it was.
Rhod is seen joking with octogenarian Londoner Betty, now living in a care home in Barry, South Wales.
She cannot understand his Welsh accent and he calls her a “criminal in a cardigan”.
Rhod said: “The job may be 75 per cent bottom, but it is at least 1,000 per cent heart.
“It’s physically, mentally, emotionally and psychologically challenging and all done for a society that often portrays it negatively and a Government that does not value it sufficiently.”
The filming brought back memories of Rhod’s mum Norma who was in a home before she died in 2016. His father Malcolm is now in a home after being left blind and frail following a heart attack.the comic said: “To get someone out of bed, wash them and assist them in getting dressed, feeling happy and confident and clean and warm and safe.
“To get a smile from someone with Alzheimer’s and know that the difference you have made by these small daily actions is so enormous to their sense of dignity and comfort.that is one of the greatest privileges, so, yes, I think I could do it.”
Rhod said a sense of humour is essential as a carer as it made difficult situations easier to deal with. He said: “We use humour every day to alleviate worry and make tough situations more bearable. It is one of the ‘soft’ skills a carer needs.”
Filming took place before the lockdown. Speaking afterwards, Rhod said: “I cannot imagine how tough it is for care workers in homes and the community right now. I imagine it is nothing short of traumatic and carers need our love, respect and support... oh and a pay rise.”
● See Rhod Gilbert’swork Experience on BBC One at 10pm on Wednesday.