Young care workers from a leading Swindon care home are calling on other young people in the area to follow in their footsteps and consider care work as a career, which they say they are finding enormously rewarding.
Abbey House is holding two recruitment open days in March. They are hoping to attract new care and nursing staff and to showcase their leading work in supporting older people.
Abbey House is a new, modern nursing and residential care home in North Swindon with a focus on dementia care. Staff at the home support up to 73 people with round-the-clock care adapted to the needs of each resident.
Anyone interested in a career in care work is welcome to drop in on Wednesday 14 or Saturday 17 March 2018 between 2 and 5.30pm to meet residents and staff and talk about the opportunities on offer.
Both care assistant and nurse roles are currently available. Managers at Abbey House are keen to hear from people with care experience, as well as those who are new to care, and offer full support and training.
Dominic Higgins has worked as a care assistant at Abbey House since June 2017. This marked a major career change for the 24 year old, who previously worked as a bin man. And he says he's never looked back;
"It's brilliant, I love working here. Abbey House is my second home. It feels so warm and welcoming and every day when I come in I'm greeted with smiles.
"I have two brothers who have autism and it was only when I left home that I realised how much I missed looking after people. It's so rewarding. Every day when I go home I know I've helped someone and that feeling stays with me all day.
"It's challenging too - but in a good way. Before I started I knew very little about dementia and it was a big shock at first. But I've been so well supported - you always know where you're going and how to handle situations. It comes down to looking after everyone as individuals. It's like a friendship - you're only going to build a strong friendship if you get to know and understand people, everything from their daily routine to their passions and preferences.
"Before I came here I was always searching for what I wanted to do - but now I'm set. I know I'll spend my career in care work. And it's helped me outside of work too, as I've become much more confident and conversational since I started this job."
Fraser Skene went into care work to ‘get some life experience.' Having secured a university place to study psychology, the 19 year old decided to spend a year working first to develop his confidence and do something positive to help other people.
He says the role has taught him an enormous amount, not just about care but about life as well
"It's really taken me out of my comfort zone. I'd never really met anyone with dementia before - I didn't know how to talk to them. Now I understand that everyone's different and there really is no single approach. I love finding out about people's interests and life histories - or hearing about their families or working lives. It helps that I'm a fan of old music - so I love the chance to play some Nat King Cole or Frank Sinatra whilst I'm helping one of our residents to get dressed, and to hear him singing along.
"I lend my hand to the odd crossword too. One of our residents loves words and the English language. I can see she enjoys the company and sense of team work when I get a few minutes to work on them together. It's fascinating to see that focus not only keeps her mind active but helps limit her confusion too."
Fraser finds his role as a care assistant hugely rewarding and inspiring. He adds:
"People with dementia are often hidden away. They don't have the independence we all take for granted. It's liberating to know you're helping people. I could be flipping burgers or working in a shop, but I knew I wanted to do something that makes a difference.
"Only recently I found one of our residents distressed and frustrated, in tears because he felt so confused due to his poor memory. After a little time sitting and chatting with him, he was smiling again. A little kindness goes a long way - and almost always, I get kindness in return."
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