My journey in care work started with looking after my mum in her final weeks of cancer. I had no training or experience, and I wish I knew then what I know now, but I value that time we spent together, and I learnt a lot from the domiciliary nurses, carers and Marie Curie team that supported her. Th...More My journey in care work started with looking after my mum in her final weeks of cancer. I had no training or experience, and I wish I knew then what I know now, but I value that time we spent together, and I learnt a lot from the domiciliary nurses, carers and Marie Curie team that supported her. They inspired me to follow a new path from teaching. From initially working as a teacher delivering creative workshops to adults with learning difficulties, I eventually transitioned to my current care role supporting adults with learning disabilities in a shared home. I also support a lady with early dementia and an injury privately in her own family home. A regular day-shift at the home starts early with personal care, administering medication, keeping notes of my work and recording the needs of the person I’m supporting. I prepare meals, keep the house clean, do laundry and when I have time, additional admin to maintain the premises. I make it my priority to take the People we Support out for a suitable activity according to their needs (and the weather!) I am always looking for new ways to stimulate the People we Support, within the framework of staffing, timing and budget. A successful day of appropriate activity for the People we Support is for me the most rewarding part of being a Support Care Worker. Another responsibility is to keep a balance of the People we Support’s financial accounts for which cash is kept on the premises. I am experienced at sleeping-in at the home where there are four individuals to keep safe at night. At present, I am working with a Clinical Psychologist to support our people with ‘Positive Behavior Support' training, to identify ways in which we can manage behaviors of concern for some of our people at the home. As well as the training outlined in my profile, I have completed a Makaton course, am trained in administering Buccolam and Midazolam for Epilepsy, and have recently started study for a Social Care Stage 2 certificate. A typical day with my lady in her private family home begins with her telling me what she would like to do. While I wait for her to eat breakfast I clean the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom while she rests. I give her personal care and start the laundry while she takes another rest. When she is ready, we take a gentle walk around her garden, then do 20-30 minutes of physiotherapy and exercises, depending on her energy levels. I make her and her husband lunch and finish the laundry before saying goodbye. The top priority for me as a care worker, is to establish a meaningful connection with my clients - I try to find some common ground between us. I want us to look forward to spending time together, and for them to feel comfortable telling me what they want - my job satisfaction comes from knowing they are happy that I am supporting them.