Richard, Personal Care Assistant

I am 52 years old and have spent the majority of my working life, in the building industry.

I trained to be a Carpenter and joiner and over the years, worked my way into management.

Up until March 2020, I was a Senior Construction Site Manager, in the retail sector, building warehouses.

In March 2020 my world took a turn for the worse. My partner was diagnosed with cancer. I immediately handed my notice in, so that I could support , care and spend time by my partners’ side. Then Covid-19 took the world by surprise, things were even more scarier than we could imagine, my partner then had to undergo 2 major operations to stand a chance of beating cancer.

The operations went ahead, successfully. My partner started her chemo sessions and we decided that I should start looking to get back to work.

I saw an advert for Personal Care assistants, as I had been caring for my partner for the last 6 months and enjoyed it, I applied.

At my age, I thought who’d want me?

How wrong I was, lots of clients rely on me, to do the simplest of things, like making a cuppa, putting on socks, assisting them going to the toilet, all things we take for granted.

The role and hours fitted in with my partners’ ongoing needs. The training I have undertaken so far, has helped me with my partner and of course my new clients. I’ve realised just how hard life is for some people, and being a good carer is all they need.

I enjoy getting up ready for work knowing full well I’m going to make a difference to someone’s day. They enjoy the visits and look forward to me coming. To see a smile is by far the best bonus I’ve ever had.

I never appreciated what a carers role actually is. Now I am proud to say that I’m part of it, instead of saying, “I built that” I can now say, “I help people and make a difference.

Inspired by Richard’s story? Find your role in care today!

Or get in touch with the Proud to Care team to find out more about careers in care.