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I’m Amy and I’m the Live-in Care Manager for the West Midlands, Derbyshire, Yorkshire, Durham, Tyne & Wear and Northumberland. I was brought up in Redditch and have good local knowledge of the West Midlands with a large locally based family. I used to live in Leeds and have since spent a lot of time with friends in Yorkshire. |
My Qualifications
I joined Helping Hands just over 2 years ago – but it feels like I have been here forever! And I mean that in a good way! Along with my Degree, I have completed the following training courses:
- NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care
- Child Protection Training
- Abuse Investigation Training
- Supervision and Direct Observation Training
- Dementia Training
- Risk Assessor Training Level 1
- Appraisal Training
- Investigation & Disciplinary Training
My Experience with Elderly Care
I have many clients with Dementia and Cognitive Impairment, Arthritis, Osteoporosis, Heart conditions, Cancer as well as some that are terminally ill. I found the Dementia training very useful; it gave me a much better understanding of the various forms of the illness and the way that we need to tailor our care to suit the level of Dementia.
I am constantly aware of the disruption that change can bring to clients suffering with Dementia, and I understand their frustrations at their decrease in cognitive ability; reassurance and the right kind of Carer is key.
Younger Persons and Respite Care
Some of my younger clients have suffered from Spinal Injuries, MS, Head Injuries and Lance Adams Syndrome. One of my clients with a severe physical disability was looking for independence; she is wheelchair bound and was looking for total support as well as strong social companionship. I really connected with her need to engage with her peers socially, and worked closely with her to find the right Carer who has now been with her for 2 years.
When managing my clients with Brain Injury and Learning Disabilities I have an extremely close relationship with their support network to ensure that their needs are fully understood and met. The diversity of my younger clients means that we always have to work with Carers who are socially versatile.
I have managed Respite Care packages for many clients when the main care givers have a planned absence. Giving people peace of mind, even if just for a short time, can considerably help all involved. Many have since come back to us for support as and when the need arises.
Job satisfaction
I love working in a job where I can make such a difference; it is very rewarding to build relationships with clients, families and Carers. I love travelling to see my clients; I always look forward to the very warm welcome (and tea and biscuits!) I receive when I get there.
The variety is great, every day is different; I’m constantly solving problems and thinking on my feet. It really spurs me on when I hear a great compliment about one of our Carers and the difference that they have made.
I had a client who adored her Carer; she really became one of the family. Care was initially set up on a short term basis, but the same Carer ended up staying for 2 years. This made a huge difference to the client’s daughter, who got some real quality time with her mum that she thought she would never get. Knowing that we had given this lady and her family such a happy ending to their time together never fails to make me smile.
Tell us about your Carers
One of my carers was in a new placement; she was teased in a good humoured way all the time, but the family adored her and the relationship worked well for everyone. Some of my Carers were teachers or nurses prior to joining us. I have a very close bond with all of the Carers within my area, a really great team.
A Bit about me
As part of a huge family, I really am a people person. One of the louder ones in the office, I am outgoing and am known for my infectious enthusiasm. I like to think I am a good motivator and use my experience to help mentor some of the newer members of staff. In my free time I enjoy sports, the theatre, reading and socialising. My favourite thing of all is live music.
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