'I am used to reading the signs when he is unwell' says lifesaving care worker

Care worker Michelle Jackson has been named 'home care professional of the month' after she saved the life of a diabetic man.

The 29-year-old who works part-time for Caremark Kirklees noticed her client slurring his words and looking unwell during one of her visits. Ms Jackson has been looking after the same client for the past 12 months and calls in for five and a half hours every Tuesday.

“Having supported the client for so long, I am used to reading the signs when he is unwell, and I knew when he started slurring his words that something was wrong,” she said.

’She is the most stable thing in my life and provides the continuity I need’

The client who is diabetic was having a hypoglycaemic episode due to low blood sugar levels and Ms Jackson immediately rang an ambulance to the client’s home. Once admitted to hospital, the client found out that he had also suffered a hernia caused by blood leaking into his stomach.

“I only did what anyone else would have done by calling an ambulance and I am so glad that he is now ok. You experience lots of different things as a care worker and this was a bit scary, but thankfully everything worked out in the end,” said Ms Jackson.

The client said: “The doctors told me afterwards that had Michelle not called the ambulance, I would have died, so I have her to thank for still being here today.

"She acted so quickly, and my mum was also in my house when it happened and was understandably upset, but Michelle stayed with her and reassured and comforted her, which means a lot.

“She can always tell when I am not looking right and, or if something is wrong. She is absolutely fantastic.”

The client who suffers from anxiety and depression said: “Michelle provides companionship, helping me to get out into the community to do things like shopping and generally just being there to talk to. She is the most stable thing in my life and provides the continuity I need.”

Care manager Leah Gledhill said: “Michelle typifies what being a home care professional is and we are very proud to have her on the team. She kept her cool in a very difficult and testing situation.”

Ms Jackson has been working as a care worker since she was 18 and likes to help people with “making their own life more enjoyable in their own home.“

’Being a care worker is a very rewarding job looking after people and putting a smile on their face it is very enjoyable’

Having previously worked in care homes, Ms Jackson moved to the home care sector and told homecare.co.uk that she "definitely enjoys the home care sector more because it is keeping them in their own home and making them more independent".

Ms Jackson likes to keep the client’s independence to help “promote them to do more things for themselves instead of doing it all for them.”

Looking back, Ms Jackson would not change her career. “It is so rewarding.” She said. “We might be the only people they see on a day to day basis so seeing people cheer up when we see them and basically keeping them as independent as possible and knowing that you are helping them in a good way.

“If you fancy a change in career, being a care worker is a very rewarding job, looking after people and putting a smile on their face is very enjoyable.

“It is so important for you to have the same clients because you can build that bond and gain trust and respect.”

As a result of Michelle’s experience, Caremark Kirklees has now introduced diabetes awareness training for all staff.

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