Deaf care worker urges people with disabilities to consider a caring career

A profoundly deaf care worker is calling on people with disabilities to put themselves forward for a career in care.

Nikki Healy, a care assistant working for home care firm Bluebird Care North Hampshire and West Berkshire, doesn’t let being deaf get in the way of her life and her job and wants to encourage others to join the care sector.

'I feel so welcomed here'

While some people who are profoundly deaf communicate through speech, lipreading, assistive technology and communication support, others use sign language.

Speaking out in this year's Deaf Awareness Week, Nikki Healy, who has worked for the home care firm for three years, said: “When I meet customers and explain that I am profoundly deaf and can lipread, they always accept me and treat me with respect.

“I applied for a job with Bluebird Care West Berkshire after reading their website and all about the quality of care they provide for their customers. I was given plenty of training with a care mentor before I was introduced to customers.

“I am the only Bluebird Care Care Assistant who is profoundly deaf, and the company has always been very accommodating. When I first came in for training, Bluebird Care West Berkshire made sure the other care assistants were aware of my deafness – I feel so welcomed here.”

In the UK, more than 12 million people are living with hearing loss. This can range from a partial to a total inability to hear. All levels of hearing loss can make communication in the workplace difficult if the right support isn't provided.

Hearing specialists categorise hearing loss using four different levels: mild, moderate, severe and profound. Profound hearing loss means it is likely hearing aids won’t help with hearing speech, but they may help with identifying which direction sounds come from.

“While on duty, I work alongside other care assistants who are always good to me and assist me, particularly with new customers. The more I work with customers, the more they get used to my deafness - I always really value their patience with me.

“Having been in the care industry for many years, Bluebird Care is the best company I have worked for. Many of my colleagues have been on training for Deaf Awareness, they have also arranged interpreters for my training and team meetings.

Read the CQC report and social media 'to get a good feel of the company'

“My advice to anyone with a disability who is interest in pursuing a role in care is to read the CQC report and social media to get a good feel of the company and how they value their staff, the training they offer and the type of customers you will be visiting.”

There are many different causes of hearing loss, including exposure to loud noise, drugs used to treat serious illnesses, genetics or ear conditions. Some babies are born deaf. Most hearing loss, however, occurs naturally as part of the ageing process.

Jady Starr at Bluebird Care North Hampshire, said: “Nikki has been an incredible care assistant from day one, she is so passionate about caring for her customers and she has become such an integral part of the Bluebird Care North Hampshire team.

“We are proud to be an employer that prioritises diversity and inclusion.

“Where possible, we will always make arrangements to accommodate the needs and requirements of our team members. Just as we care for our customers, we also care for our employees.”

click here for more details or to contact Bluebird Care North Hampshire & West Berkshire