'I look forward to going to work, you get attached, it's a bond that builds' says home care worker

"You get attached to the people you care for, it’s a bond that builds as the months go on”, says Sally Jones, a former veterinary nurse who changed jobs to become a care worker during the pandemic and is now urging others to go for a career in care.

With 15 years experience as a former veterinary nurse, Ms Jones had never worked in social care prior to joining Bluebird Care Shropshire as a care worker at the height of the Covid pandemic in April 2020.

‘Making a difference makes you feel like a better person’

“I have a caring nature. I like meeting people and talking to them. Everyone is different and everyone has a story to tell.

“I think to be a carer you need to be a compassionate person. You will go that extra mile if you have kindness and compassion. This is not just a job. You have to care.”

When asked what she likes most about working in care, Ms Jones says: “I find that being a carer is rewarding. I can see the difference I make. I think you must take pride in what you do if you are going to do it the best you can.

"Making a difference makes you feel like a better person.

“I look forward to going to work and when I get home, I think: ‘that was a good day.’ The reward for me is making people happy. I’m happy when they are happy.”

‘All my life I have felt this urge to help’

Natalia Fabian a live-in care assistant at Bluebird Care Shropshire agrees.

Before joining the home care provider in March 2019, Ms Fabian was already a highly experienced care worker with nine years’ experience.

“I guess I was born a carer. All my life I have felt this urge to help, to lend a hand, to do any tiny thing I could for friends or strangers to make them feel happier. Every one of us is given a talent. It took me a while to realise that mine was love for people, and I also have patience and humour.”

Her role sees her spend 24 hours a day with customers who need continuous care in their own home.

Ms Fabian adds: “Being a carer is rewarding and makes me feel fulfilled. I’m very proud that my daughter has just started working for Bluebird Care too”.

'Increasing staff pressures'

With care providers across the UK seeking new recruits to fill around 112,000 care job vacancies at any one time, Bluebird Care (Shropshire) has mounted a campaign to attract more people to work in care.

The home care provider's ‘It’s Time to Care’ campaign is aimed at easing the recruitment pressures facing the social care sector.

The home care firm helps people who struggle with daily tasks (such as getting out of bed, washing, getting dressed, cooking and going shopping) and is keen to raise awareness of the different paths that people can take to pursue a career in social care.

Katy Falconer, head of people at Bluebird Care, said: “With increasing staffing pressures in the UK, we once again need to champion the rewarding careers the social care sector offers in a bid to encourage more to join our industry.

“At Bluebird Care, our care assistant roles come with security, safety and industry-leading rewards. We aren’t looking for experience or a specific skillset, as we provide full training. Rather, we’re hoping to attract those who hold the core values of compassion, dedication and a commitment to helping others in Shrewsbury, Oswestry and Church Stretton.” To view the latest nationwide vacancies at Bluebird Care, please visit the home care provider's website.

click here for more details or to contact Bluebird Care Shropshire