Former construction worker who became a care worker says 'go for it'

A former construction worker who has taken on a new career by joining Westmorland Homecare as a care worker says his new job makes him feel like he is helping "friends and family.”

Sam Parker, 28, spent several years working for his father’s firm Chris Parker and Son. Projects included restoring a wall at Sizergh Castle’s famous ‘mirror pond’ and building a toilet block at Rydal Hall.

But he says he has always loved caring and decided on a change of career.

Mr Parker from Kendal said: “When you wake up in the morning and look ahead to what the day has in store it doesn’t feel like it’s work.

“It’s more like you are going out to help friends and family."

Mr Parker also takes some of his clients out on social visits. “We might go bowling, to the cinema or out for a coffee and cake at Levens Hall or Rydal Hall. I took a younger client to a gaming shop in Kendal - I am an avid gamer so we have a lot in common.”

He said the main satisfaction he gained from the job was helping to make people’s lives easier. “If it wasn’t for me, they would not have the quality of life they have,” he said.

He believes his time in the construction industry gave him some transferable skills for his new role.

“I think I am good in very stressful situations, and I learned that in the building trade. I am level headed and if something happens when some people might panic, I will stop and think about what to do.

“I also met many people in the building trade where you have to be socially adept and able to speak to anyone and that has also helped in my home care assistant role.”

'There are thousands of people who need help with the quality of their life'

Mr Parker would recommend becoming a home care worker to anyone thinking of entering the profession.

“I would say go for it. There are thousands of people who need help with the quality of their life and if you can be a tiny part of that jigsaw puzzle that is fantastic.”

Kelly Haygarth, training co-ordinator at Westmorland Homecare, said having staff from varying backgrounds was a benefit.

“They are a fresh pair of eyes and ask questions we might not usually be asked. That challenges us to think about if we should do things in a different way.”

Westmorland Homecare ensures all new staff are given extensive training and support to help them in their jobs.

Ms Haygarth added: “Whenever anyone comes to us seeking a job it does not matter if they are experienced or not. What we are looking for is that they genuinely care about people - everything else we can train them to do.”

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