An interview with a Pramacare care attendant
How did you become a Pramacare care attendant?
“I’d been looking after two elderly neighbours as a friend for some time. Then I saw an advertisement in the local paper that Pramacare was looking for more care attendants. I called the Pramacare office to find out more and they asked me to do some work shadowing* to see what was involved. When I was asked, “Do you think you can do this?” The answer was “Yes”.
So how long have you been working for Pramacare now?
“In October I will have been a Pramacare care attendant for two years. Every day is different. You don’t know what’s coming. You meet marvellous people. It can be challenging, sometimes hilarious and sometimes sad. But it’s connecting with people.”
You say every day is different. Can you describe a typical day?
“Well at the moment I’ve just worked 13 days in a row, but that’s been my choice. It’s not like an office job and I can say when I’d like holiday or when I will be unavailable. It’s very flexible. One day I may start at 8am and do three morning visits of between half an hour and one hour each. I’ll help people get up and get dressed. Then I might have an afternoon visit, when I’d even do shopping for someone: One of these visits I do on a Wednesday takes 4 hours, but usually I only spend between half an hour and an hour with each client. Oh yes, and then I might have an evening visit to help put someone to bed. I only usually work 16 hours each week, but as I say it’s varied work so the hours can change.”
Because you work a lot on your own, do you feel there is support if you need it?
“Well you’re always with a client, so you’re not on your own. But, yes, if I’m worried about a client I always phone back to the Pramacare office, so that they can follow it up. If I need extra time with a client, I just phone the office and there’s no quibble. One of the care team in the office will let my other clients know that I’ll be late or if necessary another care attendant will be sent out to cover for me. So yes I feel supported. And of course there are the monthly care attendant meetings where we get together and have updated training. In fact I’m just going to start an NVQ in care and Pramacare will be providing me with all that additional training.”
So what is the best thing about care work?
“Caring becomes part of your life. I can honestly say that I love the work. It’s such a great privilege to help people. To know that you’ve helped make a situation as good as you can. To make sure that someone is warm, fed and safe and you’ve made such a difference. Some of the clients are an inspiration in themselves. Against all odds they never give up and rarely feel sorry for themselves. And if they do get grumpy then they are angry with the situation not with you. Your challenge is to make them smile and to be yourself. I really do love the job, it’s a two-way thing and it's a privilege to bring colour to someone's day.”
*Before work shadowing is undertaken a confidentially agreement must be signed.
All Pramacare staff have to complete a satisfactory Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Disclosure and induction training.
