An interview with a Pramacare care attendant who has been with the charity 12 years
In 12 years you must have seen a lot of changes in the care industry?
“Oh yes there are a lot more legal requirements now. There are certain things you can and can’t do. Things like manual handling training and updates, courses like ‘dealing with difficult people’ so that all the care attendants keep up with the latest professional practice. Then there are client care plans, each client has one in their home. Inside is listed exactly what medication they take and you can make notes on the care that you’ve given each visit. By reading through you can see what’s normal for that person and what isn’t. So, if during a week there is more than one care attendant visiting you can see any changes. Oh yes and there are new blister medication packs. As care attendants we don’t administer any medication, but we can check that a client has taken the right medication by checking these weekly labelled containers which are made up by the client’s surgery.”
So over the years how has your job developed?
“I progressed as a care attendant as my children got older. I started with a few hours each day, which fitted around the children but now I work between 27 and 28 hours a week. There is travelling on top of that because you have to get to each client, but Pramacare tries to keep each care attendant’s clients near by. Now the earliest visit I do is at 8am, with various other visits during the day, anything from a double-up visit, where two care attendants are needed to help a client stand up, to one evening respite sit.”
Are there ever times when clients and care attendants don’t get on?
“Most of my clients I’ve had for years. When the Pramacare care coordinator goes out to meet a new client they try to match that person with a care attendant. There are always going to be different personalities so sometimes it doesn’t work out. And sometimes it may be that a client’s family doesn’t get on with a care attendant. But you have the backing of the care coordinator so you can talk it through with them and asked to be moved from that client.”
What’s it like meeting new clients?
“It can be nerve-racking to start with. Going into people’s homes and say washing them for the first time. But you do become like one of the family and many of my clients refer to me as their friend. Actually for some of our clients the care attendant is the only person they may see. Some people have no one. Then it can be difficult because you’re limited to time.”
Are clients ever awkward?
I never do anything that a client doesn’t want, I ask and suggest. After all, their choice is part of their independence. But sometimes clients get frustrated at the situation they are in and can take it out on you. You need a lot of patience. But these people are vulnerable. I try to put myself in their position and imagine how I would feel.”
What part of being a care attendant do you like the best?
“It’s the personal care. My children don’t understand me when I say that, but it really is a privilege to help someone. When you get out there you understand.”
Pramacare is a Christian charity does this affect the work?
“You don’t have to be a Christian to work for Pramacare. It’s not in your face, the spiritual support is there if you or your clients need it. I think it’s the model of Jesus Christ that every care attendant shows whether they are a Christian or not. We bring practical compassionate help to people.”
*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.
