Louise Farrell is a Care Assistant with Kare Plan. She told us more about her job and why she’d recommend working as a carer to anyone and checking out the Kare Plan jobs.
Tell us more about your background?
I work for years in retail and back in 2012 I gave up work to care for my mother who had alzheimers.
I had help from a local company who provided care assistants for a few hours each day. I had so much admiration for the work they did and after my mother passed I decided on a career change and become a trained care assistant so that I could help other people within my community.
What qualifications do you have?
I completed the QQI level 5 in Healthcare in a local training college as well as a patient moving course.
What’s your typical day like?
I start off my day by getting the kids school, my first client call is at 9.30am.
I look after several clients in my local area, each call lasts between 30mins-1hr depending on the needs of the client.
I finish my daytime calls around 2 pm. Once the kids the collected from school and dinner is made I head back out in the evening for a few hours and visit my clients.
What’s the best thing about your job?
The best thing is the flexibility I have with Kare Plan. I can fit in my work around the kids and personal life.
I love visiting my clients and knowing the work I do benefits them and gives their family members peace of mind that their loved ones are being looked after.
Kare Plan also offers great rates of pay and help with petrol and mileage.
What is the most challenging?
When a client deteriorates, it can be hard. You see the struggles they go through and how upsetting it can be for the family.
I do however take great comfort in knowing that my experience and training helps the clients and families cope with these changes and ensure that the client gets the best care they need.
What other skills are needed in your role?
Patient handling is a huge part of the job so that certificate is a must. Any previous experience dealing with the public will help as you meet people from all walks of life.
What advice would you give somebody applying for a job with your company?
A huge part of the job is dealing with people, having a positive attitude and a good work ethic will go a long way.