Meet Judy, Care Worker, Alina Homecare

Judy works as a care worker providing home care for people to live at home and stay independent. Her role includes:

• assist clients with daily living, providing support and companionship
• support clients with social and physical activities
• promote physical and mental health plus positive well-being to encourage independence
• provide emotional and social support whilst promoting dignity and respect
• Judy’s main goal as a care worker is to make someone’s life easier and bring a smile to their face every day. It’s the little things that make the biggest difference, and the bond she has with her clients is so important and special.

Judy’s career journey

Judy joined the Bristol branch in May 2020 as a care worker having previous experience of working both in the community and in care homes. Prior to joining Alina Homecare Judy had some time off and was a little anxious to step back into work, especially into such a demanding role. Having the time off to reflect Judy realised she missed care.

The reason Judy chose to jump back into care at the start of lockdown is that she knew the need was now even greater.

Judy is currently studying for her Level 3 Lead Adult Care Worker Apprenticeship with t2 group. Since starting her Apprenticeship Judy has expanded her knowledge in areas such as safeguarding, legislation, and best practice – all of which she had some knowledge of previously from working in the field, but it helped Judy become a better carer as it gave her the confidence to apply her learning to her role and understand why things are done a certain way.

Judy explains ‘At school, I was not academic, and I did not have a lot of confidence in my studies, so starting the Apprenticeship was a huge decision for me and a scary step, but I always feel that if someone else believes in me, then I start to believe in myself. The thing I struggled with the most was my English exams because of my dyslexia, and this was the first English exam I had ever done so it was very nerve-racking for me. However, t2 were able to provide additional support and encouragement that meant I was able to pass these, and I am so happy I’ve done this.

I hope this encourages other care workers to consider taking the next steps into their journey of care by signing up to further studies and qualifications, and especially anyone with additional learning support requirements because t2 have been great!’.

Judy’s next steps

Judy comments ‘I hope to use my skills and experience to progress into a senior role in care as I have a lot of knowledge and techniques that I could share with newer members of staff and give them confidence in their roles to become the best carers they can be.

Once I have completed my Level 3 Lead Adult Care Worker Apprenticeship, I aim to have a break from my studies to concentrate on my career progression and then hope to complete further studies at higher levels to help me achieve my goals of a senior role’.

What advice would Judy give to anyone interested in a career in care?

Judy would recommend a career in social care because every day is different!

Judy describes ‘One day you could be taking a client to a day centre and playing skittles, and the next day you could be supporting someone who is struggling with their mental health and who needs a lot of reassurance.

In terms of skills required for a job like this, you really don’t need any previous experience you just need to care! It’s all about your personality and your compassion because the training will help you with the technical stuff, but you must be in this for the right reason in the first place and want to help make a difference.

My favourite thing about my job is just being there for someone. I love being there for them in the tears and the laughter, the highs and the lows, and just living life’.