Why care? Hear experiences from Abbeyfield carers

Are you kind, caring and compassionate? Choose a caring career.

This year's You Can Care Week (21-27 February) focuses on how people can bring their unique skills and personality traits to the care sector. 

What is You Can Care Week?

You Can Care Week is all about shining a spotlight on the incredible people working in the care sector and encouraging others to come and join. The week is run by home care provider Home Instead and highlights the rewarding role of being a carer. You can follow activity relating to the week on social media by searching #YouCanCare.

Is care right for you? 

Do you seek a rewarding career where no two days are the same? Then a career in care may be perfect for you.

As an Abbeyfield carer, you will be helping older people to live their life the way they want to, independently and safely, pursuing hobbies and interests. Knowing that you are making a difference to those who are older or vulnerable provides a real sense of achievement that’s difficult to experience in any other role. You'll be making real connections with residents, their families and other members of staff. 

There are also many benefits to working in care, including;

• Learning new skills and gaining qualifications — You can start as a Care Assistant with no qualifications, as long as your willing to work towards achieving them over time. Abbeyfield, like many other organisations, provide relevant on-the-job training to ensure you have all the necessary knowledge to do your job. You can also complete further qualifications following an NVQ Level 2.

• Having great flexibility in your working days/hours — Not everyone is looking for a 9-5. Working in care offers the flexibility you need to balance out any commitments in your personal life. 

• The opportunities available for progression — There is so much opportunity for progression in the care industry. You can become a specialist, senior, management, head of, support worker - the possibilities are endless! 

Hear from real Abbeyfield carers 

Here's what our team of carers had to say about a career in care.

"Within the care sector you make a difference to someone’s life with even the little things; having a chat, doing their hair, doing their nails or even just being there for them. I would 100% recommend a career in care, it is so rewarding. It can be challenging at times as with any job, but I love it and no day is the same."

— Molly Worthington, Head of Dementia Care at Westall House

“A career within care brings lots of opportunities for progression; you can become a senior, manager, move into activities, complete courses, and more! My favourite part about my job is seeing the residents who are further along their dementia journey engage.”

— Courtney Jenkins, Occupational Therapist at Winnersh

"I love my job and love when we make real changes, when we are able to work as a team and help each other. Like when a new resident is settling in, using a new frame, or we're decorating their room."

— Diana Albuquerque, Registered Care Home Manager at Browns Field House

“No two days are the same. The best part of my job is listening and chatting away with our residents. Seeing them laugh just tugs at my heartstrings.”

— Michelle Seaborne, Care Team Leader at Cunningham House

“I have loved every minute of the last 30 years, and it really is a testament to what a wonderful place it is to work that so many of my colleagues have also spent decades here caring for our residents. There have been many challenges, particularly this past year, but the residents and the staff all make it such a welcoming place every day that sometimes it doesn’t feel like work.”

— Sharon Bell, Deputy Manager at Friars Mead

Care to join us?