South Tyneside home care workers encourage others to consider the role

Care workers who switched from other roles to help look after people in their own homes have spoken of the rewarding nature of the job.
Julie Orr has been enjoying the roleJulie Orr has been enjoying the role
Julie Orr has been enjoying the role

But more staff are needed to meet demand, and a call has gone out to find more recruits.

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South Tyneside Council created an outreach team at the beginning of the pandemic which brought together people from a range of backgrounds and experience from within the council, partner organisations and external bodies to support people to live in their own homes.

Among them was Sandra Compton, 63, of Simonside, South Shields, who is now encouraging others to consider signing up to work in home care.

Sandra used to work in day services offered by the Alzheimer’s Society.

“The role was very enjoyable and rewarding. I enjoyed supporting people and it felt good to be able to make a difference to their lives,” she said.

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Sandra said she enjoyed the role so much she has since started a new job providing palliative care with a home care provider.

Former day services worker Julie Orr, 55, joined the outreach team when Ocean Road day services closed due to the pandemic.

Julie, 55, of Whiteleas in South Shields, said: “The role is quite challenging, not least because of the shift patterns which I wasn’t used to, but it is an enjoyable job.

"We have had a lot of good feedback from residents and their families.

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“We also have had fantastic support from management who have been there for us at all times of the day and night.”

Councillor Anne Hetherington, lead Member for Independence and Wellbeing at South Tynside Council, said: “We have received clear feedback that people want to live independently in their own homes for as long as possible.

“While not without its challenges, supporting people to live healthy, happy and independent lives is immensely rewarding. I would encourage anyone with a caring attitude to find out more about being a home carer.”

Anyone interested in working in domiciliary care is asked to register their interest with the national recruitment campaign at www.everydayisdifferent.com

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