My career in care
Care Assistant Catherine shares what inspired her to change career aged 50 and her experience of joining the Brooklands team.
“For 20 years I worked in the tax department of an accountancy firm. It never felt like the right fit for me, but it wasn’t until I was made redundant, that I decided to follow my passion for care and change direction completely.
I first began training with the Samaritans because I was the Mental Health First Aider in my last job. But while training my mother was diagnosed with dementia and sadly passed away suddenly. I realised then that dementia care was my true calling. I feel I can empathise with our families at Brooklands because I know what they’re going through.
When I joined Brooklands in 2020, the home’s management team supported my training and development. Because I didn’t have a qualification in care, Brooklands enrolled me on a Care Certificate which I completed alongside on-the-job training including a two-week shadowing period. They also enrolled me on the Montessori Approach to Dementia course which I found extremely interesting and has helped me support people with dementia more effectively. With my new found skills and confidence, I also became a wellbeing blogger for the company’s intranet site.
The whole team have been very supportive and welcoming. My favourite thing about Brooklands is the rapport and relationships I’ve built, not only with my colleagues but our residents too – we have a good laugh, it’s my favourite part of the job! I feel valued and appreciated when residents make a point of thanking me.
My proudest moment so far has to be when a team leader was off sick and, as the most senior person, I stepped up to lead the floor for that shift. I came home feeling really satisfied that I’d done a good job.
As well as my care work, I also enjoy helping the activities team with arts and crafts sessions for our residents. I realise now all the things I’m good at were totally wasted on a tax department! It’s great that all my passions, from cartoon illustration to gardening, can come into play with my carer role at Brooklands!”
To take your first step in providing life-changing support to our residents, apply for one of our current roles here.
