If you have been looking for a meaningful career where you’ll be able to make a real difference to people’s lives every single day, consider adult social care. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have previous experience, if you’re passionate about helping others, you may be the perfect candidate. It can offer lots of flexibility and there are many different roles available, depending on where you’d like to work or what you want to do.
Mariya previously worked in an office but wanted to pursue a role that was more rewarding and varied. Having heard that to begin a career in care, all you needed were the right qualities, rather than specific qualifications, Mariya decided to become a part-time Healthcare Assistant in a nursing home for people with dementia.
Mariya explained that “I used to work in banking and with computers, where you know exactly what to expect,” so felt a little worried about her lack of prior caring experience. However, she says that she had no reason to be concerned, as a three-month training course, as well as ongoing on-the-job training and support ensured she was well-equipped for her role.
Having only planned to work on a part time basis, just seven months later, Mariya is set on building a career in adult social care as she loves that “every day is different”. She also really enjoys the training and progression opportunities that are available. However, the main thing that Mariya enjoys is “supporting care recipients. “I find it both inspiring and immensely rewarding. I love the positive feedback I receive from the residents and their families.”
Something that Mariya has found particularly helpful in her role, is the fact she is multilingual as it enables her to speak to residents in their native tongue, building stronger rapport with those she supports, noting that “I particularly love that my ability to speak Hindi and Tamil has been an unexpected asset.”
Mariya is excited and proud to see that there is an increasing recognition of the importance of nursing homes within the South Asian community and the role healthcare assistants play in looking after these vulnerable people in society. She attributes this to a greater understanding of how her work chimes with her personal and her community’s values and beliefs - “I have a lot of respect for my elders and that helps me in my job. I like to treat the residents as I would treat my own family. After all, tomorrow I too will be older and in need of support.”
Maryia wants to encourage others with the right qualities to apply for a career in care. “This job needs patience and empathy, which is more important than any qualifications you have.”
To find out more about the roles available near you, visit www.adultsocialcare.co.uk
