Well, here I am about to begin the next episode in my ‘Live in Carer’ life.
I should be used to moving on by now as care placements do come to an end sometimes and I have worked for Almost Family for over 3 years now. However, when you are the Primary Carer and have been for nearly a year, when it comes to an end it is always difficult to say goodbye… but exciting too. You never know what is around the corner. Moving on to the next family in need of help and support for a loved one, with new challenges to face. I am dealing with physical disabilities this time, not the Alzheimer’s I have just left. That is the nature of this job, transient, with multiple experiences. I love it!
First though a little bit about myself. I am a retired teacher living in Spain, needing to renovate my house, but also requiring the money to do so. A friend suggested Live in Care as a possibility. Not knowing anything about it I did my research and it seemed to fit the bill. Flexibility, so I could work when I wanted to. I control my work/life balance. Almost Family came high up on the list of care companies looking for carers. I applied and I am so happy that I did as I was accepted, and so my journey began.
The organisation is a small, well run, caring, organisation. The management is hands-on and really care about their clients and their staff. They are always at the end of the phone to give out sound advice, or practical assistance and they visit the ‘cared for’ and family on a regular basis. It does so make a big difference to the family and supports the Carer too. Well, three years later I am still working for Almost Family, my house in Spain slowly being renovated.
For now, though, I will continue with my new placement, a lovely lady with arthritis. I will continue with this blog, highlighting the ups and downs of life as a Live-In Carer. I will pass on tips, tricks and techniques I use to make my client comfortable and happy. Hopefully, you will learn something? I hope you will leave comments too so I can learn from you! I will also pass on recipes for meals that go down a treat with my client. Happy and successful caring to you all.
To be continued….
By Alison