Kirstie, aged 24, joined the live-in care team at Carefound Home Care in 2018. She already had over 5 years’ experience in the care industry but was looking for something different and was keen to improve her health and quality of life.
Kirstie says: “I am a 24 year old who has worked in care since I was 18. Before joining Carefound Home Care I was working 15 hour shifts 6 days a week to be able to get a full time wage and snacking on all the wrong things, but despite the tiredness and unhealthy lifestyle I still loved my job.”
“I therefore decided that I needed a change, but still in the care industry, so I chose to provide one-to-one live-in care. This is a job where you live in the home of an elderly person and look after just one person’s needs, from medication to appointments, personal care, companionship and their general life interests. This gives them the chance to stay in their home safely, allowing them to have full choice in there daily life.”
“Since becoming a live-in carer I have been able to improve my health and feel less tired and drained…I can definitely say that joining Carefound Home Care as a live-in carer was the right decision for me”
“I had never done live-in care before but with good support and training I was able to settle into my role easily and create a bond with my client who lives at home with dementia. She was previously in hospital and a care home but now with the the correct diagnosis and support she has been at home just under a year. I work closely with other healthcare professionals such as the eye clinic, a mental health team, a GP and the family – all striving to do what is in the best interests of my client.”
“In terms of my life, I work a 1-week on / off routine which means that I get 14 days a month to myself at home, and 14 days with my client to do my job to the best possible standard. The care I am providing has improved my client’s life hugely, with the little things like mobility, going for walks, getting that confidence back and being sociable again. It has also definitely improved mine as I have got into fitness on my breaks (14 hours a week), when I know my client is still safe in the care of our hourly care team. I go running, walking or just enjoy the fresh air. I also now eat a better diet due to my cooking healthy food for my client and making sure she has a balanced diet which is important for her. We eat at the same times each day together and we have both been keen to try new things.”
“Since becoming a live-in carer I have been able to improve my health and feel less tired and drained. I am therefore able to give 100% to making a difference to my client’s life which is hugely rewarding. I can definitely say that joining Carefound Home Care as a live-in carer was the right decision for me.”
