When the pandemic lock-downs forced Emma Johnson to put her nail technician business on hold she had to find another source of income. Her experience of caring for her own mother had given her an insight into care work so she decided to give it a try. She loved it so has carried on working as a PerCurra home care assistant even though she has been able to restart her business.

Emma explains: “I have always been self-employed. I am a trained nail technician with my own clients and I’m also a trainer within colleges and salons and provide private tuition. When my mum’s health deteriorated, due to dementia and Alzheimer’s, I had an annexe built on my house because I wanted to look after her. We had a care professional coming in a couple of times a day but other than that I was her carer. It really did give me an insight into care work and taught me ‘values’ about caring. I cared for mum for eight years so during that time I worked closely with all the health professionals – it teaches you a lot!

“So, during lockdown, when I couldn’t work doing people’s nails or teaching, I thought ‘what else can I do? What do I know?’ I realised that I did know what it meant to be someone’s carer. I applied to a few agencies but I chose to work for PerCurra as the company values align with my own. I love the work so I’ve carried on. The shifts I work allow me the flexibility to see my nail clients and to teach. It all works really well and it certainly keeps me very busy!”

“Working as a home carer is really varied. With some clients I am helping them with their morning routine – getting out of bed, washed and dressed, breakfast and giving medication. I also have what we call ‘social calls’ where I keep them company – playing board games and cooking as well as taking them to do things outside the home like shopping. It’s all about engaging with clients and lifting their spirits. My goal is always to go into their home with a smile. You feel a person’s energy when you walk in and you can gauge how they are feeling. You build a relationship with them and come to understand their likes and dislikes. Sometimes you have to think outside the box to take their mind off their troubles. When you walk out the door at the end of a visit and you know you have done that, it’s really rewarding.

“What advice would I give to someone thinking about working in social care? I would say if you enjoy caring for people then you will enjoy the role. You have to enjoy it and your heart has to be in it 100%. The job is so satisfying. When you lift someone else’s spirits it lifts your own.”