(PerCurra)   Hi Vicky, have you spent your whole career working in the home care sector?

(Vicky)  It was a long time ago that I did my health and social care qualification and since then I have worked mainly in childcare. Due to daily circumstances of needing to be a carer for my daughter with epilepsy, I decided to change my career path but I still needed to do something rewarding that makes a difference but that had flexible working hours.

What were your first weeks with PerCurra like?

I started working for PerCurra in July 2022 following my three day induction. The training was informative and prepared me for the role. I started off with shadowing visits with other carers, getting to know the clients. Nothing was rushed and the staff were lovely and explained the clients’ routines. The clients were welcoming and lovely, all with different individual care needs - which is what was interesting.

What are you duties as a PerCurra Care Professional?

From my shadowing experiences I felt that I was better suited to more companionship roles. I was extremely lucky to be introduced to a lady who required companionship, supporting her out and about in the community - helping her with her shopping and day to day tasks. The role also involves eating out with her and driving to medical appointments and wherever she needs to go. Her requirements are six-hour visits and, due to her health problems, these need to be in the afternoon. I have developed a really good working bond with this client and I was offered all of her visits so I currently work 18 hours a week and can be flexible to do more if she requires this. I enjoy my role and since working with this client it’s been rewarding to see how much she laughs and smiles. This is lovely to see.

I also do cover visits for another client who needs companionship and has basic care needs. Duties include preparing food support with eating. Again I like working with this client.

How do you feel about your job?

I find my role flexible rewarding and fits perfectly with my daily needs. I enjoy going to work which not a lot of people can probably say!