Case Study: HRM Homecare Support Worker Alice talks about her new career in Social Care

Alice Carter, HRM Homecare Support Worker.

I have been working with HRM Homecare since June last year, after graduating from Aberdeen University with a degree in politics and international relations. I was looking for work when the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic struck, and it became very difficult to find graduate jobs.

I began looking at other career options and one of them was becoming a carer. I started looking on websites and, for me, HRM stood out as a company. The more I read up about them the more I liked them. I applied for a job, and everyone was so welcoming from the start, all the way from management to my day-to-day colleagues.

I was trained in moving and handling, medication, as well as all aspects of dementia care, as many of the people we support are elderly with dementia.

But the best training for me has been on the job. I’m from Eaglesham, so I care for people in and around the East Renfrewshire area – Clarkston, Newton Mearns, Giffnock and Busby. The people we care for are so lovely. I learn so much from them, I’m obviously young and I really enjoy listening to their stories and life experiences, it is great talking to them and getting to know them as people.

Above all, I’ve enjoyed the role of helping them live well and independently in their own homes. We are their support, we are there to talk to them, provide a listening ear, to respect them and make sure they are comfortable and have what they need. It has improved my communication skills and has made me a more confident person.

I have also felt great pride in becoming an essential worker. COVID-19 has been very difficult for everyone, especially those who need support, and initially I felt the pressure of the restrictions. But that pressure was soon replaced by the satisfaction that I get from working in a profession that is essential and is doing its bit to help the vulnerable and elderly survive and thrive.

I would very much recommend young people like myself to consider working in care. Being a carer is not just about looking after people, it’s also personally a very rewarding career.