Meet Sheena from our Professional Care team. Her passion for care started after she volunteered in India supporting a lady who was unwell in hospital.
Discover what she loves about her role and why she chose a career in live-in care over retirement.
“I would really recommend this kind of work if you’re on your own like I am or you still feel the need to work and are looking for a really worthwhile occupation.
I gave up working for a large corporate company a few years ago and went into care work. Whilst I was in India, I cared for a very unwell lady on a voluntary basis whilst she was in hospital. When I returned to England my brother jokingly asked what I was going to do for my upcoming retirement. I replied, I’m not ready to retire yet, I might get a proper job! The very next day I saw The Good Care Group advertising for live-in carers. I checked out the support that was offered for employees and was impressed. I sent an email showing my interest and a Skype interview was set up. From there I went to London for their intense training and loved the people I met. All my expenses were covered while in London and the training was excellent.
I love the freedom of being a live-in carer. I could have gone for several different shifts but the one I chose really suited my lifestyle. Live-in care works so well for me as I love to travel and my friends and family are very important to me, so having two weeks to do this each month is ideal. I also loved the thought that my placement would be anywhere in England or Scotland. My first placement was in the beautiful Lake District. The lady I was caring for had Parkinson’s and dementia and I was supported very well by TGCG. There really was always someone at the end of the phone to help me. The wonderful lady I cared for I will never forget. My client loved dressing up, wearing makeup and having her hair done. I also love all these things and I knew I could apply my skills to make the lady happy. That is what I love about TGCG – they try to match you with your clients so you can share your hobbies or passions. I was working alongside another carer in this placement and together we took our client to Poetry clubs, out for evening meals and on a Sunday we both took her to a Spiritual church. It was an incredible time.
I cannot recommend working with TGCG enough. The company is very encouraging and will pay for you to take further qualifications should you wish to further your career. I don’t know of any company as good as TGCG. I will stay with them until I finally hang up my apron. I’m still very healthy and have great energy so I don’t see myself retiring for a good long time yet!”
Curious about how a career change to live-in care could work for you? Click here to apply, or call our recruitment team on 0203 728 7570.
Discover more
Dementia patients feel it if carer is stressed
If their carer is stressed, lacks support or doesn’t feel up to the job, it has a negative knock on effect on the person with dementia they’re.
Find Out More
‘Save your money’: no evidence brain health supplements work, say experts
Worldwide panel says it cannot recommend healthy people take ‘memory supplements’. Worldwide panel says it cannot recommend healthy people take.
Find Out More
Dementia: Lifestyle changes that could lower your risk
Nearly everyone can lower their risk of dementia, even if it runs in the family, by living a healthy lifestyle, research suggests. Nearly everyone.
Find Out More