Mar 2021
From selling houses to ‘The Singing Carer’
Recent recruit Kay tells why she joined Edwardstow Court in the middle of a global pandemic and talks about her love for her new role.
A career in care is not something Kay had considered or even thought a great deal about during her life. After spending most of her career in high profile roles for marketing agencies and estate agents, Kay decided to move to the Cotswolds and take up a role at a local estate agency. However, once COVID-19 hit the UK in March 2020, Kay was placed on furlough which gave her time for a career rethink.
Kay said, “Whilst I was on furlough, I realised I wanted to do something more worthwhile with my life and give back to people in the community. I saw the Carer role at Edwardstow Court in Gloucestershire and decided in that moment to apply for it. Fortunately, I was successful, and I started working there in July.”
It is fair to say that whilst Kay was excited to be starting a new challenge, she did have some anxious moments due to perceptions she had of the industry.
“There were moments when I didn’t feel I would be up to it. It was a big change for me that came with responsibilities that I hadn’t had before. I also worried that being a carer would just involve providing personal care and I wasn’t sure how I felt about this.”
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Having spent a considerable amount of time in the role, Kay can now admit that these fears and perceptions were wide off the mark.
“I love it! This is the most enjoyable job I have ever had. There is so much more to the role than I originally thought. I love the interaction I get to have with our residents, and I get a buzz out of knowing that I have made a difference each day.”
Kay has already built up a good reputation amongst her colleagues and residents within the home.
“They call me the singing Carer because I am always singing around the home! It truly is a privilege to be able to spend time with some amazing people. I treat every resident as if they were my own family.”
It is therefore no surprise to hear what Kay would say to anyone applying for a role in care: “Go for it - you won’t know until you try! It is hard work but certainly worth it. I have had an incredibly supportive and understanding team around me throughout which has made a big difference.”