Every job comes with its own sense of reward but being a carer is one of the most life-changing careers you can take. A role in care can bring rewards all year round but Christmas is an extra special time to be a carer.
Being a carer at any time of the year means bringing friendship, a listening ear and support – especially at Christmas. Age UK reported that over 1 million people aged 65+ will be on their own for at least 1 day in the period between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day.
Our carers aim to make Christmas as enjoyable as possible for all our service users. We spoke with Registered Service Manager, Jill Summers about her experiences of working over the festive period.
What is it like to work on Christmas day and over the festive period?
“I’ve worked in care for 15 years so have worked many Christmases. It’s a really uplifting time to work and I love playing my part in making our service users’ day a bit better. I always go out on my rounds with my Christmas hat on and a wee present for clients.
If I know a service user will have no one else visiting them I like to make up a small Christmas dinner to take to them. It usually puts a big smile on their face.”
How do your team support each other over this period?
“We all work together to make sure our service users have the best support possible and have had their day brightened. I also like to spur on our carers with a wee mince pie and a hot drink too. With the nature of the job being as it is, we work out a way to make sure that each of us can get some time off with our respective families.”
Any personal favourite Christmas memories when caring?
“Seeing the reactions of our service users when I’ve taken them a Christmas dinner has often brought tears to my eyes. There is a client that lives near my sister so I invited her to spend Christmas day with us and she has done for the last 5 years.”
How are you planning to celebrate Christmas once your shift is over?
“I’ll spend time with my family and enjoy my Christmas dinner with all the trimmings!”
May we take this opportunity to thank all our carers for their efforts and hard work over the past 12 months. We hope you; your families and all our service users have a lovely Christmas and best wishes for the New Year.