11/06/2025
🌟 In celebration of National Carers Week, I asked our amazing team: "What made you want to become a carer?" What challenges have you faced during your career? What advice would you give to new carers? 🌟
One of our senior carers, Monica Burrows, sent me the following articulate and compassionate response that truly highlights the heart of what we do:
- What made you want to become a carer?
"I never actually thought I wanted to become a carer, and I had no idea what I wanted to do when I left high school. I followed in my mum's footsteps, as I saw how much she enjoyed caring for others as a professional carer. Mum said, "I should give it a go." So I did. That was it. I could see why my mum enjoyed it. And so, as time has passed. I've been a carer for about 20 years, and I've never looked back. Yes, I have had other jobs in-between but always returned to care, where I am settled and at my happiest. I absolutely love my job. the service users always say to me, "Do you like your job?" I said, "Yes." I love my job!" The response, "I can tell," and it never feels like I am at work. I feel like I am at home. There are not many people who can say that about their job! It's so rewarding, heartwarming, and pleasurable, and challenging at times."
- What challenges have you faced during your career?
"Many! From service users who truly believe they are not in their own home, due to their mental ability that has declined with their diagnosis, and say, "I'm not staying here; I'm coming home with you!" In that moment of panic, you have to think rationally and also go with it and try and distract them. If you state the truth, the individual will relive what was their past experience, thinking it is happening today and right now. It then snowballs into a massive, emotionally draining and unstable situation, which stresses the individual as well as the caregiver. Those times are hard. Plus, you don't switch off when you go home after you finish a shift. You still think about that individual. You go home and worry about them as if they are your own family. You develop a professional bond and know the individual and wonder. "Are they ok?"... Over my many years. I have learned better techniques to cope with this kind of situation."
- What advice would you give to new carers?
"I would say, 'Don't stress.' Stressing gets you nowhere. There is always help and support available through other staff members and management, and you are never alone.
Yes, starting out in care can be daunting. You'll have some insecurities or feel anxious about some things that you haven't dealt with or are unsure of. Once you have settled, things fall into place, you gain confidence and start to flourish. You wonder what you started worrying about in the first place!
My other piece of advice would be. If you are a sociable person who thrives off seeing the enjoyment of others. Give care a go! Experienced or not. You learn so much throughout your career and never stop learning. You'll see why we love care." - Monica
